Stakeholders in property registration

1. Who are the main users of property information?

The main users of property information are government agencies, notaries, bailiffs, lawyers, courts, citizens and companies.

2. How is land registry information stored? Is it in electronic or paper format?

Land register in fully electronic register. It means that all certificates and documents are maintained electronically (both submitted and processed). Starting from the beginning of 2009 all certificates are only in electronic format and after May 2011 all documents are submitted only electronically (notaries submit documents only electronically starting from 2007).

3. How is that information obtained?

Land registry information can be obtained by:

• Using electronic channels like inquiry system and xml-services;
• Turning to the land registry departments (by post, by email, by going to premises);
• Turning to notary´s office.

4. Is the register open to the public?

Land register in composed of register parts (certificates); files (documents related to immovable); and registration diary. Register parts contain information about registered rights and are publicly accessible. No one can be excused for not knowing the information entered in the land registry. Registry file can be accessed based on legitimate interest.

5. If not, in what circumstances is access to title information granted?

Not applicable, see answer 4.

6. Is there a fee for the information?

The users of land registry information can be divided into two:

• Free users – notaries, government agencies, courts, bailiffs etc.
• Payable users – citizens, lawyers, companies etc.

One register part costs 3 euros.

7. What information is provided on the register?

Register provides information about composition of the land, owners, encumbrances and restriction, and also about mortgages.

8. If more information is available “off register” in what circumstances can it be accessed?

Documents, based on what entries are made, can be accessed based on legitimate interest.

9. Is any information provided free of charge?

Most of the information about composition of the land like the cadastral code specific purpose, area and location of the registered immovable can be seen free of charge.

10. Is it available online?

Everyone can access land registry inquiry system: https://kinnistusraamat.rik.ee/detailparing/Avaleht.aspx?n=Form

11. How is payment made?

Payment can be done by using online payment or credit card payment.

12. How long does it take to receive property information?

Information entered in the register part (certificate) can be seen in real life immediately after making an inquiry.

13. If a paper/certified copy of title information is required, how long does it take to issue?

All land registry information is public and paper certificate is not needed.

14. Is the information linked to a map?

Land registers information system and land cadastre information are linked and one can easily see cadastral information, incl. cadastral map.

15. How is the map accessed-at the same time as the request for title information?

Map can be accessed at the same time as the request for title information. Cadastral code entered is used as a link to land cadastre.

16. What other services are provided by your organisation

Land registry departments do not offer any additional services, but Centre of Registers and Information System is government agency acting as data processing centre which ensures the electronic recording, storage in a permanently unaltered state and reproduction of the information of the land registry, offers different services, consultation and trainings if necessary.

17. What other uses are being made, if any, of information held on the register?

Land register is one of the main states registers, so information held in land register is used for different statistics and analysis.