Estonia Company Registration | e-Business Visa

The time to start a company depends on your chosen method of incorporation. If you’re using Estonian e-Residency, the process typically takes just 1–2 business days once all required documents are submitted. If you choose to incorporate via a notary, the process may take up to 2 weeks. In both cases, the process is fully digital for you, as you can do everything online with us. Both methods lead to the same result — a fully registered Estonian OÜ (private limited company). We takes care of preparing and submitting all required documents, so you can focus on your business while we handle the admin.

Yes, you do not need to be an EU resident or citizen to start a company in Estonia. Thanks to the e-Residency program, founders from anywhere in the world can open and manage an Estonian company fully online. With us, you can incorporate your business remotely in just a few days with e-Residency or in two weeks through a notary. Both processes are done fully online.

Estonia is one of the most attractive countries in the world for digital entrepreneurs, and here’s why: Digital-first environment — You can start and run a company fully online from anywhere using Estonia’s e-Residency program 0% corporate tax on reinvested profits — You only pay tax when profits are distributed, making it ideal for growth-oriented businesses Global founder-friendly — No requirement to live in Estonia or be an EU citizen to open a company Streamlined bureaucracy — Fast company registration, digital signatures, and easy access to e-government services Whether you're a freelancer, SaaS founder, or agency owner — Estonia offers a future-proof way to run your business globally. With us, the whole process becomes even faster and easier.

Yes — if you're opening a company online via e-Residency, each shareholder and director must hold an Estonian e-Residency card. This is because their digital signatures are required during the company registration process. If one or more shareholders don’t yet have e-Residency, you have two main options: Incorporate through a notary Register the company alone (as the sole shareholder) and add other shareholders later — this is possible for an additional fee We can guide you through both approaches to make the process as smooth as possible.

The share capital can be paid up after submitting the first annual report of your company. However, we recommend doing that ASAP. And yes, you are allowed to use it for your corporate needs.

Yes — even if you manage your Estonian company from abroad, you can legally hire employees. Your employees can be based in Estonia or anywhere else in the world. Hiring local employees in Estonia comes with additional obligations like payroll accounting, employment contracts, and monthly tax declarations — all of which we can help you manage. For international employees, compliance depends on the local laws of the country where they reside, but contracts and payments can still be handled through your Estonian company.

Do I need to pay VAT and obtain a VAT number? If your billing address is in the EU, 24% VAT will be added to the price of your services. Your company isn’t obliged to register as a VAT payer until it exceeds the annual turnover limit of €40 000 (in the case of exceeding, you will have to obtain a VAT number within 2 days). However, if you are planning to buy and sell goods or services inside the EU, it might be necessary to obtain a VAT number from the start. Please note that monthly accounting is required if you have a VAT number. Regarding the matter, it is always better to speak to our accountant. Obtaining a VAT number is available with all our subscriptions starting from Lite.

The cost of opening a company in Estonia depends on the method you choose: Through our notary: €3290 (also includes line of loan fee for your startup capital) Please note: The e-Residency card itself is issued by the Estonian government and our fee include your business bank account opening is included.
Ongoing costs to run your Estonian company
Legal address & contact person in Estonia — required by law. Each company is required to have a legal address and a contact person in Estonia, both are included in our subscriptions starting from just €33/month.
In addition, every Estonian company is required to maintain proper accounting and submit regular reports (including annual reports and, if applicable, VAT declarations). We helps you stay fully compliant with Estonian regulations — from bookkeeping to tax reporting — all managed through an intuitive platform.
Other recurring costs may vary depending on your business model (e.g. payroll, VAT registration, additional compliance service

Yes — non-residents and foreigners can fully open and manage a company in Estonia, without visiting the country. Estonia is known for its startup-friendly environment and digital-first approach, making it one of the most accessible places in Europe for remote company formation. There are two main ways to incorporate: With an e-Residency card — a digital identity issued by the Estonian government that allows you to register and manage a company remotely Via an online notary However, every Estonian company is legally required to have: A legal address in Estonia A local contact person (unless you operate from a physical office in Estonia) We provides both services as part of all our subscriptions — starting from the Lite plan — making it simple for international founders to stay compliant.

No — you can start and manage an Estonian company 100% remotely. There's no requirement to visit Estonia at any point. Once your company is set up, you can handle all operations, including accounting and tax filings entirely online through us.

Yes Estonia’s e-Residency is a government-issued digital identity that gives your pathway to residency, secure online access to Estonia’s e-governance system and business environment. It allows entrepreneurs from anywhere in the world to: • Register and run an Estonian company 100% online • Sign documents digitally • Use secure e-banking • Submit taxes and reports remotely That said, e-Residency is not a travel visa, residence permit, or citizenship. It does not give you the right to live in Estonia, enter the EU, or claim Estonian tax residency. So while it’s perfect for digital nomads, freelancers, and global founders looking to run a borderless business, For your convenience, start with e-business to obtain e-Residency to build your EU company, then we will walk you through the options for physical residency if relocation is your goal.

When submitting documents to a notary in Estonia, we will have to prove that the company exists, the directors have the signature authority, there are no restrictions in the Articles of Association for a subsidiary company registration. We will need a set of documents, including the Power of Attorney from the side of the holding company, and some documents from its directors. These documents should be certified by a notary and apostilled. In order to finish the incorporation, the share capital must be fully contributed. Note that we will need the bank statement to confirm this fact. Please note that this process is done separately through our legal department and takes longer than usual company incorporation. The price for this type of incorporation will be sent to you after the request.

Opening a business bank account is an essential step after company registration. As a founder of an Estonian company, you have several options:
As a global fintech we provide faster onboarding and fully online options, depending on your business activity. :
We assist all clients with the process of opening a business account. Our support includes preparation of required documents, introductions to trusted providers, and guidance on choosing the right solution for your company’s profile. :

Estonia has one of the most startup-friendly tax systems in Europe. Here’s a quick breakdown: 0% corporate income tax on reinvested profits You only pay tax when you distribute profits (e.g., as dividends). 24% corporate tax on distributed profits This is only triggered when you take money out of the company. 24% VAT (if your turnover exceeds €40,000/year or if you register voluntarily) Payroll taxes (only if you hire employees in Estonia) As a founder, your personal tax obligations will depend on your residency and local tax laws, not Estonia’s. Please note that if you, as a founder, receive a salary from the company, it will be taxable in Estonia. Enty helps you stay compliant with Estonian tax regulations and handle all required filings — without the usual paperwork or headaches.

If you need legal advice, you can always book a call with our Legal Officer at an hourly rate of €150 depending on the complexity of your request. Please make sure to prepare the list of the questions you want to ask in advance to use the time for the consultation effectively.