e-Residency of Estonia
Estonia is the first country in the world to offer foreigners e-Residency – a digital identity with electronical signature rights that comply with all EU regulations and standards.
Launch Your EU Business with One Click
e-Residency allows you to use most of Estonia’s e-state services, the most actual of which is the ability to register an Estonian company online and then manage your business remotely without being tied to a specific location.
Apply e-Residency and Start your Estonian Company Completely Online!
We can help you to apply for e-Residency and incorporate a company in Estonia from anywhere in the world. We guarantee reliability, operativeness and a professional approach. Our advisers, lawyers and accountants have many years of experience and are competent in solving the most complex tasks.
Set up your enterprise in Estonia with e-Residency - Price from € 375 Send enquiryOnline Registration of an Estonian Company
Start a company in Estonia and run EU business using e-Residency
Estonia is the first country in the world to successfully implement electronic residency, a groundbreaking initiative that enables foreign citizens to remotely manage their businesses within the European Union using advanced digital technologies. This system not only simplifies company formation, accounting, and tax reporting but also streamlines other essential corporate processes, making it an ideal solution for entrepreneurs seeking efficiency and flexibility.
Since its launch in 2014, the e-Residency program has attracted over 100,000 participants from around the globe. As a result, more than 27,000 companies have been established in Estonia, contributing to the country’s reputation as a digital innovation leader. The program continues to empower individuals and businesses, fostering global connectivity and economic growth
Obtain & Start an EU Company Online
The primary purpose of obtaining e-Residency is to establish a company in Estonia, providing entrepreneurs with an efficient and streamlined way to access the European Union market. This status enables individuals to set up and manage their businesses entirely online, utilizing Estonia’s world-class digital infrastructure.
Advantages of Establishing a Company in Estonia with e-Residency
By incorporating in Estonia, business owners gain the ability to operate seamlessly across the EU, taking advantage of simplified processes and legal clarity. The main advantages of starting a business in Estonia are the following:
• Retained earnings are not taxed (Corporate Tax Rate is 0%)
• Fast and simple online business registration within a 1 day
• Minimum share capital is 0.01 €
• The entity’s shareholders and directors can be 100% Foreigners
• Ability to remotely manage the business from anywhere in the world
• Full integration into the EU legal and customs space
Registering a business in Estonia is the perfect solution for introducing your project to the European Union market or restructuring and optimizing an existing business. Known for its attractive tax system and its reputation as a tax haven, Estonia offers a highly favorable environment for business growth, financial optimization, and long-term success. Its advanced digital infrastructure and simplified processes further enhance its appeal to entrepreneurs seeking efficiency and global market access.
What Is e-Residency?
The e-Resident Digital ID is a secure digital document designed to verify the identity of its holder and enable the use of a legally binding digital signature. This digital ID is embedded in a smart card with a microchip, issued as part of the e-Residency program, and comes with unique PIN codes for added security.
Electronic Signature and Digital Identity of an e-Resident of Estonia
The electronic signature meets all standards outlined in the EU Regulation No. 910/2014 of 23 July 2014 (eIDAS), ensuring its legal validity and recognition across the European Union. This means it can be used for signing contracts, submitting official documents, and accessing a variety of e-services both in Estonia and in other EU countries, making it a powerful tool for digital entrepreneurs.
How to Become an e-Resident?
Applying for e-Residency in Estonia is a simple and accessible process, designed to bring the benefits of Estonia’s advanced digital society to entrepreneurs worldwide. This status allows you to access secure e-services, sign documents digitally, and manage your business entirely online.
Simple Steps to Apply for e-Residency in Estonia
The procedure for obtaining e-Residency in Estonia is very straightforward. The first step is to complete an online application, then pay the state fee and, upon approval, pick up your e-Residency starter kit at a pre-selected location.
Once you have e-Residency, you can formate your undertaking online on the Estonian Business Register portal and start your business operations within the EU.
Setting Up a Company using e-Residency
Estonia’s Commercial Register portal offers a user-friendly and intuitive interface, making the process of setting up a business straightforward and efficient. With e-Residency, establishing your undertaking online can be completed in less than 30 minutes, allowing you to start operating quickly and seamlessly.
Registering a Company with e-Residency: A Step-by-Step Guide
With Estonia’s e-Residency, starting a business in the EU has never been more accessible or efficient. Follow this guide to navigate the simple steps of company registration using e-Residency:
1. Check the availability of the desired business name
Before starting the process of business creation, we strongly recommend checking the desired entity name, which should be distinct from the already registered commercial names.
2. Choose the field of activity of your entity
When establishing an entity, it’s necessary to specify the main area of activity of your enterprise from the EMTAK classifier. The area of activity is purely informational in nature.
3. Acquire a legal address and contact person service
During the undertaking’s incorporation procedure, you need to specify the legal address and contact person of the company. If needed, we will provide you with these services.
4. Fill out the online petition
The application for company incorporation is submitted through the Business Register portal. To access the web environment, you will need e-Residency and PIN-1.
5. Sign the petition
A completed and approved petition for company formation must be signed via e-Residency using PIN-2.
6. Pay the state fee
The state fee for online company establishment is 265 euros. Payment details and a unique reference number can be found at the end of the petition after signing it.
7. Wait
The Commercial Register will consider the submitted application no later than the end of the next working day, however, in most cases, setting up an undertaking takes only a few hours.
8. Your Estonian company is ready
You will receive a notification about the successful completion of the emtity formation procedure by e-mail. After that, you can proceed with opening a current account and start your project activities.
Technical guidance on setting up your operating system and internet browser for proper work with e-Residency can be found here.
PRICE OFFER
Comprehensive Corporate Services for e-Residents
We want to become your reliable partner in the field of corporate services in the European Union. Our goal is to make the process of creating and managing your business as simple and transparent as possible. Below are the prices for the service of registering an enterprise in Estonia online with the e-Residency, as well as for additional and related services.
* Indicated costs of entity incorporation includes a state fee of 265 euros, preparation of an electronic petition in the Commercial Register, and support throughout the entire entity registration process. All above prices do not include a possible VAT.
Additional Services for e-Residents
The following are the most relevant additional services needed to set up and run a successful business in Estonia. All the services outlined below are offered in-house by our team, with no third parties involved.
Legal Address
To successfully register a business in Estonia, e-Residents need to have a local registered address. We offer virtual office and legal address services in Tallinn with the option to receive and redirect incoming mail and other correspondence.
Contact Person
A contact person is strongly recommended for companies belonging to e-Residents and that do not have a physical office in Estonia. The sole function of the contact person is to receive official mail to ensure a reliable communication channel between the entity and government agencies.
Accounting Services
Our Accountants have many years of experience serving e-Resident companies and are professionals in their field. We will advise you on tax matters, organization and maintenance of accounting, working with staff, obtaining VAT and EORI numbers, as well as offering a complete range of accounting services related to the submission of Tax and annual reports.
Legal Services
Our lawyers offer comprehensive support and assistance to e-Residents in addressing issues in the field of commercial, financial, and civil law of the Republic of Estonia and the EU. Our specialists provide legal services and have extensive experience in IT law, intellectual property protection, labor and immigration law, as well as obtaining permits and licenses for operations.
Opening of Bank or Payment Accounts
Estonian companies owned by e-Residents have the right to open accounts in banks and payment services worldwide. We will advise you on opening of payment accounts for your enterprise in both local banks and financial and payment institutions in other jurisdictions, considering your needs and preferences, business area, and specifics of business management.
Corporate Documents
We will assist you in obtaining, certifying, apostilling, and translating such corporate documents as: registry card, articles of association, memorandum of association, certificate of incumbency, certificate of good standing, tax residency certificate, and more.
If you require any services that are not indicated in the list above, please contact our specialists and clarify the cost and conditions for obtaining the service you require.
Contact Us
We are a dedicated team of advisers, lawyers, and accountants specializing in corporate law, legal support, and accounting for businesses in Estonia. Our expertise ensures impeccable quality, efficiency, and a professional approach to each client. Whether you’re starting or managing a business, our team is here to simplify the process and provide exceptional support tailored to your needs.
Corporate Services in Estonia – Our Expertise!
Eesti Firma is a licensed company registrar, holding the state license of Provider of Trust and Company Services (FIU000144), issued by the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). This certification reflects our commitment to regulatory compliance, transparency, and excellence in delivering corporate services in Estonia.
For personalized guidance on applying for e-Residency, registering a company online in Estonia, or ongoing business support, contact our team of specialists. We are ready to offer solutions aligned with your business goals, ensuring a seamless and successful experience in launching and operating your enterprise in Estonia.
FAQ | Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the most common questions and answers regarding the topic of obtaining e-Resident status, opening a company in Estonia, organizing business processes and conducting commercial activities. Perhaps you will find this material interesting to read.
- Who can become an e-Resident of Estonia?
Estonian e-Residency is open to individuals from anywhere in the world, regardless of nationality or residency. Entrepreneurs, freelancers, remote workers, and business owners who wish to establish and manage a company in Estonia or access the European Union market are all eligible to apply.
- How much does it cost to get e-Residency?
The cost of obtaining e-residency in Estonia typically ranges between 100 and 120 EUR, depending on the specific location where you choose to collect your digital ID card. This state fee covers the application process, verification, and issuance of the e-residency starter kit, making it an affordable gateway to accessing Estonia’s digital business environment and the European Union market.
- How long does the process of obtaining e-Residency take?
The process of obtaining e-residency typically takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time the application is submitted and the state fee is paid.
- For how long is e-Residency issued?
E-residency is issued for a period of 5 years, after which it can be renewed by submitting a new application and paying the applicable state fee.
- What is the main requirement for obtaining e-Residency?
The key requirement for obtaining e-residency is having a clear and legitimate reason for applying. Applicants should be able to demonstrate how they plan to use e-residency, whether for business, remote work, or accessing Estonia’s digital ecosystem.
- Can my e-Residency application be rejected?
Yes, your e-residency application can be rejected. Each application is reviewed individually, and if any negative factors, such as security concerns or incomplete documentation, are identified, the application may be declined.
- Does e-Resident status entitle me to a visa or residence permit?
No, e-resident status only grants the holder the right to use an electronic signature for accessing digital services. It does not confer any additional privileges, such as a residence permit, tax residency, entry rights, or work visas.
- Can I establish multiple companies with my e-Residency?
Yes, e-residency allows you to establish and manage multiple companies simultaneously, provided all legal and administrative requirements are met for each company.
- What is the minimum amount of authorized capital?
The minimum authorized capital for an Estonian company is 0.01 euros. For share capital up to 50,000 euros, there is no requirement to verify the contribution separately, simplifying the registration process.
- What kind of financial reporting are Estonian companies required to submit?
All Estonian companies are required to maintain proper accounting records and submit annual financial reports to the Commercial Register. This obligation applies to all legal entities, whether they have been actively conducting business or remain dormant.
- When and how can a company pay dividends to its owners?
Dividends can be paid based on the company’s profit from the previous financial year, as recorded in the annual report submitted to the Business Register. These payments are subject to income tax at a rate of 20/80, which must be deducted before distributing the dividends to the owners.
- Is it mandatory to pay a salary to the directors of the company?
No, it is not mandatory to pay a salary to the management board members (directors). They have the right to waive remuneration for their work related to the management and representation of the company.
- Is it mandatory for a company to pay taxes on payments to freelancers?
If a company makes payments to freelancers who are non-residents of Estonia and perform their work entirely outside Estonia, the company is not obligated to declare these payments to the Estonian Tax and Customs Board or withhold taxes on them. However, it’s essential to consider the tax obligations in the freelancer’s country of residence.
- Can an Estonian company invest in crypto or other virtual assets?
Yes, Estonian legal entities are free to purchase, own, and invest in cryptocurrencies and other virtual assets. There are no specific restrictions on such investments, making Estonia a favorable jurisdiction for businesses exploring digital assets.
- Can an Estonian company open a foreign payment account?
Yes, Estonian companies can open accounts with foreign banks or payment systems. In recent years, it’s become common for Estonian businesses to utilize services from international payment platforms such as Wise, Paysera, and Revolut, facilitating global financial operations.
