Start a Startup in Estonia
Estonia offers two real paths: register remotely via e-Residency, or use the Startup Visa to relocate. Both lead to the same OÜ company — the difference is where you are when you build it.
BIZ TRP confirms which route actually fits your situation.
At a glance
- Entity
- OÜ
- Capital
- No minimum — 0.01 EUR possible since 2023
- Remote formation
- Yes — via the e-Residency digital ID
- Corporate tax
- 22% — on distributed profits only
- VAT
- 24%
- Registration time
- ~1 business day — often hours.
Estonian Startup Visa
- Who it's for
- Non-EU founders of an innovative, scalable startup
- Duration
- Tied to Startup Committee approval — confirm current validity terms with Startup Estonia before applying
- Approval via
- Startup Committee, via Startup Estonia
Startup visa requirements
- Business idea submitted to Startup Estonia
- Startup Committee approval, based on innovation and scalability
- Visa or residence permit application using that approval
Registration process
Apply for e-Residency (optional remote route)
Submit online, pay the fee (roughly €100–120), and wait 3–6 weeks for your digital ID card — only needed if you want to run the company without relocating.
Get Startup Committee approval
Submit your idea to Startup Estonia for evaluation on innovation and scalability.
Register your OÜ
Via the Estonian Business Register, in person or through e-Residency — typically done in 1–3 business days.
Open a business bank account
Estonian banks or international fintechs (Wise, Payoneer, Revolut) are commonly used.
Register for VAT if needed
Required once annual revenue exceeds €40,000; optional (and often useful for EU B2B customers) before that.
What it costs
Government fees
- e-Residency application fee (if using this route)
- €100–120
- OÜ registration fee
- €265
BIZ TRP fees
- Route confirmation & application support
- Ask us for a quote — from €120/hour
Why Estonia
- Fast setup — company registration in as little as 15 minutes online.
- Digital-first — documents, taxes, and operations are managed digitally.
- 0% tax on reinvested profits — tax is only due when profits are distributed.
- Full EU market access — sell and operate anywhere in the EU.
- No local director needed — 100% foreign ownership and management is allowed.
- Low bureaucracy — paperless, automated government services.
- Strong ecosystem — government-backed support via Startup Estonia, plus VCs, accelerators, and workspaces.
Ready to start your company in Estonia?
BIZ TRP confirms the real requirements for your Estonia startup — company formation and visa, together.
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