Full-process services from company registration, bank account opening to tax compliance(math.) genus
Helping you to develop global business efficiently
What are the advantages of registering a company in Estonia?
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A global leader in digitizationEstonia has one of the most advanced digital government ecosystems in the world. Through the e-Residency program, entrepreneurs around the world can register their companies, file tax returns, conduct banking operations and sign contracts online, enabling them to start a truly remote, borderless business. -
Market access for EU member States and the euro areaAs a member of the European Union and the Eurozone, registering a company in Estonia means seamless access to a unified market with 450 million consumers, the convenience of free trade, and the ability to trade in euros and avoid exchange rate risk. -
A highly transparent and competitive tax systemEstonia has a unique system of "deferred payment" of corporate income tax: the company's profits are exempt from income tax when they are reinvested, and 20% income tax is levied only when profits are distributed to shareholders (dividends). This provides a significant cash flow advantage for growing companies. -
Fertile ground for technology and entrepreneurshipKnown as one of the "Silicon Valleys of Europe", Estonia is the birthplace of tech giants such as Skype and TransferWise. Its highly digitized society, top tech talent and strong entrepreneurial atmosphere make it an ideal base for tech, fintech and e-commerce companies. -
Minimal administrative processes and high transparencyCompany registration is fully online and can be completed in as little as a few hours. All government services are highly integrated, the business environment is transparent and efficient, and the corruption index is among the lowest in the world, dramatically reducing compliance and operational costs.
What are the requirements for registering a company in Estonia?
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Company name and legal form
The name needs to be unique in the Estonian Business Register.
The most common type of company is the private limited company. The name must end with "Osaühing" or the abbreviation "OÜ". -
Authorized Share Capital and Paid-Up Requirements
The minimum registered capital is EUR 2,500. The share capital must be fully paid up and deposited in a temporary or official account opened by the company in an Estonian bank, certified by the bank, before the company is registered. -
Shareholders and Board Membership Requirements
Shareholders: at least one, who may be a natural or legal person of any nationality, with no residency requirement. -
Members of the Board of Directors (Directors)
At least one, who may be a shareholder or an external person, with no restrictions on nationality or residence. If none of the board members reside in the EU/EEA, a local contact person (legal representative) located in Estonia must be appointed to receive official documents. -
registered address
The company must have a legal registered address in Estonia. The address is used for receiving official correspondence and can receive professional business address services without a physical office. -
electronic resident
Although not mandatory, it is strongly recommended that the beneficial owner or director of a company apply for an Estonian electronic resident digital ID card, which is the central key to managing and operating a company online, enabling remote signatures and logging into government and banking systems.
What are the main types of Estonian companies?
private limited company
public limited company
General and limited partnerships
branch offices
Basic information to be prepared for registration of Estonian company
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1. Information on shareholders and board members
Copies of identification (passport) of all shareholders and board members. Legal shareholders are required to provide a notarized and certified certificate of incorporation and final beneficiary information.
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2. Company registration information
Elaboration of 1-3 alternative company names; clear description of business activities; registered address in Estonia (can be provided by the service provider).
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3. Articles of Incorporation
It needs to contain core information such as company name, address, scope of business, share capital, shareholders and shareholding ratio, board members, and so on. Can be generated through standardized online forms.
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4. Proof of share capital
A certificate from a local Estonian bank confirming that at least EUR 2,500 of the registered capital has been deposited into the designated account.
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5. Electronic Resident Digital Identity Card
Key executives of the company (e.g. directors) should apply for and obtain an Estonian electronic resident (e-Residency) digital ID card and card reader in advance.
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6. Local contact information
If none of the board members reside in the EU/EEA, a letter of consent and identification information from a local contact person in Estonia is required.
Registration time: the entire standard process can be completed in as little as one business day
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Phase IPre-preparation and application (about 1-2 weeks)
Key company personnel (e.g. directors) apply for and obtain Estonian e-Residency digital ID cards. Prepare all company information and complete the online drafting of the Articles of Association. -
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Phase IIEquity deposit and bank certification (approximately 1-3 days)
Open a temporary or official company account in an Estonian bank (e.g. LHV, Swedbank, etc.) and remit the full amount of at least EUR 2,500 of registered capital and obtain a certificate of share capital from the bank. -
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Phase IIIOnline submission of registration (real time - 1 business day)
Through the online portal of the Estonian Business Register (e-Business Register), an application for registration is signed and submitted by an e-resident using a digital ID card. Approval can be completed in as little as a few hours with complete documentation. -
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Phase IVObtaining licenses and subsequent registration (approximately 1-2 weeks)
Upon approval of the registration, the company immediately receives an electronic version of the Business Registration Certificate. Subsequently, the tax registration is automatically completed and a tax code is obtained. The company is ready for official operation and can apply for a VAT (KMKR) number (if required by the business).
Q&A Frequently Asked Questions
Q1:What is "e-Residency" in Estonia? Is it necessary to have it to register a company?
A:An e-Resident is a digital identity issued by the Estonian government to citizens worldwide, it is not a nationality, residence permit or visa. It is not legally mandatory to register a company, but it is highly recommended. It is a core tool for "full online operation" as it allows you to remotely log in to official systems, sign documents, manage your company and file tax returns online.
Q2:How does the Estonian "tax deferral" system work?
A: This is the central advantage of the Estonian tax system. Undistributed profits of a company (for reinvestment) are completely exempt from corporate income tax. Only when profits are distributed to shareholders in the form of dividends, they are subject to income tax of TP3T 201 (combined rate of approximately TP3T 20-221 after adding local taxes). This is a great incentive for companies to use their earnings for business growth.
Q3:Do I have to go to Estonia in person to register a company?
A: Not at all. From applying for e-residency, to preparing documents, to submitting an application for company registration, to filing a tax return, all processes can be done remotely online, without having to be physically present in Estonia. This is the biggest attraction of being a "digital country".
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