Estonia Entrepreneur Visa
Build your company in one of Europe’s most digital economies. Migrate Way guides non-EU founders through Estonia’s residence permit for business, from company registration and investment to the day your residence card arrives.
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A Residence Permit Built Around Your Business
Estonia’s residence permit for business is a temporary permit issued by the Police and Border Guard Board. It suits shareholders of a company, sole proprietors, start-up entrepreneurs and larger investors who want to run a business from Estonia.
If you plan to live in Estonia and actively develop your company, this route gives you a legal base in the heart of the Baltic region and the EU single market.
Why Start a Business in Estonia?
A digital-first country with a clear permit route for founders.
Multi-Year Residency
The permit can be granted for up to five years, which gives you stability to build your company.
A Fully Digital Economy
Company registration, tax filing and many public services run online, which saves time and paperwork.
Reinvest Without Tax
Estonia taxes company profits when they are distributed, not when they are reinvested, which helps early-stage growth.
Start-Up Route
Founders of innovative start-ups can apply through a separate route that does not require the standard €65,000 investment.
Family Inclusion
Your spouse and children can usually apply for their own residence permits to join you.
Schengen Mobility
Your residence card lets you travel within the Schengen Area for short stays, subject to Schengen rules.
Do You Qualify? Key Requirements
These are the core conditions for the shareholder route, based on guidance from the Police and Border Guard Board.
€65,000 Investment
You must hold shares in the company and have invested at least €65,000 in its activities in Estonia. Sole proprietors need a lower investment of around €16,000.
Estonian-Registered Business
Your company or sole proprietorship must be entered in the Estonian Business Register.
A Genuine Business Plan
A business plan in Estonian or English that shows a real, sustainable business activity in Estonia.
Sufficient Means
Documented income or funds that meet the legal subsistence requirement for your stay.
Health Insurance
Valid health insurance for you and your family members applying with you.
Settling in Estonia
After receiving your permit, you settle in Estonia and register your address in the Population Register.
Duration, Investment and Extensions
The permit is temporary but renewable, and the authorities look closely at whether your company is genuinely active.
- A permit of up to five years, with the exact term decided case by case
- The investment must remain in the company while your permit is valid
- After the first year, some extensions can rely on your company’s sales income instead of the original investment
- Start-up founders use a separate route, assessed by an expert committee
- Real estate alone does not qualify, because the investment must go into the company’s business activity
How It Works
Five clear stages, with Migrate Way beside you at every one.
Consultation and Strategy
We review your goals, budget and the best route for you, whether shareholder, sole proprietor or start-up.
Business Planning
We help you prepare a clear business plan and financial projections that show a real, viable business.
Company Formation and Investment
We coordinate the registration of your company in the Estonian Business Register, and you make your investment into its activities.
Residence Permit Application
We prepare and file your application and your family members’ applications, with the proof of investment, business plan and insurance.
Residence Card and Settling In
Once approved, you collect your residence card, register your address and begin operating your business in Estonia.
What We Handle for You
Business immigration is detailed and unforgiving. We take the guesswork out of it.
Eligibility Assessment
An honest view of your chances before you spend money on fees.
Business Plan Support
Guidance on building a plan that meets the authorities’ expectations.
Company Formation
Coordination of registration and your first compliance steps.
Document Checklist
A tailored list of documents, translations and legalisation for you and your family.
Pre-Submission Review
A final check of your complete file to catch errors that cause delays.
Post-Approval Support
Help with registration, banking and settling in.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions we hear most about the Estonia entrepreneur visa.
Can I get a 5-year residence permit with the minimum €65,000 investment?
The permit can be granted for up to five years, but the authorities decide the term in each case. A larger or better-documented investment, along with a strong business plan, can support a stronger application.
Do I need to invest €65,000 on the start-up route?
No. The start-up route does not use the standard €65,000 shareholder threshold. Instead, an expert committee assesses whether your business is innovative and scalable, together with other conditions such as shareholding, registration and income.
Can I conduct other business activities with my company?
Your company should carry out the activities described in your business plan, and the authorities can review this when you extend your permit. If you want to expand into other areas, we advise you on how to do it without risking your status.
Can I obtain residency just by purchasing a house?
No. Buying property on its own does not qualify. The investment must go into the activities of your Estonian company, in line with the permit requirements.
Can my family join me?
Yes, your spouse and children can usually apply for their own residence permits. We prepare the full family file, including documents and insurance.
Will this lead to permanent residence?
Years of legal residence can later support an application for long-term residence, subject to the conditions that apply at that time. We can explain the long-term picture for your situation.
Do you guarantee approval?
No one can. The final decision rests with the Estonian authorities. What we do is make sure your application is complete, accurate and well prepared, which gives you the strongest possible chance.
Ready to Start Your Business in Estonia?
Tell us about your business and your plans, and we will let you know which route fits and what your next steps should be.