Startup Visa in Estonia
Estonia offers a visa program for non-EU startup founders interested in joining Europe’s thriving startup community.
Eligible startups are those with innovative business models and global growth potential that contribute to the country’s business environment.
What is the Estonian Startup Visa?
The Estonian Startup Visa is a specialized immigration program designed for non-EU entrepreneurs who want to establish and operate innovative, high-growth startups in Estonia.
Two Visa Options:
- Short-Term Startup Visa: Valid for up to 12 months, ideal for early-stage entrepreneurs testing their market
- Temporary Residence Permit: Valid for up to 5 years, designed for long-term business operations
What Makes It Different:
Unlike traditional business visas, the Startup Visa focuses on innovation and scalability rather than minimum capital requirements.
It’s designed for technology-driven companies with global growth potential—companies that can scale across borders and disrupt industries.
Who It’s For:
- SaaS and software founders
- Fintech and payment solution developers
- E-commerce platform builders
- Deep tech and AI innovators
- Health tech entrepreneurs
- Green tech companies
- B2B service platforms
Who It’s NOT For:
- Traditional local businesses (restaurants, consultancies)
- Solo freelancers or individual consultants
- Companies without global scalability
- Idea-stage startups (must have at least MVP)
Why Choose Estonia for Your Startup?
Europe's Startup Capital
Estonia has the highest number of startups and unicorns per capita in Europe, including Bolt, Wise, and Pipedrive. The ecosystem is intentionally built for innovation, investment, and rapid growth.
Digital-First Business Environment
Register a company online in minutes, sign documents digitally, manage taxes in seconds, and operate your business fully remotely. Estonia is the world’s first truly digital nation.
Access to EU Market & Funding
An Estonian company gives you full access to the 450M+ EU market, active VC networks, startup accelerators, grants, and strong angel investor communities.
Tax-Efficient Structure
Estonia’s tax system is one of the most competitive in the OECD: 0% tax on retained profits, taxation only when distributing dividends, and transparent, simple reporting—making it ideal for reinvestment and growth.
Thriving Startup Community
Estonia’s startup ecosystem is collaborative and founder-driven, where networking happens naturally and experienced entrepreneurs actively mentor and support new founders.
Startup Visa Eligibility Requirements
1. Innovative, Scalable, Technology-Based Business
Your startup must have unlimited growth potential and be at one of the following stages:
Minimum Viable Product, Seed, Growth/User Acquisition, Product-Market Fit, or Scaling.
Idea-stage projects are not eligible—you need more than concepts on paper. Think Airbnb, Uber, or Stripe, not local service businesses.
What the Committee Looks For:
- Innovative business model that solves real problems
- Technology at the core of your solution
- Potential to scale internationally (not just locally)
- Disruptive impact in your industry
- Repeatable business model
- Clear path to significant growth
2. Startup Committee Approval
The Startup Committee consists of selected members of the Estonian startup community who work with startups daily. These experts evaluate whether your business qualifies as a true startup under Estonian law.
According to the Aliens Act, a startup is a business unit owned by a company registered in Estonia that is commencing operations with the goal of developing and launching an innovative and repeatable business model with great global growth potential.
Application Review:
- Committee reviews applications within 10 business days
- Expert panel assesses innovation, team capability, and market potential
- Treated like an accelerator application or investor pitch
- Approval leads to “startup code” needed for visa application
3. Financial Sustainability
You must demonstrate at least €800 per month for living expenses—the minimum required by law.
Realistic Budget: Decent rental apartments in Estonia cost around €600 – 800 per month plus regular living expenses, so you’ll need more than the minimum to live comfortably.
More recent guidance suggests €1,415 monthly minimum to demonstrate financial sustainability. Plan for:
- Accommodation: €600-1,000/month (decent apartments in Tallinn)
- Food and utilities: €200-600/month
- Transportation: €100-200/month
- Business expenses: Variable based on your needs
No Minimum Investment Required: Unlike many startup visa programs, Estonia doesn’t require a minimum investment amount. The focus is on your startup’s potential, not your bank balance—though you must prove you can support yourself.
4. Physical Presence in Estonia
You must be ready to relocate to Estonia. If you want to run your business remotely from another country, consider e-Residency instead.
The Startup Visa is for founders who will be physically present in Estonia, contributing to the local ecosystem and building their company on the ground.
5. Clean Background
Background checks are part of the process. You’ll need a clean criminal record and must meet standard visa requirements for character and security.
Contact us
We’re glad you’ve found your way to us.
If you’re exploring opportunities in Estonia or building your startup here, we’re here to support you.
Send us your question or request — we’ll respond within one business day.
Let’s move your plans forward, together.
The Application Process:
Step by Step
1. Register Your Estonian Company (1–2 Days)
Set up your Estonian OÜ online with minimal share capital (€0.01).
We handle: all paperwork, name reservation, tax registration, and banking setup.
2. Eligibility Self-Assessment (30 Minutes)
Complete a quick online test on the Startup Estonia website to check your eligibility.
It evaluates innovation, scalability, and team readiness—helping you refine your application.
3. Apply to the Startup Committee (1–2 Weeks)
Submit your business plan, product details, and growth strategy.
We assist with: application preparation, business plan review, pitch deck, and documentation.
Committee decisions are made within 10 working days.
4. Apply for Visa or Residence Permit (2–4 Weeks)
After approval, apply for either:
D-Visa: valid up to 12 months, quick processing.
Residence Permit: valid up to 5 years, ideal for long-term setup.
We guide you through document collection and embassy or PBGB submission.
5. Arrival & Setup in Estonia
Once approved, we help you settle in — from address registration and banking to workspace setup and community onboarding.
👉 Total timeline: typically 3–6 weeks from company registration to arrival.
Startup Visa
vs.
E-Residency:
What's the Difference?
E-Residency
- Digital identity for remote business management
- No physical relocation required
- No residency rights in Estonia
- Cannot live or work in Estonia
- Ideal for digital nomads and remote founders
- €100-160 one-time fee
- Available to anyone globally
Startup Visa
- Physical relocation to Estonia required
- Full residency rights
- Can live and work in Estonia
- Access to healthcare and education
- Startup Committee approval needed
- Team and family can join
- Path to permanent residence
Many ambitious teams use both together:
e-Residency for initial company setup and remote management, then transition to Startup Visa when ready to relocate and access Estonia’s physical ecosystem.
Benefits of the Estonia Startup Visa
1. Fast, Streamlined Process
Digital application, transparent criteria, and quick committee decisions. No heavy bureaucracy.
2. EU Market Access
Operate across all 27 EU countries with one Estonian company, accessing 450M+ customers, EU payment systems, and simplified VAT options.
3. Include Your Team and Family
Co-founders and key employees can apply under the same program. Family members can join and receive the right to live, work, and study in Estonia.
4. Path to Permanent Residence
Successful startup growth can lead to multi-year residence permits, permanent residency, and eventually EU citizenship eligibility.
5. Support Ecosystem
Connect with accelerators, mentors, investors, coworking spaces, and a collaborative international founder community.
What If
Startup Fails?
Entrepreneurial risk is recognized in the program design.
If startup fails but you’ve been actively working on it (as evidenced by reports to the Startup Committee), you typically have a grace period of 90-180 days to either launch a new startup that qualifies or transition to another visa category.
Estonia’s approach recognizes that failure is part of entrepreneurship—the key is demonstrating good faith efforts and compliance with reporting requirements. Many successful founders in Estonia are on their second or third ventures.
How
LKS Consult Helps You Succeed
- Eligibility assessment and strategy
- Business model review for committee standards
- Documentation preparation
- Timeline planning
- Company registration in Estonia
- Startup Committee application preparation
- Business plan optimization
- Pitch coaching for committee standards
- Application submission and follow-up
- Visa/residence permit application
- Document collection and verification
- Embassy coordination
- Status tracking
- Interview preparation if needed
- Arrival coordination
- Registration with authorities
- Digital ID setup
- Banking relationships
- Office/accommodation assistance
- Community introductions
All visa- and residence-permit–related outcomes, including processing timelines and the availability or duration of any grace period in the event a startup ceases operations, are determined exclusively by the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board (PBGB) in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Aliens Act. The information provided on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice, nor does it replace a formal legal consultation regarding your specific circumstances.
Creating Success
Why Work With Us?
Estonian Startup Ecosystem Experience
Over 10 years supporting international founders
Deep understanding of Startup Committee expectations
Relationships throughout Estonian startup community
Knowledge of what makes applications successful
End-to-End Support
One contact for entire process
No need to coordinate multiple service providers
We handle bureaucracy so you focus on building
Available in Estonian, English, Russian, and Spanish
Track Record
Helped 1770+ founders establish in Estonia
High approval rate with Startup Committee
We strive to meet every deadline and ensure that all applications are handled with utmost care and reliability.
Ongoing support throughout your journey
Comprehensive Services
Beyond visa: accounting, tax, legal, HR support
Growth stage services as you scale
VAT and compliance management
Payroll and employment support
Common Questions About Estonia Startup Visa
From company registration to visa approval: typically 4-6 weeks total. Company registration takes 1-2 days, Startup Committee decision within 10 days, and visa processing 2-4 weeks.
No. Knowledge of Estonian is not a requirement for the Startup Visa. Estonia’s business environment, especially in tech, is largely English-friendly. Most startup events, meetings, and documentation are in English.
Yes! All co-founders can apply if they meet the criteria. You can build your entire founding team in Estonia under the Startup Visa program.
You can switch to a Startup Visa if you meet the requirements. First get Startup Committee approval, then apply for status change through the Police and Border Guard Board.
No specific age limit exists. The focus is on your business potential, not your age. Estonia has successful founders ranging from their early 20s to 50s+.
The visa is specifically for working on your startup. Taking full-time employment elsewhere could jeopardize your visa status. Part-time consulting related to your expertise is generally acceptable but check with immigration authorities.
You can renew your residence permit if your startup continues operating. Alternatively, you can apply for permanent residence after meeting continuous residence requirements.
No. You can apply as a solo founder or with international co-founders. No Estonian partner or shareholder is required.
Yes, under your residence permit you can establish and operate multiple businesses. Many founders run several ventures simultaneously.
Minor pivots are normal and expected. Major pivots that change your business model fundamentally may require informing the Startup Committee, especially if it affects your visa status. Focus on maintaining innovation and scalability.
