Estonia continues to stand out as one of the most founder-friendly countries in Europe.
With digital-first bureaucracy, a transparent tax system (check out our latest article about the Estonian Tax Changes in 2025), and a fast-growing tech ecosystem, relocating your business — and yourself — to Estonia can significantly simplify operations and open doors to the EU market.
Below is a complete, practical checklist to help founders transition smoothly in 2025.
1. Choose Your Relocation Path
There are two main relocation routes for non-EU founders in 2025:
| Program | Best For | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Estonian Startup Visa | Tech and scalable startups | Approval from Startup Committee, MVP/traction, financial means |
| Entrepreneurial Residence Permit (OÜ Founder Route) | Service-based or early-stage companies | Company registered in Estonia + business plan + financial proof |
EU/EEA founders do not need a visa and can relocate freely, but still go through residency registration in Estonia.
2. Establish or Transfer Your Company
Most founders register a Private Limited Company (OÜ).
Steps:
- Contact LKS Consulta to get a free consultation on the registration process.
- Choose business name
- Register company online (with ID-card/e-Residency) or via a notary
- Appoint a licensed contact person and legal address in Estonia
- Open a business bank or fintech account
- Register for VAT (if needed)
Tip: If you already have a company abroad, Estonia also allows cross-border relocation in certain cases.
If you are still in the planning stage and haven’t set up your company yet, we’ve covered the full 2025 process in our separate guide. There we explain the easiest registration methods, required documents, timelines, and costs.
Read the step-by-step guide to registering a company in Estonia in 2025 →
3. Prepare for Residency & Documents
Before relocating, ensure you have:
- Passport valid 6+ months
- Financial proof (typically ~€800+/month per adult)
- Valid health insurance covering Estonia/Schengen
- Accommodation arrangements (temporary lease is acceptable)
- Startup Committee approval if applying via Startup Visa
Processing times vary: typically 1–3 months depending on embassy availability.
4. Set Up Banking & Payments
Your options will depend on stage and business model:
| Type | Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Estonian banks | LHV, SEB | Best credibility; requires strong business justification + EU presence |
| EMIs / Fintech | Wise, Revolut Business, Paysera | Fast setup; excellent for SaaS, e-commerce, consulting |
| Crypto-related banking | Only with strict AML compliance | Increased scrutiny in 2025 |
Be prepared to explain customer segments, transaction volumes, and origin of funds.
5. Get Tax & Accounting in Place
Estonia’s tax system is entrepreneur-friendly:
- 0% corporate tax on retained earnings
- 22% corporate tax only when distributing dividends
- No payroll taxes for non-resident board members without salary
- Digital accounting and reporting systems
Monthly accounting is required if you have VAT or payroll obligations.
6. Find Housing & Register Your Address
To obtain an Estonian ID code and residence card, you must register your living address.
Popular areas for founders:
- Tallinn: Kalamaja, Noblessner, Kadriorg
- Tartu: Südalinn, Karlova
- Pärnu: for quieter/seaside lifestyle
Average Tallinn rentals in 2025: €550–€1,200/month for 1–2 room apartments.
7. Join the Community
Estonia’s startup ecosystem is highly connected. Founders benefit most when they plug in:
- StartUp Estonia events
- Lift99, Tehnopol, Tartu SPARK
- Hackathons and accelerator programs
- Local founder Telegram groups and meetups
Relationships matter here.
Quick Relocation Checklist
- Register or transfer your OÜ
- Choose relocation route (Startup Visa or Founder Permit)
- Get legal address + licensed contact person
- Arrange banking/fintech account
- Secure health insurance
- Prepare financial proof
- Book embassy or PPA appointment
- Register Estonian place of residence
- Set up accounting + tax compliance
- Join ecosystem communities
How LKS Consult Supports Founders
At LKS Consult, we make relocation structured and stress-free:
- Startup Visa & Founder Residence Permit application support
- Company registration or cross-border transfer
- Legal address & contact person service
- Accounting and tax compliance
- Assistance with banking applications
- Personal relocation guidance and documentation preparation
Whether you’re moving solo or bringing a team, we ensure every document, timeline, and compliance checkpoint is handled properly.
Ready to Start Your Move to Estonia?
Contact us today for a personalized relocation assessment and step-by-step plan tailored to your business and personal goals.
