It’s an exciting time to consider relocating your startup to Estonia.
The Estonia Startup Visa offers non-EU founders the opportunity to build and grow a technology-driven company in one of Europe’s most dynamic startup ecosystems.
This guide provides a full picture — what you need, how long it takes, what to watch out for, and how you maximise success.
What is the Estonia Startup Visa?
The Startup Visa is a legal route for non-EU entrepreneurs to relocate to Estonia and build a scalable and innovative business locally.
It differs significantly from the Estonia e‑Residency Program — which allows remote business management — because the Startup Visa involves physical presence, business growth, and access to residence permits.
Eligibility Criteria: Do You Qualify?
To apply for the Startup Visa in 2025 your business and personal profile must meet key conditions:
- Business type & scalability: Your venture must be technology-based, innovative and scalable globally — not just a local service, restaurant or consultancy.
- Business stage: Usually you need to have at least an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) or early traction — simple ideas only are not enough.
- Approval from Startup Committee: You must obtain an endorsement letter from the Startup Committee which reviews your business plan and model.
- Financial means: You’ll need to show that you can support yourself in Estonia; typical benchmarks show around €800/month or equivalent resources.
- Health insurance: Coverage valid in Estonia or Schengen zone (often ~€30,000) is required.
Step-by-Step Application Process & Timeline
Here’s how the process generally works in 2025:
- Eligibility Test & Preparation: Use the online tool from Startup Estonia to check eligibility.
- Submit to Startup Committee: Present your business plan, growth strategy, innovation case. The committee typically responds within 10 business days.
- Receive Verification Letter & Code: If approved, you’ll get a letter and unique code to proceed with visa/residence permit application.
- Visa or Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) Application:
- Short-stay (Schengen) visa for preliminary entry or
- Long-stay Type D visa / Residence Permit for Entrepreneurship for full relocation.
- Company Setup & Relocation: Register your startup in Estonia (if not yet done), relocate, comply with local obligations.
- Ongoing Compliance & Extension: Maintain business activity; after some years you may apply for permanent residence and eventually citizenship if eligible.
Typical timeline: From initial application to visa/residence permit: ~2–3 months (depending on document preparation, embassy waiting times, etc.).
Costs & Practical Numbers (2025)
- Application fee to Startup Committee: ~ €100. e-Residency
- Additional costs: travel/embassy appointments, health insurance (~€30,000 coverage), proof of living means (~€800/month or more) and relocation expenses.
- No fixed minimum capital investment for the startup route (unlike some other visas).
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Access to the EU startup ecosystem: grants, investors, talent.
- Possibility to bring non-EU employees and family.
- Transparent, digital business environment in Estonia.
- No requirement for large upfront investment capital.
⚠️ Cons
- Only for truly innovative, scalable startups — many applications are rejected if criteria are not met.
- Relocation commitment required (you must physically base in Estonia, not simply be remote).
- Ongoing compliance: you must keep your business active or risk losing status.
- Costs of relocation + living + support services need to be budgeted.
Real-World Tips for Success
- Develop a clear pitch deck explaining your business model, innovation, target market, scalability and growth potential.
- Ensure you have at least an MVP or prototype — don’t apply with just an idea.
- Prepare personal relocation plan, accommodation in Estonia, business address, bank account and local support.
- Use trusted service providers (such as corporate service and accounting firms) to help with setup, legal address, tax compliance and local representation.
- Keep your business documentation, accounting and corporate governance transparent — this strengthens your case and supports future permit extension.
How LKS Consult Helps You
At LKS Consult, we guide you through every step of the Startup Visa journey: eligibility check, application to the Startup Committee, setting up your Estonian private limited company (OÜ), providing legal-address and contact person services, accounting, relocation support and ongoing tax and compliance assistance.
Our hands-on service ensures you’re prepared, credible and bank-ready from day-one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can EU citizens apply for the Startup Visa?
No — EU/EEA nationals don’t need the Startup Visa to start a business in Estonia. The visa is intended for non-EU founders.
Do I need to have an Estonian company already before applying?
Not necessarily — but you will need to register one by the time you apply for the residence permit. Having a registered OÜ helps strengthen your case.
Can I bring my family and hire employees?
Yes, spouses and children may join under the same program. The startup can also apply to bring non-EU talent under favourable conditions.
Does the Startup Visa guarantee Estonian citizenship?
No, but it can be a first step: after meeting residence requirements (typically 5 years) and language/cultural conditions, you may qualify for permanent residency and eventually citizenship.
Final Word
If you’re a non-EU founder with a genuine tech-driven, scalable startup, and you’re ready to relocate and commit to building in Estonia, the Startup Visa is a compelling opportunity.
But if your business is more local, service-based or you plan to remain fully remote abroad, then you may want to consider other options (such as e-Residency or remote company registration) instead.
For tailored support, the team at LKS Consult is ready to help you evaluate your fit and walk you through the application with confidence.
