Residence permit for business

For shareholders of a company

What is it?

A residence permit for business is a temporary residence permit issued by the Police and Border Guard Board for entrepreneurs to engage in business in Estonia. When a residence permit is granted, you will receive a residence permit card.

How long is a residence permit issued for?

A temporary residence permit is issued for up to 5 years.

How long can a residence permit be extended for?

A temporary residence permit may be extended for up to 10 years at a time.

Who needs it?

You need a residence permit for business in Estonia if you are not a citizen of a European Union member state, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland.

A residence permit for business is suitable for:

  • shareholders of a company
  • sole proprietors
  • start-up entrepreneurs
  • large investors

What are the requirements for a residence permit for business issued to a shareholder?

  • You have a shareholding in a company and have invested at least EUR 65,000 in the activities of that company in Estonia
  • The company is registered in the Estonian Business Register
  • You have sufficient income (six times the subsistence level) to support yourself in Estonia, which you confirm by signing your application. The subsistence level is set annually by the State Budget Act
  • You have a health insurance contract, which you confirm by signing your application. The requirements for the health insurance contract are listed in § 120 of the Aliens Act (insurance cover)
  • After receiving a residence permit, you will settle in Estonia and register your place of residence in the Population Register

How to apply for a residence permit?

  1. Invest in your company in Estonia.
  2. Submit the required documents together with a description of the business plan and pay the state fee.
  3. You will receive a response within 2 months, and the residence permit card will be issued within 30 days thereafter.

What is meant by the description of the business plan?

A description of the business plan must be in Estonian or English and must include:

  • details of the company
  • description of the business idea
  • financial forecasts for the next 2 financial years
  • CVs of management board members, shareholders, or supervisory board members
  • business-related justification for settling in Estonia

 

A migration consultant is available to help you every step of the way. Seek advice from a migration consultant.