Residence permit for business

For large investors

What is a residence permit for business?

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

What is a residence permit card?

A residence permit card is a document that certifies your right to reside in Estonia and also serves as your identity card. The card contains your personal details, residence permit information, photograph, and fingerprint images.

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

How to apply for a residence permit?

  1. Invest one million euros in an Estonian company or an investment fund linked to Estonia
  2. Submit the required documents and pay the state fee
  3. You will receive a response within 90 days, and the residence permit card will be issued within 30 days thereafter.

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

  • You have made a permanent direct investment of at least EUR 1,000,000 (one million) in an Estonian company that invests in the Estonian economy, or
  • You have made a permanent direct investment of at least EUR 1,000,000 euros in an investment fund that invests mainly in Estonian companies
  • 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)

What is meant by a permanent investment?

A permanent investment is one that does not decrease during the period of validity of the residence permit, except due to market price fluctuations. As a large investor, you may change the beneficiary of the investment during the period of validity of the residence permit, provided that the new beneficiary is an Estonian company that invests in the Estonian economy or an investment fund that invests in Estonian companies.

 

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