Residence permit for business

For start-up entrepreneurs

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.

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 start-up entrepreneur?

  • You have a shareholding in a company
  • The company is registered in the Estonian Business Register
  • The start-up company has received a positive evaluation from an expert committee or is exempt from the obligation to undergo such evaluation
  • You have sufficient income (four 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

What is a start-up company?

A start-up company is an early-stage company aimed at creating and launching an innovative business model with strong international growth potential. The activities of a start-up contribute to the development of the Estonian business environment.

How is a start-up evaluated when issuing a residence permit?

To obtain a residence permit as a start-up entrepreneur, you need to submit an application to an expert committee for the evaluation of the start-up before applying for the residence permit.

You can submit the application here.

The application must include:

  • your personal details
  • details of the company
  • description of the business model
  • additional information or evidence, if required

An expert committee of the Ministry of the Interior will provide an evaluation within 10 working days from the receipt of the complete application, assessing whether the company qualifies as a start-up.

When is it not necessary to submit an application for start-up evaluation?

You do not need to submit an application for start-up evaluation if the company has already been evaluated or is included in the list of companies exempt from evaluation by a decree of the Minister of the Interior.

How to apply for a residence permit?

  1. Obtain a prior evaluation confirming that the company qualifies as a start-up
  2. Submit the required documents together with the decision of the expert committee 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.

 

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