Open and run a business in Estonia.
Estonia is a digital state with one of the most convenient corporate systems in the EU: e-Residency for remote management, deferred corporate tax (payable only on distributed profit), and an EU passport for your structures. One of our priority hubs for crypto projects and European operating companies.
- Region
- Europe
- Class
- Midshore
- CIT
- 22% при распределении (механика 22/78, с 01.01.2025; 0% на нераспределённую прибыль)
- VAT
- 24% (с 01.07.2025)
- Desk
- Tallinn · partner office · since 2017
Available registration forms
Banking & operations
- Banking
- LHV, SEB, Swedbank — realistic onboarding from 2 weeks with the right document pack. We know exactly what each bank needs so you don't get a rejection.
- Operations
- e-Residency moves all administration into a remote format. Crypto-asset licensing has been reformed — the requirements are now substantially stricter, but the routes exist.
- INNOVA desk
- Tallinn · partner office · since 2017
Packages & pricing in Estonia
Services in Estonia
Industries in Estonia
Tools & comparisons
Frequently asked questions — business in Estonia
Estonia offers one of the most efficient business environments in the EU. An OÜ (Osaühing) can be registered in 1–3 days via the e-Business Register. The corporate income tax rate is 0% on retained earnings — tax applies only when profits are distributed, a structure unique in the EU. Estonia's e-Residency programme allows non-residents to manage their OÜ entirely online. INNOVA has operated a Tallinn partner desk since 2017.
Estonia levies corporate income tax at 22% only on distributed profits (22/78 mechanics: distributing 78 EUR net costs 22 EUR tax, effective rate ≈28.2% on net, since 1 January 2025). Retained earnings reinvested in the business are taxed at 0%, making Estonia structurally different from all other EU member states. VAT stands at 24% (since 1 July 2025) and becomes mandatory once annual turnover exceeds €40,000. There is no separate capital gains tax at the corporate level.
Yes. A non-resident can be the sole shareholder and director of an Estonian OÜ. E-Residency provides a government-issued digital identity card enabling remote signing of documents and submission of filings via state e-portals. Note that e-Residency is not a residency permit and does not grant the right to live or work in Estonia or anywhere in the EU.
INNOVA's Tallinn desk, operating since 2017, covers the full lifecycle: OÜ incorporation, LHV/SEB/Swedbank business account opening, tax and accounting compliance, VASP licensing through the FIU, EMI/PI licensing through the FSA (Finantsinspektsioon), AML programme setup, and D-visa applications for OÜ operators. We also advise on restructuring and cross-border holding structures.
OÜ registration takes 1–3 business days via the e-Business Register. Bank account opening at LHV, SEB, or Swedbank typically requires 2 weeks including KYC review. VAT registration adds up to 5 business days. A VASP licence from the FIU is a separate process requiring minimum €250,000 capital and real local substance; licensing timelines under the post-2023 regime typically run 3–6 months.