Estonia Startup Visa

Written by Mike Arnold Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Mike Arnold

Mike is a freelance writer with eight years of experience and a love for travel, all things business, tabletop games and green tea.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 13, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

Estonia is home to over 1,530 startups since 2023, employing over 10,000 people and generating over €1 billion in turnover; efforts made by the country to generate wealth, bring more opportunity to the country and its people, and to secure its place in the global markets.

A core promotion of this comes down to implementing the Estonia Startup Visa, a relatively simple visa that allows non-EU founders to grow a startup business in this encouraging place of opportunity.

With the largest sectors in Business Software, HR, FinTech, and Consumer Products & Services, if you're looking to get your business idea off the ground, Estonia may be precisely what you're looking for.

 

What are the eligibility criteria for the Estonia Startup visa?

The best way to find out whether you're eligible is by taking the official test here.

However, to outline what Estonia is looking for, your startup idea and individual circumstances must tick several boxes:

Note: If you're an EU citizen, you do NOT need a visa to move to Estonia. If you want to start a startup, however, you'll need to follow this process to get you signed up to the Estonian Startup Ecosystem.

• This visa is for non-EU citizens (EU citizens, read the note above).

Your business needs a positive growth model

• Technology-based: Your business must leverage technology in some way, whether through product development, service delivery, or operational processes.
• Innovative: The core of your business must be an innovative idea, offering something new or significantly improved compared to existing solutions in the market.
• Scalable: Your business should have the potential for rapid growth and expansion, both within Estonia and internationally. This must have "unlimited growth potential". This demonstrates its potential to contribute to the Estonian economy and create jobs.

Your business must be at a certain stage

Your business must be at one of the following stages:

• MVP/Seed Stage
• Growth/User Stage
• Product Market fit
• Scaling

If your business is at the Idea Stage (ideas on paper, prototype, web page), you won't be eligible for the Startup Visa.

You must be ready to relocate to Estonia

To obtain a Startup Visa, you must be ready to relocate to Estonia. If you're looking to base your business in Estonia but want to run it remotely from, say, your home country, you'll want to look into an e-Residency visa.

For guidance and advice on which visa opportunity is right for you, it’s best to speak with an experienced visa consultant.

Financial means

• While there's no minimum investment requirement, you must demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself and your business during your stay in Estonia, which is currently €70 per day.
• The recommended minimum is €800 per month to cover living expenses, but the actual amount may vary depending on your lifestyle and business needs.
• You should also be prepared to provide evidence of funding or financial projections to demonstrate your startup's financial viability.

What is the application process for the Estonia Startup visa?

The Estonia Startup Visa application process is designed to be straightforward, but it requires careful preparation and adherence to specific steps.

1. Eligibility test: Start by taking the online eligibility test on the Startup Estonia website. This quick assessment will help you determine if your business idea aligns with the program's criteria.
2. Startup Code application: If you pass the eligibility test, proceed to fill out the Startup Code application. This online application requires you to introduce your company and its potential to the Startup Committee.
3. Startup evaluation process: The Startup Committee, consisting of experts from various fields, will review your application and assess your startup's potential. The evaluation typically takes ten working days.
4. Visa application: If the Startup Committee approves your application, you'll receive a verification letter with a unique application code. You'll then need to apply for a Schengen D-visa (long-stay) or a Type C (short-stay) visa at the Estonian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Ensure you select "Startup Entrepreneurship" as the purpose of your visa application and complete all necessary biometric formalities.
5. Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) application: Once you arrive in Estonia with your visa, you'll need to register your business and then apply for a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) at a Police and Border Guard Board office. The TRP allows you to stay and work in Estonia for up to five years.

Important note: It is crucial to complete all the required steps and submit your applications within the specified timelines to avoid any delays or complications.

What documentation is needed for the Estonia Startup visa?

It's important to get all the required documentation before applying for an Estonia Startup Visa. The more accurately and more complete your documentation at the beginning, the smoother the application process should be.

For visa application

These are the documents required when applying for the Schengen D-visa (Long-stay) or Type C visa (short-stay) at the Estonian embassy or consulate:

• Completed application form: Fill out the online visa application form, print it, and sign it.
• Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the intended visa expiry date and have at least two blank pages.
• Confirmation letter: A letter from the Startup Committee confirming your startup's eligibility.
• Colour photograph: One recent colour photograph meeting the specified dimensions and requirements.
• Visa application fee receipt: Proof of payment of the applicable visa fee.
• Insurance policy: A valid travel medical insurance covering the Schengen area with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
• Proof of funds: Documentary evidence showing you have at least €800 monthly to support yourself in Estonia.
• Confirmation of accommodation: Proof of where you will be staying in Estonia.
• Travel booking details: Proof of your travel arrangements to and from Estonia.

For Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) application

These are the documents needed when applying for the TRP at the Police and Border Guard Board office in Estonia after arriving in the country:

• Valid travel document: Your passport or other travel document.
• Completed application form: The specific TRP application form for startup entrepreneurs.
• Proof of income: Documents showing a monthly income of at least €800.
• Insurance coverage: Proof of health insurance with a minimum coverage of €6,000 per year.
• Family form: If applicable, a family form for each accompanying family member.
• Colour photograph: One recent colour photograph meeting the specified requirements.
• Fee payment receipt: Proof of payment of the TRP application fee.
• Startup Committee's positive decision: The verification letter you received after the Startup Committee's approval.

Important considerations

• Ensure all documents are complete, accurate, and up-to-date.
• Translate any non-English or non-Estonian documents into one of these languages by an authorised translator.
• Submit both the original documents and their translations.
• Double-check the specific document requirements on the official Estonian Police and Border Guard Board website, as they may vary.

What is the valid duration for the Estonia Startup visa?

The Estonia Startup Visa offers a flexible time frame for entrepreneurs to establish and grow their businesses in the country, with potential for long-term residency.

Startup visa

• The initial Startup Visa is granted for 12 months, allowing you ample time to set up your company, validate your business model, and gain traction in the market.
• If needed, you can extend your Startup Visa for an additional six months, providing extra time to solidify your business operations and achieve key milestones.

Temporary Residence Permit (TRP)

• Once your Startup Visa is nearing its expiration and your business demonstrates viability and growth potential, you can apply for a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) for business.
• The TRP can be granted with a term of up to 10 years, offering you a more extended period to develop your business further and contribute to the Estonian economy.

Pathway to permanent residency and citizenship

• After residing in Estonia for five years with a temporary residence permit, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency.
• Subsequently, after a total of eight years of continuous legal residence in Estonia, you can apply for Estonian citizenship, granting you full rights and privileges as an Estonian citizen.

The Estonia Startup Visa, therefore, not only provides a platform for launching your business but also opens doors to long-term residency and potential citizenship in this innovative and welcoming nation.

What are the application costs for the Estonia Startup visa?

As with any visa, there are processing and application costs to consider, but fortunately, these are relatively affordable.

Visa fees

• D-Visa (Long-stay visa): The state fee for the D-Visa is €100. This is the visa you'll need if you plan to stay in Estonia for the full duration of the Startup Visa, which is up to 12 months with a possible 6-month extension.
• C-Visa (Short-stay visa): If you're only planning a shorter stay in Estonia to explore the possibilities or attend meetings, you might opt for the C-Visa, which has a state fee of €80.
• Children: For children between the ages of 6 and 11, the visa fee is reduced to €40, regardless of the visa type (C or D).

Temporary Residence Permit fee

• Once you're in Estonia and your startup has been approved by the Startup Committee, you'll need to apply for a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP). The state fee for the TRP application is €160.

Additional costs

Beyond the state fees, keep in mind potential additional expenses:

• Company registration fee: There's a state fee in order to register a private limited company in Estonia. This is €265 at the time of writing, but you can find all the information here.
• Travel and accommodation: If you need to travel to an Estonian embassy or consulate to submit your visa application, you'll likely incur travel and accommodation costs.
• Translations and legalisation: Any documents not in Estonian or English might need to be translated and legalised, which could involve additional fees.
• Health insurance: You'll need to secure comprehensive health insurance that meets the Estonian requirements for the duration of your stay. The cost will depend on your chosen provider and coverage level.
• Living expenses: To live and work on your startup in Estonia, you must be able to support yourself. The minimum suggested amount is €800 per month. While not directly related to the visa application, it's crucial to budget for your living expenses in Estonia, including accommodation, food, transportation, and other daily necessities.

Other important things to know

Beyond the core eligibility and application process, here are some crucial additional factors to consider when pursuing the Estonia Startup Visa:

• No minimum investment requirement: Unlike many other startup visas worldwide, Estonia's program does not mandate a minimum investment amount. The focus is on the innovative nature and scalability of your business idea rather than your financial capacity.
• Pathway to residency and citizenship: The Startup Visa serves as a stepping stone towards long-term residency and potential citizenship in Estonia. After successfully running your startup for one year on the initial visa, you can apply for a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) for up to five years. Subsequently, after five years of continuous legal residence in Estonia, you become eligible to apply for permanent residency. Finally, after eight years of continuous legal residence, you can apply for Estonian citizenship.
• Visa processing time: The visa processing time is typically around 60 days from the date of application submission. It's advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel date to allow for any potential delays.
• Post-arrival registration: Once you arrive in Estonia with your Startup Visa, you must register your business and your post-residency address within 30 days of receiving your Temporary Residence Permit (TRP). Failure to do so can result in the termination of your TRP.

Additional tips:

• Thorough business plan: A well-structured and comprehensive business plan is crucial for convincing the Startup Committee of your venture's potential. Invest time and effort in crafting a detailed plan that showcases your innovation, market understanding, and financial projections.
• Seek expert advice: Navigating the visa application process and establishing a business in a foreign country can be challenging. Consider seeking guidance from experienced immigration consultants or legal professionals specialising in Estonian business immigration. They can provide valuable insights and support throughout the process.
• Stay informed: Keep abreast of any changes or updates to the Estonia Startup Visa program and related regulations. The official Startup Estonia website and the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board website are reliable sources of information.

Talk to a visa consultant

The Estonia Startup Visa is your launchpad into Estonia's ever-growing tech scene. But let's be honest; the application process and securing approval can be overwhelming, especially when trying to build on your idea or venture.

Instead of juggling the responsibilities and tasks, an immigration and visa consultant can guide you through the process, increasing your chances of success.

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