How to Start a Company in Estonia: A Step-by-Step Guide

Apr 24, 2023 | Business, Estonia

You want to start a business in Estonia, but you do not know where to begin? You are not alone! Estonia has become a popular destination for entrepreneurs and companies looking to take advantage of its favourable business climate and tech-savvy environment. In this guide, we take you step by step through the process of starting a business in Estonia.

Choose your company form

The first step is to decide on the type of company you want to start. The most common company forms in Estonia are the limited liability company (OÜ) and the sole proprietorship (FIE). Consider the legal and tax implications of each form before making a decision. 

At BBCTallinn, we can help you choose the best option for your specific needs. Our team of experts can advise you on the legal and tax implications of each type of company and help you make an informed decision.

Register your company

To register your business in Estonia, you must fill out an application and submit it to the Estonian Business Register. For the application, you’ll need information about your company, its owners and its business activities. This can be a daunting task, especially if you aren’t familiar with the procedure or don’t speak Estonian. But don’t worry – at BBCTallinn, we’ll help you every step of the way. Our experienced team will help you fill out the application, provide translation services if needed, and ensure that all the required information is included.

We can also register your business remotely, meaning you don’t have to travel to Estonia to get your business up and running. This option is available to both residents and non-residents and is a convenient and cost-effective way to start a business in Estonia. Of course, if you prefer to visit Estonia in person, we can arrange that as well. Our team can help you schedule your appointment and make all the necessary arrangements to ensure a smooth and hassle-free registration process.

Get a legal address

One of the most important requirements for establishing a business in Estonia is a legal address. A legal address is the place where your company is officially registered and where official documents and correspondence are sent. However, not all businesses need a physical office space in Estonia. This is where a virtual office comes in.

A virtual office allows you to have a legal address without the need for a physical office space. This is especially useful for businesses that are just starting out and do not have the funds to rent or buy office space. With a virtual office, you can use a prestigious business address in a prime location in Estonia as your legal address.

At BBCTallinn we offer virtual offices to help you get your business up and running quickly and efficiently.

Open a bank account

To do business in Estonia, you need to open a bank account in your company’s name. Choose a bank that suits your needs and fill out the application.


Apply for all necessary licences and permits

Depending on your business activities, you may need to obtain licences or permits from the relevant authorities in Estonia. At BBCTallinn, we can assist you in obtaining all the necessary permits and licences for your business.

Register for taxes

All businesses in Estonia must register for taxes, including income tax, social tax and VAT (VAT). Registration is done through the Estonian Tax and Customs Administration. 

We offer our clients comprehensive accounting support, including tax registration and compliance. Our experienced accountants take care of all tax matters, from tax registration to the preparation and filing of tax returns. We ensure that your business meets all the necessary tax requirements so that you can focus on growing your business.

Hire employees

If you plan to hire employees, you must register as an employer with the Estonian Tax and Customs Administration and comply with labour regulations.

At BBCTallinn, we know that starting a business can be a complex process, especially in a foreign country. That’s why we offer comprehensive services to help you start a business in Estonia. Our experienced team can guide you through every step of the process, from choosing the right legal form for your business to registering with the relevant authorities. We also provide ongoing support to ensure that your company complies with all the necessary regulations. Contact us today to find out more about how we can help you set up a business in Estonia

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