The Estonian Start-up visa offers a gateway to the EU market for innovative start-ups, attracting non-EU specialists and investors. Holders of this visa can legally work in Estonia and access the wider EU and Schengen area while initiating or working in a business there.

What is Start-up visa in Estonia?

Estonia’s Start-up visa program offers EU residence permits to start-up creators, partners, and employees. A start-up, in this context, refers to a new business aiming for a scalable, globally impactful model that innovatively benefits Estonia.

Applicants have up to 18 months in Estonia to develop their business, extendable for 183 days.

Entrepreneurs planning an extended stay can apply for a temporary residence permit for entrepreneurship, exempting start-ups from the typical 65,000 EUR investment requirement. This temporary visa can last up to five years.

Who is eligible for Start-up visa in Estonia?

Start-up visa in Estonia is available to all non-EU start-up founders, their spouse and children. For start-up to qualify it must be evaluated by the expert committee.

The Start-up visa in Estonia is open to all non-EU start-up founders, their spouses, and children. To qualify, the start-up needs evaluation by an expert committee, focusing on innovative ideas that benefit the economy. Key areas in 2022 include CyberTech, EdTech, and the Ida-Viru region.

Eligibility Criteria for the Start-up Visa:

• A firm that is technology-based, inventive, and scalable.
• The company model is considered to have significant worldwide expansion potential.
• Tech-driven businesses that address global problems, industries, and benefit tens of thousands of people and Estonian government.

Applicants need enough funds to sustain their company for a year. Estonia doesn’t specify a set amount, but we suggest having around 3000 EUR (varies based on family size).

What is required to apply?

• Clean criminal record;
• Clear business plan;
• Document size photo 3×4 cm on white background;
• Health insurance;
• Proof of funds;
• Proof of legal residence in Estonia (may be hotel);
• Valid passport.

Document list may vary depending on founders and their family members.

Let us streamline your Start-up Visa process in Estonia. Valcorp assists with company incorporation and the Start-up Visa application, providing comprehensive legal and corporate support. We guide you through each step, offering expertise and aiding in document preparation for the Startup Committee evaluation. Additionally, we offer business training and solutions to refine your ideas. Explore our corporate services, including accounting, legal support, tax advice, and business consulting in Estonia.