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Your guide to navigating Estonia’s startup visa: a step-by-step process for aspiring entrepreneurs

Work In Estonia
Author Work In Estonia
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Estonia Has Favorable Immigration Rules for Qualified Startup Founders. Below, we’ve outlined the general process to ensure a seamless and stress-free experience.

1.  Startup committee’s positive decision

When your startup meets the criteria, you’ll get the verification letter with a unique application code. Save this code for the next steps.

2. Verify if you require a visa to enter/stay in Estonia

Your entry and stay in Estonia is determined by your nationality/valid Schengen visas/permits.

  • Check if you require a visa for Estonia- if not, you may enter and stay until your visa freedom applies (90 days within a 180-day period). Make sure to get the Schengen D-visa or residence permit before your visa freedom expires.
  • If a visa is required– locate the nearest Estonian embassy for Schengen D-visa applications.

3.  Schengen D-visa process

  • Why? Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) can only be initiated after the company is officially registered in Estonia. Prior to registration, the D-visa allows you to immerse yourself in the Estonian business landscape, ensuring a lawful stay for up to one year. Schengen C-visa is for other purposes and is issued for a short-term period, thus we suggest applying for the D-visa directly.
  • Where to apply? Visa-free nationals can apply at the Police Board (if they have a valid legal stay in Estonia). Other nationalities should apply at the Estonian embassies that accept D-visa applications.
  • How to apply? Book an appointment at the Police Board or at the Estonian embassy for the D-visa process. Make sure to follow the process for the specific embassy in mind.
  • Documents needed? Can be found here. Process 10-30 days.
  • Family members visa? The founder’s family members can apply for the same visa. For spouses, the proven financial means are €704 per month. No financial proof for children. Marriage and birth certificates have to be legalized and presented.
  • Visa ground? On the online visa application, choose: Startup Entrepreneurship
  • Register your business in Estonia

4. Temporary residence permit (TRP) for business as a startup

  • Why? Once the business is registered in Estonia, you can apply for the TRP for business. It allows one to reside in Estonia for up to 5 years (the Police Board will decide the length of the permit). With TRP, you will also get the Estonian identification code. If you need it before, apply for one at the International House of Estonia.
  • Where to apply? If you are already in Estonia, you can apply at the Police Board. If abroad, you can submit the application at the Estonian embassy handling the TRP applications.
  • How to apply? Book an appointment at the Police Board or at the Estonian embassy for the residence permit process.
  • Documents needed? Can be found here. Add proof of funds, health insurance coverage, and a cover letter explaining your business in Estonia. Process up to 2 months.
  • Family members TRP? Founders can sponsor close family member permits (add proof of family ties, and insurance).
  • Keep this in mind! Submitting documents doesn’t give you legal grounds to stay in Estonia. You are allowed to work, but your main purpose should be working on your startup. Exempt from the annual immigration quota.Post-residency address registration

Post-residency address registration is required by law, and required to be completed within 30 days after receiving the TRP for business. More info here. Address registration is one of the conditions of maintaining your TRP, and failure to do so may result in TRP termination.

5. Other post-residency steps

 

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