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EstoniaInvestors & entrepreneursLast checked October 16, 2026

Startup Visa and temporary residence permit for start-up entrepreneurs

Founders of innovative, scalable, technology-based start-ups can get a D visa or a temporary residence permit after the Startup Committee confirms the company qualifies. The residence permit needs a shareholding in a company registered in Estonia. It is valid for up to 5 years.

See requirements ↓

Life in Estonia

Money

3

Currency

Euro

EUR

Euro

Cost of living

76

Price level · US = 100

World Bank price levels, 2025

Tax

Flat 22%

Income tax (national)

VAT 24%

Flat 22%; basic exemption EUR 700/month (EUR 8,400/year) from 2026. A planned rise for 2026 was cancelled.

Official rates, 2026 · headline only

Living

1

Happiness

6.4

#44 of 145 countries

World Happiness Report 2025

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Who it’s for

Non-EU founders of innovative start-ups with global growth potential who want to build the company in Estonia.

Eligibility

  • Startup Committee approval

    An expert committee must confirm the company is a start-up, unless it is already evaluated or exempt.

  • Start-up definition

    Your company should be an early-stage business with an innovative, repeatable model and strong international growth potential.

    10 years

    Company age · per Startup Estonia

    • Startup Estonia says the company should be no older than 10 years
    Official wording

    An early-stage company building an innovative, repeatable business model with strong international growth potential. Startup Estonia says the company should be no older than 10 years.

  • Shareholding in an Estonian companyResidence permit

    You must hold shares in a company in the Estonian Business Register.

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Next requirementSufficient income
  • Document checklistStartup Committee confirmation letter with application code
  • FeesLong-stay (D) visa

The full requirements are for members

Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.

  • 4 more requirements
  • 10 documents
  • 5 fees
  • 8 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
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