Temporary Residence Permit for Business
Estonia
Last updated: December 23, 2025
1 to 5 years (renewable)
$466
2-3 months
High
About this Visa
This permit lets you live and work in Estonia if you start a business there. You can own your own company or invest money in an Estonian business. It's for people from countries outside Europe (not EU/EEA countries). You need to invest a certain amount of money and have a valid business plan. Different investment amounts apply depending on what type of business you start. You can work as your own boss or get a job. You can bring your spouse and children with you. After 3 years, you can apply for permanent residence. After 8 years total, you can become an Estonian citizen.
Key Benefits
- Work in any job or run your own business
- Bring spouse and children
- Travel freely in 29 European countries without visa
- Get health insurance coverage
- Apply for permanent residence after 3 years
- Apply for Estonian citizenship after 8 years total
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be from outside EU, EEA, or Switzerland
- At least 18 years old
- Must have health insurance
- Company must be registered in Estonia
- Company must operate for at least 4 months before applying
- No serious criminal record
- Sufficient monthly income (see financial requirements)
- Realistic business plan showing profitability
- Cannot be from Russia or Belarus (banned since April 2022)
Financial Requirement
Self-employed: €16,000 investment + €1,200/month income. Company shareholder: €65,000 investment + €1,200/month income. Startup: No fixed investment + €800/month income. Major investor: €1,000,000 investment + €1,200/month income. Income can come from business, employment, pension, or family support.
Documents
- Application formCompleted application
- Valid passportMust be valid
- Passport photo35x45mm size
- Proof of government fee paymentReceipt of fee payment
- Proof of investmentBank statements or investment documents
- Business planIn English or Estonian, with 2-year financial projections
- Health insurance contractCovering your entire stay
- Company registration documentsIf you own a company, must show 4+ months operation
- Official translations and notarizationsAll foreign documents must be translated to Estonian or English and officially notarized
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.