Estonian Startup Visa: Features, Requirements, Process, All You Need to Know

Estonian Startup Visa is a special type of visa that lets founders from all over the world develop their innovative products in Estonia. It gives startups tax and credit benefits, access to e-government services, and investment opportunities in one of the strongest jurisdictions. The duration of the visa is one year, with the possibility of prolongation for an extra 6 months.

There are special application requirements to obtain the Startup visa in Estonia:

• A Technology-based, innovative, and scalable business
• The business model is expected to pack global growth potential
• The Startup Visa is aimed at tech-driven startups that solve global problems, disrupt industries, and serve thousands of people

The requirements to get a startup visa in Estonia are quite straightforward so it’s convenient to observe them in the table. However, we would like to compare it with its closest competitor – a startup visa in Latvia – to let you take a look at the context and determine why we consider the Estonian Startup visa to be one of the best in the EU.

If your project suits the criteria we’ve outlined before, let’s go over the application process for this visa type. First, you’ll have to get a company incorporated in Estonia. If you don’t have one yet, Enty will help you register one with ease. And company incorporation is already included in our startup visa application packages.

STEP 1: Fill out the qualification form
Introduce your company to the Startup Committee, giving as much useful information as you can

STEP 2: Qualification process
The Startup Committee consists of members of the Estonian startup community who will review the application and make a decision regarding your application in 10 business days. You'll get the verification letter with a unique application code. Save this code for the next steps

STEP 3: Apply for the visa
If your company passes the qualification, fill out the startup visa application and the application for a temporary residence permit using your unique application code. Apply in person at an Estonian embassy in a city of your choosing, or at a service point for the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board. If you need assistance, please contact the Migration advisory service

STEP 4: Prepare to move to Estonia
If your application is approved, get ready to move to Estonia. Such websites as Work in Estonia and Settle in Estonia will help you to take everything into account.

Besides creating comfortable living conditions for your family, you should take care of your startup. Enty lets you manage all business processes at once with our integrated accounting, invoicing, banking, and dozens of other features

When the Startup Committee has approved your application and you’ve got a special code, you should visit an Estonian embassy to provide your documents for a Startup visa and residence permit. What’s how you’ll accomplish two goals at once: submit a Startup visa and residence permit with a single visit to an embassy.

Here is the list of papers you need to take:

• Valid passport
• Confirmation letter from the Startup Committee regarding qualification as a startup, or confirmation regarding participation in a qualified accelerator program
• A completed residence permit application form
• A color photo sized 35x45 mm
• A document confirming the payment of the state fee (the state fee for a temporary residence permit is €190 for founders and €95 for each of their family members; the fee for a Startup visa is €80)
• An insurance policy valid for Estonia or for the Schengen area with a coverage of at least €30,000 for the entire duration of your stay
• Evidence of sufficient means of subsistence (the exact number varies highly between situations and can reach several thousands of euros per month)
• Evidence regarding your planned accommodation in Estonia for at least two weeks
• Any information that supports your intention to leave the Schengen area before the expiry of the visa, such as return flight tickets

Enty can help you apply for a Startup Visa with ease. We offer you two packages to obtain an Estonian Startup visa.

As you need a company in Estonia to apply for this type of visa, company incorporation is included in both packages. Your personal manager will help you fill out a visa application and obtain a residence permit. The main difference between the two packages is that the extended plan provides you with a review of all documents requested by the Startup Committee and assistance during each step of the valuation process.

Long story short, if you are unsure about the business model of your project, not sure about pitching it right, then the extended package will be the best choice for you. If you have a lot of experience with pitching the project, reviewed your business model then the basic package will be better for you.

Outside of helping you get Startup Visa, Enty will also cover all back-office processes of your company and will help your project grow and prosper. Easily move into Estonia and streamline your company management with Enty!