While e-residency of Estonia does not give any legal right for physical relocation, it can still be used as a gateway to build a case for immigration. For years we have published updated guidelines on different options and we have done an updated version for 2026 as well (see below). It is important to note that it can take time to build a case for your specific situation. Immigration laws are tough and there is no easy way for people outside the EU to settle in Estonia. Neve

Estonia has been running a programme for startups for many years and the main aim is to attract talent to incorporate and develop their business physically in Estonia. The programme defines it as follows: Startup is a technology-based, innovative, and scalable business that has an MVP and the first traction. They offer a test for determining the eligibility: https://startupestonia.ee/start-up-in-estonia/startup-visa/#quiz The startup idea has to receive an approval from Star

There are certain important changes that will take effect from the 1st of January 2026 and we will outline them below: TRP for settling permanently There will be 2 additional conditions attached to applying for a permit to settle permanently: A2 Estonian language level; Completion of a "welcoming programme". While the welcoming or settling programme is nothing major then the language requirement will certainly pose a challenge for many as right now most applicants applying fo

Running a company in Estonia without e-residency

Recently Estonia published a list of countries which' citizens will not receive e-residency and who's e-residency will be extended only in very special circumstances, the countries are: Russia, Belarussia, Afghanistan, Iran, Yemen, North Korea, Mali, Nigeria, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Burkina Faso. This does not mean the other nationalities will face an easy extension. Recently the Police and Border Guard are looking more and more into the fact if the

The minimum investment required to apply for a residence permit based on investment is 65 000 euros. What other requirements should be kept in mind? The investment needs to be made into the capital of an Estonian company that has used the investment to purchase real-estate, machinery or equipment; It is common that the Police and Border Guard ask for a business plan for the next 2 years showing how the investment will benefit the business and also what kind of a benefit will

The immigration quota for 2026 is yet to be published but it will be around the same as it been - 1300 more or less. Previous years we...

Liquidation service costs 325 euros

Many international entrepreneurs and e-resident business owners in Estonia ask the same question: why should I go through the official...

In light of recent YOLO Group mass layoffs, we thought to touch the topic of what next, from a legal point of view. Your residence...