Travel license in Estonia

The topic is quite complex and often requires careful analysis before starting your business. Some activity fields for a travel company/undertaking require registration with the economic activity registry (this is what is meant by "license) and also have a security/deposit obligation.

According to the Estonian Tourism Act:

A travel undertaking is an undertaking which operates as a tour operator, travel retailer or undertaking which facilitates the conclusion of contracts on linked travel arrangements for the purposes of economic or professional activities relating to packages and linked travel arrangements.

A notification to the registry is needed in the following cases:

1) organisation of packages which include travel services provided in Estonia;

 2) organisation of packages which include travel services provided outside of Estonia and charter flights;

 3) organisation of packages which include travel services provided outside of Estonia and scheduled flights;

 4) organisation of packages which include travel services provided outside of Estonia, except for charter flights or scheduled flights;

 5) intermediation of packages combined by a travel undertaking of a state outside the European Economic Area;

 6) offer of linked travel arrangements which include travel services provided in Estonia and outside of Estonia or only outside of Estonia, and facilitation of entry into contracts;

 7) offer of linked travel arrangements which include travel services provided in Estonia and facilitation of entry into contracts.

The minimum security amounts for a company are listed below (exceptions apply):

Field of activity	The minimum amount of security
1. Organisation of package tours including travel services provided in Estonia	There is no minimum amount of security, but security is required.
2. Organisation of package tours, including travel services outside Estonia and charter flights.	At least 7% of total package sales, but not less than EUR 32 000.
3. Organisation of package tours, including travel services and scheduled flights outside Estonia	At least 3% of total package sales, but not less than EUR 32 000.
4. Travel services, other than package tours, other than package tours including charter or scheduled flights, provided outside Estonia.	At least 7% of total package sales, but not less than EUR 13 000.
5. Package travel brokerage by a non-EEA tour operator	At least 7% of total package sales, but not less than EUR 32 000.
6. Provision of related travel arrangement services and facilitation of the conclusion of contracts involving travel services in Estonia and outside Estonia or exclusively outside Estonia.	At least 3% of the total sales of related tour operator services, but not less than EUR 13 000.
7. Provision and facilitation of the contracting of related tour operator services, including travel services provided in Estonia.	There is no minimum amount of security, but security is required.

There are also quarterly sales report obligations for companies.

The situation can be complex and we are happy to help you navigate you in this complexity. We have years of experience in advising companies in the tourism sector. Do not be alarmed by the different regulations, there is a chance your activity does not qualify for these requirements. If you need this analysed, drop us a message info@expatlegalestonia.com .