estonian scale-up
The Scale-Up Visa provides a great opportunity for Estonian scale-ups to enrich and grow their companies by employing foreign talent, a process that has now been made easier than ever before.
employer application
Check this list to see if your scale-up is pre-included as an Estonian scale-up that can hire non-EU employees on preferential terms.
If your company meets the scale-up definition listed in the Aliens Act §106'3, but is not on the list, you can request an evaluation. Please contact Startup Estonia's team for further information!
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Benefits of hiring as a qualified scaleup company
Qualified scaleup companies have the privilege to sponsor non-EU nationals without being subject to immigration quota and unemployment fund permission. The mandated salary minimum is set at 80% of the statistical average. Sponsored employees can relocate with their immediate family members.
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Navigating the process for hiring non-EU nationals
1. Short-term employment registration allows employment if the employee has a valid legal stay (visa or visa-freedom).
2. Verify if a Schengen D-visa is required for entry/stay
3. Secure a temporary residence permit for employment in a scaleup company
4. Post-residency address and tax residency registration
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If you have any questions regarding the migration process, please contact the free of charge Estonian Migration Advisors via email/telephone or schedule a consultation session through the International House of Estonia.
frequently asked questions
We recommend to provide information that you have been qualified as a startup by the Committee and add the application code in the „other important information related to the applications“ section of the application (on the end of the second page). Pursuant to § 16 (3) of the regulation 12.07.2017 no 7 of the Ministry of Interior upon submitting the application for a residence permit for entrepreneurship, if the company is a startup, the opinion of the Startup Committee should be submitted (you may print the e-mail you received) or the relevant information provided, including the application number.
A visa is issued within 30 days, a residence permit within 2 months (longer, if the application is submitted at an Estonian Embassy). Visa is issued for a temporary stay, a residence permit is issued for residing in Estonia. Third-country nationals staying in Estonia temporarily are not counted as residents, therefore the right to several public services is restricted for them.
