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Looks like the Estonian Startup Visa has caught your interest. Lovely! Here are some pointers on eligibility and your next steps.

am i eligible for a startup visa?

To be eligible for the Startup Visa as a founder, you’ll need:

  • A Technology based, innovative and scalable business. Your business model is expected to pack global growth potential. Think Airbnb and Uber, not restaurants or one-man consultancies. The Startup Visa is aimed at tech-driven startups that solve big problems, disrupt industries and serve millions of people.
  • Approval from the Startup Committee stating that you meet the definition of a startup and can pursue the Startup Visa. Your application will be reviewed by people who work with startups on a daily basis. They have eagle eyes, so traditional companies won’t make the cut.
  • At least €800 for every month you want to spend in Estonia. It is the bare minimum required by law. That said, considering that decent rental flats cost around €600 a month on top of regular living expenses, you’ll need more money to enjoy a comfortable life in Estonia.

how to apply for a startup visa?

1
take an eligibility test

Does your startup meet the criteria?

Explore our online tool to assess your chances of getting the startup status and identify areas for improvement.

2
go to form

Fill out the startup code application

Introduce your company to the Startup Committee, giving as much useful information as you can. Think of it as applying to an accelerator program or pitching to a potential investor.

3

Startup evaluation process

The Startup Committee consists of selected members of the Estonian startup community. It will review the application and make a decision within 10 working days. When your startup meets the criteria, you'll get the verification letter with a unique application code. Save this code for the next steps.

4
more information

Apply for the visa and/or temporary residence permit as a founder

Upon receiving the startup code, verify if you require a visa for Estonia. If not, enter Estonia, and apply for a Schengen D visa at the Police Board before visa-freedom expires. If a visa is required, locate the nearest Estonian embassy for Schengen D-visa applications. After registering a company in Estonia, apply for a temporary residence permit for business. Contact a Migration Advisors for more info.

5
International House of Estonia

Let the adventure begin

Discover Estonia's thriving business landscape and its resident benefits. Streamline everyday tasks, from opening a bank account to registering with a family doctor.

required documents

Check the list of required documents and submit them along with your application.

Submit these documents along with your visa application

  • Valid travel document issued within the previous 10 years, that has at least two blank pages for visas and is valid until at least 3 months after the expiration date of the visa
  • Visa application form– completed online
  • Confirmation letter from the Startup Committee regarding qualification as a startup
  • A color photo sized 35 x 45 mm
  • A document confirming the payment of the state fee €100.00
  • 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
  • Proof of funds- at least €800 per month
  • Confirmation of planned accommodation in Estonia
  • Travel booking to Estonia

Pro tips:

  • Make sure to review the embassy website for the list of necessary documents prior to scheduling your appointment.
  • When arranging your trip for visa purposes, opt for flexible flights or travel plans.
  • Include a brief cover letter outlining your educational and career background, as well as your business intentions in Estonia.

Bring your family with you

If a startup is granted a visa, the same may be granted to their family – spouse, children and adult children who, due to their health status or disability, are not self-reliant. The same applies to the family when the Startup Visa is extended.

read more

Submit these documents along with your temporary residence permit application

  • Valid travel document
  • Application form
  • Proof of legal income per month (€800)
  • Insurance coverage (coverage at least 6000€ per year)
  • Family form (include all close family members: parents, spouse, children)
  • A color photo sized 35 x 45 mm
  • State fee payment (€160)
  • Proof of purpose- Startup Committee’s positive decision

Pro tip:

  • Include a brief cover letter outlining your educational and career background, how you plan to support yourself in Estonia, and your business intentions.

Bring your family with you

If a startup is granted a visa, the same may be granted to their family – spouse, children and adult children who, due to their health status or disability, are not self-reliant. The same applies to the family when the Startup Visa is extended.

read more

additional information

Get more information about moving to Estonia

Work in Estonia roadmap with each step described is here to help while planning to come to Estonia.

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Personal consultancy

Free consultations for expats arriving or currently living in Estonia, available online and on site.

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Relocation is easy if you know where to start! Here is your go-to list of service providers who can take care of you at every step of the trip.

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frequently asked questions

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If a startup is granted a visa, the same may be granted to their family – spouse, minor children, and children that have reached the age of maturity but who due to their health status or disability are not self-reliant. The same applies to the family when the startup visa is extended.

The state fee for the review of a long-stay visa application is 80 euros and 60 euros for a short stay visa. No additional state fees are foreseen for the review of the application submitted to the Startup Committee.

The applicant’s’ company has to be in accordance with the startup definition in the Aliens Act. According to Aliens Act, a start-up is a business unit owned by a company registered in Estonia that is commencing operations and whose goal is to develop and launch an innovative and repeatable business model with great global growth potential and which contributes significantly to the development of the business environment in Estonia. Also, the company should be not older than 10 years.

A short-stay visa for a stay up to 90 days is a Schengen visa. A long-stay visa for startup for a stay to up to 365 days (can be extended for another 183 days) is a national visa. You may also visit other Schengen countries with a national visa for a stay of up to 90 days.
view all

talent & relocation services on ecosystem platform

Relocation is easy if you know where to start! Here is your go-to list of service providers who can take care of you at every step of the trip.

Talent & Relocation services on ecosystem platform

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