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.
To run your startup in Estonia, you have two options:
- If you don't yet have an Estonian company, you can apply for a long-term startup visa (up to 12 months) or a short-term visa (up to 3 months)
- If you you've already set up an Estonian company, you can apply for either a startup visa (both short-term or long-term) or a temporary residence permit for startup business (up to five years).
How to Apply for a Startup Visa?
Step 1
Fill out the qualification form
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.
Step 2
Qualification
The Startup Committee consists of members of the Estonian startup community. It will review the application and make a decision within 10 working 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 qualification, fill out the startup-visa application or 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
Let the adventure begin
If your application is approved, get ready to move to Estonia. There are excellent sites that help you prepare, such as Work in Estonia, Welcoming Programme, and Topia.
Required Documents
Submit these documents along with your visa application
- Valid travel document
- Confirmation letter from the Startup Committee regarding qualification as a startup, or confirmation regarding participation in a qualified accelerator program
- A color photo sized 35 x 45 mm
- A document confirming the payment of the state fee
- 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
- Evidence regarding your planned accommodation in Estonia
- Any information that supports your intention to leave the Schengen area before the expiry of the visa, such as return flight tickets
Submit these documents along with your temporary residence permit application
- Valid travel document
- Confirmation letter from the Startup Committee regarding qualification as a startup or confirmation regarding participation in a qualified accelerator program
- A color photo sized 35 x 45 mm
- A document confirming the payment of the state fee
- 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
- Evidence regarding your planned accommodation in Estonia
- Any information that supports your intention to leave the Schengen area before the expiry of the visa, such as return flight tickets
Additional Information
Costs
For a long-term visa, the state fee is €100.
The state fee for a temporary residence permit is €160 when applying in Estonia, or €190 when applying at an Estonian embassy.
The state fee for a temporary residence permit is €160 when applying in Estonia, or €190 when applying at an Estonian embassy.
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.
Have more questions? That's cool. Here are some we get quite often.
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