Estonia

Estonia

Company Formation in Estonia

Estonia

Formation Time
1–3 business days
Min. Capital
€2,500 (can be deferred)
Corporate Tax
0% on retained / 20% on distribution
Foreign Ownership
100%

Overview

Estonia is the world's most advanced digital society and the pioneer of e-Residency — a government-issued digital identity that allows anyone in the world to start and manage an EU company fully online. Estonia's unique corporate tax system charges 0% on retained profits and 20% only when profits are distributed as dividends. This makes it ideal for reinvesting entrepreneurs and digital businesses.

0% on retained profits
e-Residency programme
Digital-first EU
15-min formation

Why Choose Estonia

1

0% tax on retained earnings — only taxed on distribution

2

e-Residency — start an EU company from anywhere

3

Digital-first government — all filings done online

4

EU and Eurozone member

5

€2,500 capital can be deferred (not paid at formation)

6

Startup visa programme

7

Leading digital and tech ecosystem

Business Entity Types

EntityOwnershipDirectorsCapitalTaxBest For
OÜ (Osaühing)100%1 (board member)€2,500 (can be deferred)0% retained; 20% on distribution (14% for regular distributions)Digital businesses, consultants, startups

Step-by-Step Formation Process

1

Apply for e-Residency (if needed)

3–6 weeks (one-time)

Apply online and collect your e-Residency card at an Estonian embassy.

2

Online Company Registration

15 minutes (instant)

Register via the Estonian Business Register portal using e-Residency digital ID.

3

Bank Account

1–4 weeks

Open an Estonian or EU business bank account.

Costs & Fees

Government / License FeeEUR 265+
Our Service FeeUSD 1,800+
Annual RenewalUSD 1,200+

Fees are indicative and may vary based on business activity, entity type, and additional approvals required. Contact us for a precise custom quote.

Get Custom Quote

Banking

Estonian banks have tightened requirements for non-residents. EMIs and neobanks are the fastest option.

Account Opening Time
1–4 weeks
Multi-Currency
Yes — multiple currencies supported

Recommended Banks

LHV BankWise BusinessRevolut BusinessPayoneer

Tax Overview

Corporate Tax
0% on retained; 20/80 on distribution (effective 20%); 14/86 on regular distributions
Personal Income Tax
20% flat
VAT / Sales Tax
22%
Capital Gains Tax
Included in CIT on distribution
Withholding Tax
0% on dividends to non-residents (if CIT paid)
Double Tax Treaties
60 countries

Estonia's unique system means 0% tax as long as profits stay in the company. Tax is only triggered when dividends are paid — at 20% (or 14% for regular distributions).