Moving Your Business to Estonia: Visa Routes for Founders and Investors

This guide covers the 1 verified route for founders and investors moving a business to Estonia. Every figure comes from our program review dated September 15, 2026. Rules change often, so treat this as a starting point and confirm the details with an expert before you commit money or time.

Startup Visa

Estonia's Startup Visa gives founders of innovative, technology-driven businesses a route to a D-visa (up to 12 months) or a temporary residence permit (up to 5 years), subject to Startup Committee endorsement. There's no minimum investment requirement — instead, applicants must show proof of funds of at least €800 per month (about €9,600/year), which the program describes as the bare statutory minimum required by law. Spouses need €640/month.

Who it suits: Non-EU/EEA/Swiss founders of technology-based, innovative, scalable startups with at least an MVP. Minimum investment: None — proof-of-funds requirement of €800/month per founder (€640/month for spouse) instead. Active involvement: Yes. What you receive: D-visa (up to 12 months) or Temporary Residence Permit (up to 5 years). Family: Yes. Path to permanent residence: Conditional — PR after 5 years continuous legal residence; citizenship after 8 years.

Worth knowing: Estonia's e-Residency is a separate product and is not a residence program. According to the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board, an e-Resident's digital ID does not grant the right to reside in Estonia.

No longer available

e-Residency (Not an immigration program, since Always). e-Residency is a digital business identity. It does not grant the right to live or work in Estonia.

This guide is directional guidance only and is not legal or immigration advice. A consulting session will tell you which route fits your business and what to prepare first.