Opening a Company in Estonia

Estonia is a country with one of the most attractive investment climates among European countries. Entrepreneurs from the EU, and the former Soviet Union have long appreciated fin-tech's innovative high-tech legislation, zero tax rates, and the opportunities offered by a jurisdiction that is not included in any of the "black" world lists. A company in Estonia, including one founded by non-residents, can trade with partners and sell products in Europe without intermediaries, engage in cryptocurrency business, Blockchain, etc.

The country, which joined the European Union in 2004, has signed double taxation agreements with more than two dozen countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom.

In addition to tax benefits, the company has other advantages in Estonia:

• you don't need monthly reports — taxable companies submit them once a year;
• there are no requirements for a mandatory audit — it is carried out only for certain companies (with a turnover of 1.6 million euros, the number of employees from 24, assets from 800 thousand euros, etc.);
• there are no restrictions on the size of the authorized capital, and it can be formed within a year or even longer;
• ease of setting up a business and interacting with government agencies — Estonia has an e-Governance system and most formalities are carried out by electronic means;
• there is only one director in the company's management team, there are no residency requirements for members of the management board (you don't have to be an Estonian citizen), etc.

The country cannot be classified as a classic offshore haven, but it can become an example of a respectable, legally transparent and at the same time tax-free jurisdiction. Estonian legislation provides for rates of 0% for businesses that have not distributed profits. The zero level is maintained if the company does not conduct business in the jurisdiction, does not sell goods or services to tax residents.
After forming the dividends, they are charged 25%. There is also a zero rate for corporate tax.

Prior to profit sharing, a company in Estonia may:

• accumulate funds in Estonian bank accounts;
• reinvest without going beyond the zero tax rate regime;
• take foreign economic loans — only interest will be taxed, and not the "body" of the loan.

The standard VAT rate for non-resident legal entities in Estonia is 20%. It is not charged if the company sells goods outside the euro area, making this jurisdiction particularly attractive for international entrepreneurs. For organizations that hire an Estonian resident, there is an additional social tax of 33%. It is not charged to non-resident employees working outside the country. Additional charges (excise, customs, land, transport, etc.) are provided only under certain conditions.

Non-residents of Estonia may establish a business in one of the following forms:

• private company with limited liability — OÜs;
• private and open joint stock companies — OÜ and AS;
• partnerships in various forms — TU, UU;
• individual entrepreneurship — FIE.

The first form is most popular among non-residents. It is especially convenient for medium-sized businesses and corporate structures (along with joint-stock companies). OÜs can be founded by a single owner, and they can also join the management board — the presence of Estonian residents in it is not necessary. The company requires from 2.5 thousand euros of authorized capital. They can be deposited in cash to an account opened before registration documents are issued, transferred in the form of property, or transferred electronically when submitting an application. It is not necessary to pay for capital when starting a business, but you will need to do so before distributing dividends.

To open a joint-stock company or commercial partnership in the jurisdiction, non-resident must obtain a C-visa for business purposes and come to the country. Electronic registration is available when creating an OÜs or FIE — this is another argument "in their favor".

To use the national Commercial Register portal and open a business, you will need:

• choose a commercial name that does not contradict Estonian regulations;
• get a legal address and sign a contract with the person who will be the founders contact in Estonia;
• issue an ID card or mobile ID for identification and install electronic signature software;
• enter information about the founders of the company, its name, field of work (including EMTAC codes) in the portal environment and draw up a charter;
• pay the state fee-depending on the type of organization, from 13 to 145 euros (for an accelerated procedure, the fee increases);
• if desired, you can make a share capital contribution (this is not necessary).

The procedure takes from 20 minutes to one working day. If the capital is paid in real property or the founders cannot use an electronic signature, it is necessary to register the case with the help of a notary. It will help you draw up and submit a contract, charter, application, bank certificate, and other documents to the register. It will guarantee the legal correctness of the procedure. When notarized, the registration process will take up to 3 days — if all the documents are drawn up correctly.