Estonia presents a rich and open startup ecosystem that supports ambitious individuals and startups. There are various partnerships with around 110 organizations all over Estonia, who help startups through different services.

Overview:

The Estonian Startup Visa is a chance for non-EU founders to grow their startup in Estonia. It is also a way for Estonian startups to hire non-EU talent. So, if you have a product that combines aspects of innovation and scalability, the Estonian Startup Visa may be what you are looking for.

Eligibility:

As a founder, you are eligible for the startup visa if:

• You have a technology-based, innovative, and scalable business. Your business model is expected to present global growth potential. 
• You get approval from the Startup Committee stating that your startup meets the requirements to pursue the Startup Visa. 
• you have at least €160 for every month you want to spend in Estonia (€1920 for a one-year visa) which is the bare minimum required by law.

There are two options if you want to run a startup in Estonia:

• 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 have 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:

1. Fill out the qualification form:
   You need to give information and details to introduce your company to the Startup Committee. You can fill the form here.
2. Qualification:
   The Startup Committee will review the application and make a decision within 10 working days. A verification letter with a unique application code will be sent to you. Make sure to save this code for the next steps.
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.

Application fees:

• For a long-term visa, the state fee is around €80 (Ukrainian and Belarusian residents are free from paying this type of fee).
• The state fee for a temporary residence permit is €160 when applying in Estonia, or €180 when applying at an Estonian embassy.

Required documents:

You are required to submit these documents in addition to 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

You are required to submit these documents 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
• 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

For more details or questions, click here.

Sources: Startup Estonia / Visa Guru

Last Updated: 07/2020