Welcome to the innovative world of Estonia's e-Residency program! This guide is your gateway to understanding how e-Residency offers you a unique digital identity, enabling you to launch and manage a business from anywhere in the world.
Whether you're starting your first venture or scaling an existing one, our guide is designed to be clear, informative, and empowering. We'll walk you through the steps and tools that make managing a digital business straightforward and efficient. Embrace the confidence that comes with having a world of resources at your fingertips. Let's embark on this exciting journey together!
What is Estonian e-Residency?
Estonian e-Residency is a digital identity program launched by the government of Estonia in 2014. It is not the same as physical residency or citizenship in Estonia but provides non-residents with a government-issued digital ID card. This digital ID allows individuals to access a wide range of Estonian e-services, conduct business, and engage in various online activities without needing to be physically present in Estonia.
#1: Benefits of Estonian e-Residency:
Online Business Registration: One of the primary benefits of e-Residency is the ability to register and manage an Estonian company entirely online. This means you can establish and run a location-independent business with ease.
Access to the European Market: Estonia is a member of the European Union (EU) and the Eurozone, providing e-residents with a gateway to the EU market, which comprises hundreds of millions of consumers.
Ease of Doing Business: Estonia is known for its straightforward and efficient business environment. E-residents can benefit from this business-friendly ecosystem, including a transparent tax system.
Secure Digital Identity: The e-Residency digital ID is highly secure and tamper-proof. It can be used to sign documents digitally and access various e-services securely.
Global Business Network: E-residents can connect with a global community of like-minded entrepreneurs and access resources and networks that can help grow their businesses.
#2: e-Residency Common Misconceptions
Citizenship or Residency: Some mistakenly believe that e-Residency grants citizenship or residency in Estonia. It does not. E-residency is a digital identity program that provides access to e-services.
Tax Benefits: While Estonia offers a competitive tax environment, it's important to understand that e-Residency does not automatically confer tax benefits. Being an e-resident does not exempt you from domestic tax obligations in the countries where you reside or work.
Physical Presence: E-residents are not required to live in Estonia. Your e-Residency card allows you to access Estonian e-services remotely from anywhere in the world.
Banking Services: E-residency does not automatically provide access to Estonian banking services. You'll need to separately open a bank account in Estonia or use international banking solutions.
Full Access to Social Services: E-residents are not entitled to the same social services and benefits that Estonian residents or citizens enjoy. E-Residency primarily focuses on facilitating business activities.
In summary, Estonian e-Residency is a valuable tool for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and anyone looking to leverage Estonia's digital infrastructure and business-friendly environment. It's essential to understand what e-Residency offers and what it does not, to make the most of this unique opportunity. In the following sections, we will guide you through the application process, helping you embark on your e-Residency journey with confidence.
#3: Become an e-Resident (3-8 weeks)
Becoming an e-Resident of Estonia is a straightforward process that typically takes between 3 to 8 weeks to complete. Here are the main steps:
Apply Online: Begin by applying online through the official e-Residency website. During the application, you'll need to choose your preferred pickup location and prepare the necessary documents.
Identity Check: Your application will go through an identity check, which may take 8 to 30 days. This step ensures that your information aligns with the requirements for e-Residency.
Card Delivery: Once your application is approved, the e-Residency card will be produced and delivered to your chosen pickup location. This process usually takes 2 to 5 weeks.
Pick Up Your Card: You will receive an email notification when your e-Residency card is ready for pickup. Be sure to bring the same ID you used in your application when collecting your card.
Set Up Your Card: Your e-Residency card is automatically activated within 24 hours after pickup. The card comes with instructions on how to install the necessary ID software (Digidoc), enabling you to start using your new digital ID.
While this overview provides the main steps, you can find a comprehensive guide on applying for Estonian e-Residency, including detailed instructions and tips, in our article: "Applying for Estonian e-Residency: A Step-by-Step Guide." This detailed guide will walk you through each stage of the process, ensuring a smooth and successful application for e-Residency.
#4: Start a Company (1-2 days)
Estonia's approach to business and technology makes it an ideal destination for e-residents seeking to establish a private limited company (OÜ). In this updated guide, we'll walk you through the process of setting up your OÜ, highlighting the recent changes and key steps to ensure a smooth and compliant registration.
Understanding a Private Limited Company (OÜ)
The osaühing (OÜ) is a form of business where:
Share Capital: The company's share capital is divided into shares, which are not publicly traded.
Liability: The company is liable for its obligations with all of its assets, protecting shareholders from personal liability.
Recent Changes in Share Capital Requirements
Minimum Share Capital: As of February 1, 2023, the required minimum share capital per shareholder is €0.01.
Immediate Payment: Unlike the previous provision for deferred payment, shareholders must now confirm the share capital contribution during the company registration process in the e-Business Register.
Founders' Flexibility and Liability
Capital Decision: Founders have the freedom to decide the amount of share capital based on their business needs and planned activities.
Liability for Incorrect Assessment: Founders are responsible for any damage caused by incorrect assessments of contributions or start-up costs.
Bankruptcy Proceedings: In cases of bankruptcy proceedings terminated by abatement without declaring bankruptcy, if the share capital is less than €2,500, the court may require the shareholder to pay an amount of up to €2,500 to cover fees and expenses.
Step-by-Step Registration Process.
Step 1: Prepare
The steps for registering your OÜ remain largely the same, except the share capital contribution requirements:
Deciding on the Name: Choose a unique name using Latin or Estonian letters, including unique Estonian characters like “ä,” “ö,” “õ,” and “ü.”.
Decide on the Share Capital Size: Confirm the payment of the share capital during registration.
Choosing the Main Area of Activity: Select an EMTAK code that aligns with your primary business activity, which is the one expected to generate the most revenue. Even if your company engages in several business activities, only one main activity should be chosen for this purpose. Details about your company's other business activities will be published in your company’s annual report.
Legal Address and Contact Person: Estonian law requires your company to have a legal address. If the management board is located outside of Estonia, you must also appoint a local contact person. This person is responsible for receiving official documents but doesn’t have the authority to make decisions for the company.
Changes in Share Capital Requirements:
Minimum Share Capital: As of February 1, 2023, the required minimum share capital per shareholder is €0.01.
Immediate Payment: Unlike the previous provision for deferred payment, shareholders must now confirm the share capital contribution during the company registration process in the e-Business Register. In cases of bankruptcy proceedings terminated by abatement without declaring bankruptcy, if the share capital is less than €2,500, the court may require the shareholder to pay an amount of up to €2,500 to cover fees and expenses.
Step 2: Starting a Company as an e-Resident
For e-Residents looking to establish a company in Estonia, selecting the right service provider is crucial. eFinance's Entrepreneur Plan stands out as an optimal choice, particularly due to its comprehensive service offerings and cost-effective approach. Here’s why this plan is highly beneficial:
Cost Parity with Self-Setup:
No Cost Difference: Whether you choose to set up your company independently or through eFinance, the cost remains similar. eFinance charges no additional fees for the company registration service, aligning with the expenses you'd incur if you were to handle the process yourself.
Cost-Effective: Unlike some service providers who charge extra for company registration, eFinance includes this service within the Entrepreneur Plan at no additional cost.
Simplicity and Transparency: This approach simplifies the financial aspect of setting up your business, offering transparency and predictability in costs.
Added Value Services:
Complimentary VAT Registration: The plan extends its value by offering VAT registration services at no extra cost, a crucial aspect for businesses operating within the EU.
Bank Account Opening Support: eFinance assists with bank account opening, providing guidance and support through this often complex process.
Essential Legal Compliance Made Easy:
Local Contact Person Requirement: For e-Resident businesses managed from outside Estonia, appointing a local contact person is not just beneficial but legally required. eFinance’s plan ensures this compliance effortlessly.
Streamlined Legal Formalities: With eFinance, you get the mandatory Estonian contact person included in your plan, streamlining your compliance with local business laws.
Comprehensive Service Offering:
Business Address: The plan provides a legal business address in Estonia, necessary for company registration and receiving official communications.
Mail Handling Services: Along with a contact person and business address, eFinance offers mail handling services, ensuring that all your business correspondence is managed efficiently.
Join the eFinance Affiliate Program:
Earn with eFinance: As an e-Resident client of eFinance, you have the unique opportunity to join the eFinance Affiliate Program.
Lifetime Compensation: Affiliate program members earn a 20% lifetime commission from the sale revenue. This is an incredible opportunity to generate ongoing income while benefiting from eFinance’s services.
Expand Your Network: By participating in the affiliate program, not only do you benefit financially, but you also get to expand your professional network and collaborate with a community of like-minded entrepreneurs.
Pricing of the Entrepreneur Pro Plan:
Monthly Subscription Fee: The Entrepreneur Pro Plan is available at a monthly subscription fee of €25, plus VAT.
Payment Terms: The subscription fee is typically billed monthly, providing an easy and manageable payment structure for e-Residents.
Conclusion: A Practical Approach to Digital Entrepreneurship
Estonian e-Residency is more than a program for company formation; it's a gateway to a new way of working, specially designed for the modern digital nomad. This innovative initiative offers you the ability to manage your business from anywhere in the world, combining flexibility with efficiency.
For digital nomads, e-Residency isn’t just a path to business establishment; it's a strategic move towards joining a community that values mobility, flexibility, and digital connectivity. It embodies Estonia's forward-thinking approach to global business and digital advancement.
As you consider becoming an e-Resident, remember that this decision marks a step into a lifestyle that redefines entrepreneurship. It’s a commitment to a business operation that transcends geographical boundaries, offering you the freedom and flexibility that is essential for a digital nomad.
eFinance blog aims to provide you with a pragmatic roadmap to navigate the e-Residency process. The future of digital entrepreneurship is not just a concept; it’s a reality that’s unfolding now, and it starts with your initiation into e-Residency.
Welcome to a world where your business travels with you – welcome to Estonia’s digital nation!