Many foreign owners of Estonian companies eventually need more than a registered address: an office where the team can work, a flat for a relocating director, or a property investment. Estonia has an open real estate market with few restrictions for foreigners, but the transactions are formal and the contracts are in Estonian. This guide explains how renting and buying work and how we support you from abroad.
The guide is general information, not legal advice.
Renting an office or a flat
Commercial and residential leases are governed by the Law of Obligations Act. A lease can be signed in simple written or electronic form; a notary is not required. What deserves attention is the contract itself: the term and notice periods, indexation of the rent, the deposit, who pays the utilities and repairs, and the condition of the premises at the start and at the end.
- help renting a flat, house or office — : search according to your brief, viewings reported to you in writing with photos, negotiation and the lease;
- review of a lease or other contract — : a marked-up contract and a short memo on the risks.
Office space for the company
A company that needs a working office — for staff, for a licence application that requires real presence in Estonia, or for a residence permit — can take ready office space in Tallinn on a monthly basis:
- small office — ;
- standard office — ;
- A-class office — .
Supervisory authorities assess whether a licensed company's management is really in Estonia; a registered address alone does not show that. Office space and staff do.
Buying real estate
A real estate purchase in Estonia must be concluded as a notarial deed, and ownership passes with the entry in the land register. Foreign natural persons and companies from the EEA and OECD can generally buy without restrictions; agricultural and forest land above certain sizes and land in certain border and security areas require a permit from the local authority. The notary checks the identity and the funds; the buyer pays the notary fee and the state fee for the land register entry.
Our help buying or selling real estate () covers the title and encumbrance check in the land register, the review of the draft deed and the preparation of the notarial transaction, and — with a power of attorney — signing on your behalf.
What you receive
- a lease or a notarial deed that protects your interests;
- for purchases: a title check before you commit.
Prices exclude VAT; notary fees, state fees and agents' fees are paid separately. All communication takes place by email.
Ready to start? Help renting or buying, a contract review, or office space. Open the order form.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner buy real estate in Estonia?
Generally yes. The purchase is a notarial deed and ownership passes with the land register entry. Agricultural and forest land above certain sizes and land in certain border and security areas need a permit from the local authority.
Is a registered address enough for a licensed company?
Usually not. Supervisory authorities assess whether a licensed company's management is really in Estonia; a registered address alone does not show that. Office space and staff in Estonia do.
Related guides
- Registered address and contact person in Estonia
- Estonian VAT registration
- Company secretary service in Estonia
- Annual obligations of an Estonian company
More on this topic: E-resident services.