An Estonian company does not make its foreign owner or director a resident, and e-residency is not a residence permit. A non-EU national who wants to live in Estonia and manage the company here needs a temporary residence permit for enterprise, or a long-stay visa for a shorter stay. This guide explains the route, what the Police and Border Guard Board looks at, and how we prepare the application.
The guide is general information, not legal advice. The permit is decided by the Police and Border Guard Board (Politsei- ja Piirivalveamet, PPA); nobody can guarantee a permit.
The temporary residence permit for enterprise
Under the Aliens Act, a foreigner who participates in the management of an Estonian company as a shareholder or board member may receive a temporary residence permit for enterprise. The core conditions are:
- the company carries on real business activity in Estonia that is of economic importance, described in a credible business plan;
- the company has the capital investment required by the Aliens Act, made by the applicant or the company, and it can be proved;
- the applicant has a legal income, a place of residence in Estonia and health insurance;
- there are no grounds for refusal (security risks, false information, earlier violations).
The PPA decides within its statutory term, generally up to two months from a complete application, and may invite the applicant to an interview. Family members may apply for a permit to settle with the permit holder.
What makes an application succeed
- a business plan with a real market, customers, costs and the role of the applicant in Estonia — not a generic template;
- evidence for every figure: bank statements for the investment, contracts, a lease for the office;
- consistency between the business plan, the company's register data, its annual reports and its tax declarations.
How we help
- residence permit application for a management board member — : we review the documents against the Aliens Act, help with the business plan and prepare the application file;
- application for a family member — ;
- help with visa application forms — , for a long-stay (D) visa or a short visit;
- a written consultation — : one hour of a lawyer's time and up to ten pages of written material on your situation, by email.
State fees for the permit and the visa are paid by the applicant to the state and are not included. Documents in other languages usually need a sworn translation.
What you receive
- a complete permit application file that meets the Aliens Act requirements, ready for submission;
- answers to the PPA's questions during the procedure.
Prices exclude VAT. All communication takes place by email.
Ready to start? Residence permit application for a board member or a family member, or visa form assistance. Open the order form.
Frequently asked questions
Does e-residency or owning an Estonian company give a right to live in Estonia?
No. E-residency is a digital identity, not a residence permit, and owning a company gives no right of residence. A non-EU national needs a temporary residence permit for enterprise or a visa.
What does the Police and Border Guard Board look at in a permit for enterprise?
Real business activity of economic importance in Estonia, the capital investment the Aliens Act requires, a credible business plan with evidence, the applicant's legal income, residence and health insurance, and the absence of grounds for refusal. The decision is the Board's.
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.