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This is Estonia's two-stage route for startup founders: first a long-stay visa to develop the startup, then a temporary residence permit for business to stay longer-term. Founding a qualifying startup is exempt from the immigration quota.
Estonia's Startup Visa route is for non-EU founders of innovative, technology-based, scalable startups with global growth potential. It works in two stages — a long-stay (D) visa to get the startup off the ground, followed by a temporary residence permit for business for the longer term.
To qualify, your company must be registered in the Estonian Business Register (no older than 10 years) and receive a positive evaluation from the Ministry of the Interior's startup expert committee. You also need proof of sufficient income to support yourself and adequate health insurance. Founding a qualifying startup is exempt from the immigration quota. The committee evaluates in 10 working days, the startup visa takes about 30 days, and the residence permit is decided within 90 days; fees are EUR 120 for the startup (D) visa and EUR 350 for the residence permit for business in Estonia.
The evaluation criteria and fees can change, so confirm the current details on the official source before applying. If you are shaping a startup for Estonia, ACME can help you understand what the expert committee looks for and plan both stages.
Get a free, personalised assessment from a licensed ACME advisor, or ask Acey.
Guidance only, not legal advice. ACME is an independent consultancy, not affiliated with any government. Rules change, confirm details with official sources.