What is the difference between Estonia's Startup Visa and the startup residence permit?

Estonia offers two routes for founders. The Startup Visa is a long-stay (type D) visa, which can be issued for up to 365 days and extended for a further period, and it lets you travel within the Schengen area for short visits during its validity.

For founders who want to stay and grow the company over years rather than months, the startup residence permit (a temporary residence permit) is the longer-term option. Many founders begin on the visa to get established and then move onto the residence permit as the business develops.