After choosing Estonia, the next step is to decide on the registration method. In this jurisdiction, there are two options: e-Residency or a notary. Each approach has its own specifics, and below we explain which option works best in different situations.
Company via e-Residency
Since 2014, Estonia has had the state e-Residency program. It allows non-residents to obtain a digital ID card that provides access to government online services, including company registration.
The e-Resident card is not an identity document, does not grant the right to reside in Estonia, and does not make the holder a tax resident of the country.
It is a simple digital identifier (similar to Diia in Ukraine) that allows you to register a business or sign documents in just a few clicks.
To order the card, it is enough to submit an application on the website of the Estonian Police. The application must include personal data, a CV, a photo of the applicant, a passport copy, and a description of the business.
The average processing time is one month. Additionally, allow about two weeks for delivery of the card to the Estonian embassy or consulate in the country where you reside, where you will personally collect the card.
You cannot authorize another person to collect the card, because you must personally undergo biometrics at the embassy or consulate and sign for receipt. After collection, the card is automatically activated within one day.
Although the electronic registration process takes one to two days after receiving the card, the waiting time for the card is a negative factor compared to notarial registration. If you have a tight launch schedule, consider this time and order the card in advance.
Electronic registration through e-Residency involves submitting an application using a specific template that lists the company founders, share capital, and their respective shares. This format involves a model set of articles of association, which is a very simple document in Estonian, and the company activities are regulated by the Estonian Commercial Code.
Electronic registration in Estonia does not allow registration with custom articles of association or in another language.
If you have questions about choosing the registration method or document requirements, our team can advise you and help determine the most suitable option.
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Notarial registration of a company in Estonia
One of the less obvious advantages of notarial company registration is speed. In the current fast-paced environment, situations often arise where a registered legal entity is needed “yesterday”. In such cases, a business has no time to wait for delivery of e-Residency cards.
An alternative registration method involves notarizing powers of attorney, sending them to Estonia, translating them into Estonian, and registering the legal entity with an Estonian notary. The entire process typically takes around 1.5–2 weeks.
Another challenge of electronic registration is the requirement for an in-person visit to an Estonian embassy or consulate, which is not always convenient for residents of other cities. A notary, however, is available everywhere.
Notarial registration allows you to establish any type of company, not only an OÜ as in electronic registration. You can use custom articles of association, for example those that provide a different voting procedure, special rights for participants, or that are written in another language. With notarial registration, you may also attach additional documents to the articles. For example, this is how an appraisal of intangible assets can be included when such assets are contributed to the company’s share capital. It is also common for company founders to have shareholders’ agreements that regulate their relations and must be attached during company registration.
However, the notarial format for establishing a company also has issues. The main one is cost. Unlike electronic registration, where the number of company participants does not matter, the notarial route requires a power of attorney and its translation into Estonian for each founder. Notary services are paid separately.
Comparison of OÜ registration methods
| Setup format | Electronic | Notarial |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility | Only for e-Residents | For everyone |
| Company type | Only OÜ (LLC) | All types: OÜ, AS, foundation, etc. |
| Articles of Association | Standard (model) | Custom articles with any terms |
| Document language | Estonian | Any language with official translation |
| Speed | 1–2 days (card waiting time ~1.5 months) | 2 weeks |
| Legal address | Required | Required |
| Cost | Minimal, independent of the number of founders | Includes translation and notary services |
| Process | Online | Power of attorney or personal visit to Estonia |
If you need to register a simple OÜ with standard articles of association, and you have the time and ability to obtain an e-Residency card, consider electronic registration. This will save costs in the initial stages of establishing your business and simplify its administration.
If you are considering registering a public limited company (AS) or an OÜ with custom articles of association or other documents, the notarial format is suitable.
In our experience, many cases combine both processes: notarial registration for a fast project start, followed by ordering and linking e-Residency cards for convenient company management.
Our team can guide on obtaining an e-Residency card, Estonian taxation, and assist with company registration, along with ongoing local accounting support from Estonian accountants.
FAQ about company registration in Estonia through e-Residency
What is e-Residency and what does it provide?
Is e-Residency required to open a company?
No. A company can be registered through a notary via a power of attorney. This is useful if there is no time to wait for the card, or traveling to an embassy for biometrics is inconvenient.
Which is faster, e-Residency or norati?
Electronic registration typically takes 1–2 days after receiving the card, but obtaining the card usually takes about a month, plus an additional 2 weeks for delivery. Notarial registration takes approximately 1.5–2 weeks from the moment the powers of attorney are ready.
Need custom Articles or another document language?
How do costs differ?
Electronic registration involves minimal costs, independent of the number of founders. Notarial registration includes powers of attorney, translations, and notary fees, and expenses increase with the number of participants. In both cases, a legal address is required.
