We help non-residents set up an Estonian OÜ: advising on the right structure, managing the entire registration process, and supporting your business launch. We explain compliance requirements, operational specifics, and help you connect payment and financial solutions
WoBorders is an independent private consulting company. We provide advisory and administrative support and are not affiliated with any government authority or official registry
countries where we support company formation and international business growth
years of experience in international business consulting and structuring
clients who successfully launched their businesses abroad with our support
We are proud of our clients and sincerely grateful for their trust
Estonian OÜ can be used in different business models, both online and with a physical presence. However, it is most commonly chosen for international sales and service-based businesses. Below are the scenarios where this format provides the greatest value
A European company for international operations: contracts, invoicing, and payments with EU and US clients within a transparent and business-friendly jurisdiction
Company setup and ongoing management can be handled fully online through e-Residency
Ukrainians are among the most active users of the e-Residency program (Source: e-Residency Dashboard) data from 07.19.2026
Average time spent on tax administration is about 5 hours per year (compared to around 37 hours in the EU)
Estonia receives high ratings for the quality of its business environment and digital services (Business Ready, 2024)
Have questions about company registration? Contact us
Estonia has one of the simplest tax systems in Europe. Below are the key taxes and reporting requirements for Estonian companies. The applicable rules depend on your turnover, business structure, and the owner’s tax residency.
Non-residents can choose from several legal forms. Below is a brief overview of their key features and typical use cases. In most cases, OÜ is the optimal structure for non-residents
OÜ is a private limited liability company, the most popular structure for small and medium-sized businesses. It is equivalent to a Polish Limited Liability Company.
– Share capital: starting from €0 (may be contributed later)
– Founders: one or more individuals or legal entities
– Liability limited to share capital (no personal liability)
– Most popular choice for e-Residency
Who it is suitable for:
Best fit for online businesses, IT/SaaS, consulting, freelancers, and investment projects.
AS (Aktsiaselts) is a public limited company suitable for large businesses, holding structures, or companies planning an IPO.
– Minimum share capital: €25 000
– Founders: one or more individuals or legal entities
– Supervisory board required
– Can raise capital through the issuance of shares, including via listing
– Requires more detailed financial reporting
Who it is suitable for:
AS is best suited for large companies, holdings, or businesses planning an IPO.
Used rarely in modern business practice. An equivalent of a General Partnership.
– Established by two or more partners
– Partners have unlimited personal liability
Who it is suitable for:
Best for partnerships where limited liability is not required.
UÜ (Usaldusühing) is a limited partnership, equivalent to a Limited Partnership structure.
– Established by two or more partners
– Has two categories of partners: limited partners (liable only within the amount of their contribution) and general partners (with full personal liability)
– No minimum capital requirement
Who it is suitable for:
Suitable for passive investors who finance the business without participating in operational management and without assuming full liability.
In Estonia, a company can be registered in two ways: online via e-Residency or through a notary.
The exact registration process depends on the founders’ structure, your business model, and the requirements of the relevant authorities or financial institutions. In most cases, registration takes 1–5 business days, depending on the chosen method
We do a 30-minute call, define the structure, and agree on the plan and document list.
We help you choose the method (e-Residency or notarization), confirm the documents, and clarify who will sign them.
The e-Residency card is typically issued within 1 to 1.5 months (application processing, background check by the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board, card production, and delivery to the selected pickup location/consulate).
We prepare everything for filing and support the process through official e-services until the company is registered.
The company registration process takes 1–2 business days using an e-Residency card.
We check if VAT is required and, if yes, coordinate the application and confirmations.
VAT registration typically takes a few business days. You can apply for and activate your VAT number after the company has been registered.
We help choose a bank or fintech, set up the basics to get started, and connect with accounting support if needed.
Opening a business account with Payoneer or Wise typically takes 1–5 business days, including KYC verification and account activation.
Вартість реєстрації компанії через e-Residency від 950 €, нотаріальна реєстрація в Естонії від 1800 €, однак остаточна сума залежить від обраного способу заснування та вашої бізнес-моделі. Нижче представлено реєстраційні пакети через e-Residency.
Best for entrepreneurs exploring international operations
Optimal option for businesses with international operations
For companies with a complex structure or higher tax risks
Not sure which option is right for you?
Get a free consultation on opening an OÜ in Estonia via the e-Residency program or a notary
Your consultant
Ivan Chebotarov
CEO & co-Founder
Describe your request
Estonia is suitable for IT, SaaS, e-commerce, consulting, and other international service businesses. It works best if most of your revenue comes from clients outside the country. For local or offline businesses, other jurisdictions may be more appropriate.
Yes. A non-resident can register an OÜ remotely — either via e-Residency or through a notarial procedure, depending on the situation and ownership structure.
On average, OÜ registration takes 1–2 days with e-Residency. If registered through a notary, the process usually takes 1–2 weeks.
If the company does not distribute dividends, no corporate income tax (CIT) is payable. When profits are distributed, a 22% tax applies. Dividend recipients may also be subject to personal income tax and social contributions, depending on their country of tax residency.
For OÜ — from €0.01. The contribution can be postponed until dividend distribution. In practice, €2,500 is often used as a working benchmark.
For AS — €25,000. It must be paid during registration or within 12 months.
Yes. Most non-residents open accounts with fintech providers (Payoneer account, Wise, and other EMI institutions). A traditional bank account may also be possible, but the final decision depends on KYC and the nature of your business.
No. A foreigner can act as both director and shareholder. Usually, only a local contact person and a legal address are required for official communication and receipt of correspondence (this is typically provided by a service provider).
Yes. e-Residency allows you to sign documents, file reports, and manage your company online from any country.
Think big. Expand fast. Without borders
WoBorders is a private consulting company. We are not a government authority and do not provide governmental or administrative services, legalization, or issuance of official documents. The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute individual legal or tax advice. Registration terms, processing times, government fees, KYC/AML requirements, and bank account openings are determined by the relevant governmental registries and financial institutions. WoBorders does not guarantee the approval of decisions made by third parties. All prices and timeframes indicated are approximate and may vary depending on the jurisdiction, company type, and selected service package. The actual terms and conditions are specified in the commercial offer or agreement. Certain services may be performed by accredited partners in the respective countries in accordance with local legislation. Personal data is processed in compliance with our Privacy Policy.
