What is Estonia Startup Visa?
The Estonian Startup Visa facilitates the expansion of startups by non-EU entrepreneurs in Estonia, one of the greatest startup and business environments globally. Employing talent from outside the EU is also made easier for Estonian entrepreneurs. The Scale-up or Startup Visa for Estonia can be the ideal solution if your product is innovative and has the potential to grow.
Can I apply for a startup visa as a foreign founder?
To be able to qualify as a foreign founder for the Startup Visa, you must have:
- A creative, scalable, technology-based business. Your company plan should have significant potential for worldwide expansion. Think about companies like Uber and Airbnb, not restaurants or one-man consultancies. Tech-driven businesses that address significant issues, disrupt entire industries, and assist millions of people are the target audience for the Startup Visa.
- Confirmation from the Startup Committee that you are eligible for the Startup Visa and that you fit the criteria of a startup. People who often deal with startups will assess your application. Because of their keen eyes, traditional businesses will not make it.
- For each month you wish to spend in Estonia, at least €800. It is the absolute minimum that the law requires. Nevertheless, you’ll need extra cash to live well in Estonia because good rental apartments often cost roughly €600 per month in addition to your usual living costs.
How to apply for a startup visa as a foreign founder?
To apply for an Estonia start-up visa, the following stages need to be completed:
- An eligibility test needs to be taken —————————————————-
- Fill out the startup code application
- The Startup Committee will assess the application and make a conclusion within 10 working days. When your startup satisfies the criteria, you will receive a verification letter including a unique application code. Save this code for the following actions.
- Apply for the visa and/or temporary residence permit as a founder
After getting the startup code, verify if you require a visa for Estonia. If not, enter Estonia, and then apply for a Schengen D visa at the Police Board before your visa-freedom expires. If a visa is needed, you should locate the nearest Estonian embassy for Schengen D-visa applications. After registering a company in Estonia, apply for a temporary residence permit for business. For more information contact Migration Advisors.
The documents for Start-Up visa application
The following documents should be supplied while applying for an Estonian start-up visa:
- A valid travel document issued during the preceding ten years, that contains at least two blank pages for visas and is valid until at least three months beyond the visa expiration date.
- Visa application form– completed online
- Confirmation letter from the Startup Committee about qualification for startup status
- A color photograph sized 35 x 45 mm.
- A paper certifying the payment of the state charge, €100.00
- An insurance policy valid for Estonia or the Schengen region with a coverage of at least €30,000 for the duration of your stay.
- Proof of finances (at least €800 per month)
- Confirmation of scheduled accommodations in Estonia.
- Travel booking to Estonia
Before organizing your appointment, check the embassy’s website for a list of required papers. When planning a trip for the visa, use flexible flights or travel arrangements. Include a brief cover letter that summarizes your educational and professional experience, as well as your business plans in Estonia.
Dependents of the Estonia Start-Up Visa
If a startup is granted a visa, their family members, including their spouse, children, and adult children who are unable to support themselves due to illness or incapacity, may also be eligible to receive a visa. This means that when the startup visa is extended, the visa benefits also extend to the family members.
Hiring non-EU employees
Startup visas and permits give an excellent opportunity for Estonian startups to expand and grow their businesses by hiring international experts, which is now simpler than ever.
Follow these procedures to bring non-European Union (EU) personnel to Estonia on a Startup Visa, guaranteeing a seamless and legally acceptable transfer for your firm while also boosting international talent integration within Estonia’s thriving entrepreneurial environment:
- Check if your startup is pre-included for hiring non-EU employees on preferential terms. If not, apply to the Startup Committee to bring foreign talent to Estonia.
- The Startup Committee made up of members of the Estonian startup community, will assess your business’s application and decide within 10 working days whether or not your company qualifies for the startup visa.
- Navigating the process of recruiting non-EU nationals:
- Short-term employment registration enables work for those with a legitimate legal stay (visa or visa-freedom).
- Determine whether a Schengen D-visa is necessary for entry/stay.
- Obtain a temporary residency visa for employment in a startup company.
- Post-residency address and tax residence registration.
Hiring as a qualified startup offers benefits such as no immigration quotas, minimal wage requirements, unemployment fund approval, and a shortened registration procedure that permits work before obtaining a residence visa (if lawfully living in Estonia). Employees can move with their close family members.
If you have any queries about the migration procedure, please contact the free Estonian Migration Advisors via email/phone or set up a consultation appointment through the International House of Estonia.
LaunchingMax
At LaunchingMax, we are experts in assisting new companies. Our legal team possesses a deep understanding of the intricate regulations and guidelines required for a successful Start-up visa application. We take immense pride in our ability to comprehend our clients’ needs and respond to them promptly. Our highly motivated staff is dedicated to providing entrepreneurs with dependable and easy-to-understand immigration assistance courteously and professionally.
