Long-stay visas (Type D)
Estonian Residence Permit for Business
A temporary residence permit for non-EU entrepreneurs and investors who run a business or invest in a company in Estonia, with minimum-investment thresholds.
Under review — check current rules
Important information
- Issued by
- Police and Border Guard Board (PPA)
- Sole proprietor investment
- At least €16,000 invested in the business (verify current figure)
- Company owner investment
- At least €65,000 invested in the company (verify current figure)
- Major investor
- Direct investment of at least €1,000,000 in an Estonian company or fund (verify current figure)
- Decision time
- Up to 90 days (card issued within 30 days after)
Who it's for
- Sole proprietors running a registered business in Estonia
- Owners and board members of an Estonian company they have invested in
- Major investors placing substantial capital into an Estonian company or fund
Requirements
- For a sole proprietor: at least €16,000 invested and the business registered in the Estonian Business Register
- For a company owner/board member: at least €65,000 invested in the company
- For a major investor: a direct investment of at least €1,000,000 in an Estonian company or fund
- Sufficient income to support yourself (e.g. six times the subsistence level for sole proprietors)
- A health insurance contract valid in Estonia
- A viable business plan and a valid travel document
What you can do
- Live in Estonia while running or investing in your business
- Operate an EU-based company with access to the single market
- Extend the permit and progress towards long-term residence
- Bring family members via the family residence permit route
How to apply
Register your business (or complete your investment), then submit the residence-permit application with a description of the business plan, evidence of the investment, proof of income and insurance — at an Estonian embassy or a PPA service office — and give biometrics.
A decision is made within up to 90 days of the application being accepted, and the card is issued within a further 30 days.
Documents
- Completed application form and photograph
- Valid travel document
- Business registration and business plan
- Evidence of the required investment
- Proof of sufficient income to support yourself
- Health insurance and proof of the state fee
Frequently asked questions
At least €16,000 as a sole proprietor, at least €65,000 as a company owner/board member, or at least €1,000,000 as a major investor — verify current figures before applying.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
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