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Long-stay visas (Type D)

Estonian Startup Visa

A route for non-EU founders and startup employees of an innovative, scalable Estonian startup, offered as a long-stay visa or a temporary residence permit for entrepreneurship.

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Under review — check current rules

The €800-per-month funds requirement is tied to the subsistence level and could not be fully confirmed against the current official figure; verify on Startup Estonia / politsei.ee before relying on it.

Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Estonia government website before you apply.
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Managed by
Startup Estonia (endorsement) + Police and Border Guard Board (visa/permit)
Short-term visa
Startup Visa (long-stay D) valid up to 12 months
Long-term option
Temporary residence permit for enterprise, up to 5 years
Funds required
At least €800 for each month planned in Estonia (verify current figure)
Hiring perks
No quota, no minimum salary rule, no Unemployment Fund permission for startup hires

Who it's for

  • Non-EU/EEA/Swiss founders of an innovative, scalable, technology-based startup
  • Team members / employees of an endorsed Estonian startup
  • Entrepreneurs who want to relocate a scalable business to Estonia

Requirements

  • A technology-based business with high scalability potential
  • Positive endorsement from the Estonian Startup Committee
  • Sufficient funds to support your stay (at least €800 per planned month)
  • A valid travel document
  • Health insurance valid in Estonia
  • For the residence-permit route, meeting the enterprise permit conditions

What you can do

  • Build and run your startup from Estonia
  • Hire non-EU staff without the quota, minimum-salary rule or Unemployment Fund permission
  • Move from the short-term Startup Visa to a temporary residence permit for enterprise
  • Access Estonia's startup ecosystem and EU market

How to apply

First apply to the Startup Committee via the Startup Estonia platform for endorsement of your business. With a positive endorsement, apply for either the Startup Visa (long-stay D) at an Estonian embassy, or the temporary residence permit for enterprise with the Police and Border Guard Board.

Submit your business documents, proof of funds, insurance and the state fee, and give biometrics. Residence-permit decisions follow the standard timeframe of up to 90 days.

Documents

  • Startup Committee endorsement
  • Completed visa or residence-permit application and photograph
  • Valid travel document
  • Business plan and company documents
  • Proof of funds (at least €800 per planned month)
  • Health insurance and proof of the state fee

Frequently asked questions

  • A technology-based business with high scalability that is endorsed as innovative by Estonia's Startup Committee.

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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