When seeking service providers or business partners in Estonia, conducting a thorough background check is highly recommended to ensure their trustworthiness and mitigate business risks. If a company lacks revenue or other financial data, carefully evaluate whether to proceed with them. Additionally, researching your competitors can provide valuable insights into your industry.
Remember, background checks work both ways. Your business partners or clients can also access these databases. Therefore, it’s crucial to maintain good standing for your company by submitting tax declarations and annual reports on time.
We have compiled an overview of the most common and useful public and private databases in Estonia, offering various business information on legal entities. Some general information inquiries are available for free, while more detailed data may require creating an account or paying a one-time fee. These fees are usually reasonable and worthwhile to avoid future issues. Typically, you will need the business name and registration number and/or personal ID number of the company owners to make inquiries.
Reduce Risk by Checking Public Data
The Estonian Tax and Customs Board (MTA) provides access to a wide range of public databases that help identify red flags before finalizing a transaction. Common signs that should raise concern include outstanding tax debts, missing tax returns, a company that operates in a field unrelated to its registered activity, or one that has failed to submit its annual reports. Also, a legal entity lacking a valid registered address, frequently changing board members or shareholders, listing foreign nationals as board members without clear reasoning, or having no functioning email or phone number listed with a local telecom provider could be signs of trouble.
How to Use the MTA’s Tools
Through the Find Public Data service on the MTA’s website, you can access an overview of a company’s public profile. This includes its registered address and area of activity, declared tax data such as turnover and number of employees, information about tax arrears, and any missing declarations. The platform also reveals whether the company has any business prohibitions or licenses issued for economic or excise activities. Some data is free to access, but more detailed reports may require a fee. To perform a search, you’ll typically need the company’s name or registry code.
Check the e-Business Register
The e-Business Register is another valuable tool where you can view legal information about all Estonian legal persons. It includes access to the company’s official registry card, ownership structure, tax debt history, and any restrictions on business activity. While basic information is available free of charge, reports on annual financial statements, shareholder data, and more in-depth corporate records may involve a small fee.
Verify Special Licenses and Activity Declarations
If your potential partner operates in a field that requires licenses or activity declarations, it’s wise to consult the Register of Economic Activities. This register confirms whether the company holds the correct permits and has fulfilled the legal requirements to operate in a regulated sector. You can also see if any precepts or prohibitions have been issued against the business.
Use Private Databases for Deeper Insights
In addition to public databases, private sources such as Creditinfo Eesti, Inforegister, and Äripäeva Infopank provide valuable insights into a company’s credit rating, debt history, and media mentions. These platforms also offer detailed reports on the background of board members and key individuals within the company.
Watch for Official Announcements
The online publication Ametlikud Teadaanded regularly publishes official notices such as bankruptcy declarations, invitations to creditors, and other court-mandated announcements. Checking this source is a useful way to stay informed about any legal proceedings involving your potential partner.
Final Thoughts
A little research before signing a contract can go a long way in protecting your company. Estonia makes it easy to access a wide variety of public and commercial data sources. Use these tools wisely to build partnerships based on transparency, credibility, and trust.
