Starting a business in Estonia remains one of the easiest and fastest processes in Europe, thanks to its renowned digital infrastructure and business-friendly policies. You can register your company online in minutes, with official approval often granted within the same day. However, obtaining the correct permits and licences for your specific business activities remains essential to legally operate and avoid fines or business interruptions.
What Business Activities Require Licences in Estonia
The Estonian Economic Activities Register provides a detailed list of sectors requiring licences or registrations, accessible at mtr.ttja.ee. Key business areas needing permits include:
Construction and Real Estate: Permits related to building work, renovations, and property management.
Financial Services: Including banking, insurance, crowdfunding services, money lending, and virtual currency operations.
Education: Issuing licences for training providers and educational institutions.
Gambling and Gaming: Strict regulations govern casinos, betting, lotteries, and online gaming.
Transport and Logistics: Special permits for freight, passenger transport, and courier services.
Tourism and Hospitality: Licences for travel agencies and tour operators.
Food and Beverage Sales: Health and safety certificates for food production, distribution, and sales.
Workforce Mediation: Agencies providing recruitment or temporary staffing services.
Using the site, you can verify whether your planned services require a formal licence or just a notification/registration.
Detailed steps to secure your business licencehat
Company Establishment and Activity Classification
Register your company through the Company Registration Portal. Assign the right EMTAK code, essential for tax and regulatory purposes. Remember that you can only select one main activity code, so choose the one projected to generate the highest revenue. For example, if you offer IT consulting with some software sales, select the primary service line.Licence Application Process
After confirming your need for a licence, submit your application online via the Economic Activities Register. License processing times vary, but many approvals occur within 30 calendar days. Keep digital copies and confirmations of submitted applications.Payment of State Fees
Depending on business type and licence, fees can vary widely; check the detailed fee schedule carefully.Regular Renewals and Annual Reporting
Licences must comply with renewals and reporting obligations. During annual report submissions, verify your company’s economic activities and provide updates within five days for any significant changes.
Important 2025 updates and regulatory highlights
The minimum wage in Estonia for 2025 is €886 per month (gross), affecting payroll planning.
Value Added Tax (VAT) registration is compulsory if turnover exceeds €40,000 annually.
The Estonian Financial Supervision Authority oversees licensing and compliance for all financial sector activities, including crypto-related enterprises.
Increased focus on data protection and cybersecurity compliance impacting digital and online businesses.
Enhanced e-Residency program features allow foreign entrepreneurs to manage permits, tax filings, and reporting fully online, without physical presence.
Advantages for foreign businesses
Foreign companies benefit significantly from Estonia’s transparent and digitized licensing system. However, navigating regulations and application processes can be complex, especially for newcomers.
1Office specializes in assisting international entrepreneurs by:
Conducting detailed assessments to define correct licensing needs.
Streamlining company formation and licence applications.
Managing tax registrations and ongoing compliance reporting.
Offering ongoing expert support to keep businesses aligned with Estonia’s evolving regulations.
