Accounting and business services in Estonia by local experts

{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Why is Estonia an attractive location for business formation?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Estonia offers a digital-first business environment, transparent regulation, simple company administration, EU single market access, and a 0% corporate income tax on retained and reinvested profits. This makes it especially attractive for international founders and online businesses." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the main types of business entities in Estonia?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The most common business entities in Estonia are Private Limited Company (OÜ), Public Limited Company (AS), self-employed person (FIE), branch of a foreign company, limited partnership (ÜÜ), and general partnership (TÜ). For foreign founders, the OÜ is typically the most suitable option." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can a foreigner start a company in Estonia?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. Foreigners can fully own and manage an Estonian company. Estonian citizenship or residency is not required." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do I need Estonian e-Residency to start a company?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No. Estonian e-Residency is not mandatory, but it simplifies digital signing, online company management, and communication with authorities. Without e-Residency, certain steps may require local representation." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much does it cost to register a company in Estonia?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The cost depends on whether registration is done through a notary, whether e-Residency is used, and whether additional services such as a business address or accounting are required. A precise cost estimate depends on the chosen setup." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How long does it take to register a company in Estonia?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Company registration in Estonia usually takes 1–5 working days with proper documentation. Delays may occur if additional checks or documents are required." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much do accounting services cost in Estonia?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Accounting fees depend on the complexity of the business, number of transactions, and whether payroll or tax filings are included. Each client receives a tailored quote based on their requirements." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the accounting requirements for Estonian companies?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Estonian companies must submit annual reports within 6 months after the financial year-end, file monthly VAT returns if VAT registered, and submit payroll tax and social security reports monthly. Accounting must comply with Estonian GAAP or IFRS, and records must be maintained in Estonian or English." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How often does accounting need to be done in Estonia?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Accounting typically includes ongoing bookkeeping during the year, annual report submission once per year, and monthly VAT and payroll reporting if applicable. Requirements depend on company activity and registrations." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How are Estonian companies taxed?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Estonia applies a 0% corporate income tax on retained and reinvested profits. Corporate tax is paid only when profits are distributed. VAT applies if registered, and payroll taxes apply when salaries are paid." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is VAT registration required in Estonia?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "VAT registration is required when a company exceeds the Estonian VAT turnover threshold or carries out certain EU or cross-border transactions. Voluntary VAT registration is also possible in specific cases." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I manage an Estonian company remotely?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. Estonia is designed for remote business management. With the right setup, companies can handle accounting, filings, and corporate administration online. Some activities may require a local contact person or business address." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do I need a business address in Estonia?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. Every Estonian company must have a registered business address in Estonia. Many non-resident founders use a virtual or business address service to meet this requirement." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I open a bank account for an Estonian company remotely?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "In many cases, yes. Fintech and electronic money institutions often allow remote onboarding, while traditional banks may require a stronger connection to Estonia. Options depend on company structure and activity." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What ongoing compliance obligations do Estonian companies have?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Estonian companies must maintain regular accounting and tax filings, update beneficial ownership and board information, register for VAT if thresholds are exceeded, and comply with sector-specific regulations where applicable." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do Estonian companies need to submit annual reports even if there is no activity?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. Every Estonian company must submit an annual report to the Business Register, even if the company had no transactions, employees, or revenue during the financial year." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do non-resident directors need to visit Estonia to manage the company?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No. Estonian companies can be fully managed remotely. Directors and shareholders do not need to visit Estonia, provided the company has proper digital access and local compliance support where required." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can an Estonian company operate internationally and invoice EU or non-EU clients?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. Estonian companies can operate across the EU and internationally. VAT registration and invoicing rules depend on turnover, client location, and the nature of goods or services provided." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How is profit taxed in Estonia if it is not distributed?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Profits that remain and are reinvested in the company are not subject to corporate income tax. Corporate tax applies only when profits are distributed as dividends." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do Estonian companies need an accountant based in Estonia?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "An accountant does not need to be physically based in Estonia, but accounting must comply with Estonian regulations and reporting standards. Many foreign founders use local accounting providers to ensure compliance." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Why use 1Office when starting a business in Estonia?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "1Office combines local Estonian expertise with international experience, supporting foreign founders with company formation, accounting, tax compliance, and business address services to ensure ongoing compliance and scalability." } } ] }