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How to Immigrate to Estonia and Set Up a Business as an American
Overview:
Temporary Residence Permit for Business — This is the main pathway for entrepreneurs, requiring a minimum investment of €65,000 in share capital for a corporation or €25,000 for self-employed individuals. You’ll need to submit a viable business plan demonstrating how your business serves Estonia’s economic interests. This permit is initially valid for up to 5 years and requires you to physically relocate to Estonia.
E-Residency Combined with D Visa — Start by obtaining Estonian e-Residency (which isn’t immigration but provides digital identification), establish your business remotely, then apply for a Long-Stay D Visa. This allows you to enter Estonia for up to a year while you work on qualifying for the Temporary Residence Permit. This stepped approach lets you build your business presence before physically relocating.
EU Blue Card — If you have specialized skills, higher education qualifications (or 5+ years of professional experience), and a job offer from an Estonian company with a salary at least 1.5 times the Estonian average, you can qualify for an EU Blue Card. This option works well for entrepreneurs who might initially work for an Estonian company before transitioning to their own business venture.
