Your Company
How To Download The Entry In The Registry And Articles Of Association?
1. Access the e-Business Register First, you have to enter the company portal and follow these steps: Go to e-Business Register and click on "login." You will see different options to log in. You can do it with your ID-card (e-resident card), but we recommend you the Smart-ID option if you have downloaded the Smart-ID app, as it's effortless and fast. They will send you a verificatiPopularHow to Sign a Document Digitally with Digidoc
Steps To Follow To sign a document using DigiDoc, follow these steps: 1. Set Up Connect your e-resident card to your computer and ensure you have installed the necessary drivers and plugins. We explain how to install the e-resident card and solutions to frequent problems in this article. After that, open DigiDoc. Keep the document you want to sign handy. Ensure that your card appears at the top in green and showPopularHow to Declare the Share Capital?
You first have to pay the share capital, for which the shareholders must transfer the money from their personal accounts to the company's bank account in the correct percentage. This implies that each shareholder would calculate their share according to the distribution of shares among the shareholders (percentage of shares), and the total amount of share capital that is declared in the registry of the companyPopularHow Can I Close my Company With Companio?
Closing a company is generally a complex process, more than opening it. This is because the financial authorities have to make sure the business is no outstanding debt, the bookkeeping is in order, and the company has paid all due taxes. To close your company you will need a “liquidator”, but don’t worry, we got you covered. Companio will help you thought out the process. What’s the price? The price for closing your company is €495 + VAT (if applicable). How does the liquidation procesPopularShare Capital in Estonia: How to Increase It
Please keep in mind that you can increase the share capital even if you haven't paid or registered any share capital before. However, this applies to the companies registered before February 2023, as those registered after this date must pay the share capital right after opening the bank account. You can also increase the share capital online from the e-Business Register. These are the steps to follow to increase the share capital: ChanSome readersWhat Is the Share Capital of a Company?
Share capital is the money that guarantees the protection of the partners of a limited company. Share capital establishes the maximum responsibility that can be attributed to a company when it incurs debts or problems with justice. It is the company, not its members, the one liable to pay for these problems, to the maximum of the share capital. This, therefore, protects the business partners.Some readersHow Do I Provide Proof of My Estonian Business Address?
Some online banks require proof of the company’s address. For a standard company, this normally means an office rental contract or a utility bill. As an e-resident, with a virtual office, perhaps even travelling around the world, you cannot normally provide any of these documents. However, in this case, online banks understand that for companies created by e-residents, the effective address of the business is the address where the company operates. This place, which is normally outside of EstoFew readersHow Do Salaries and Dividends Work for an Estonian Resident?
This article is about how salaries and dividends function for people who live in Estonia, not for those who have e-Residency. If you are thinking about living in Estonia and becoming a resident, keep reading. What are the tax implications for dividends received by Estonian residents? Estonian residents who receive dividends do not need to pay personal taxes on those dividends. The company paying the dividends is subject to corporate tax (20% of the gross amount), but the individualFew readersI Need Some Documentation of My Company
You may be asked to get a specific document for your company for different reasons. Investors, banks, partners, or governmental authorities may request them. But do not worry, Companio is here to help you! We will obtain them from the registry, notarise them, add the required apostille (if necessary) and deliver it to you. Check out our pricing section, "ADDITIONAL SERVICES," and you'll find a detailed breakdown of our prices. If you need any of these servFew readersHow Can the Founder of the Company Add Funds?
If you need to inject capital into your company's corporate account, you have several options available. This FAQ provides straightforward advice on managing share capital effectively, ensuring financial stability and compliance at every stage of your company's journey. Before Company Incorporation It is crucial to ensure that the company has sufficient share capital before incorporation to cover initial expenses. Share capital must be incorporated at the time of company formation, once tFew readersHow Do I Get Registration and Payment of Notarized Share Capital in English-Estonian or Spanish-Estonian
In order to register the share capital of your company, you need to make an application in the register attaching proof of payment or a report signed by the bank that proves that the share capital has been paid, and it has to be in Estonian and digitally signed. The problem is that some banks are not able to deliver said documentation with these requirements, so it is necessary to make a sworn translation, sometimes notarized, and with an apostille so that the authorities accept the banFew readersHow to Fill Out the W8-Ben Form?
If you receive payments from the US, you may need to complete Form W-8BEN to prove that you are not a US citizen or resident and, therefore, not subject to the same tax rate as US citizens and residents. To complete it, you will need to follow these steps: Write the name of your company and select its entity type (e.g., private foundation, corporation, etc.). Check the box that applies to your FATCA status (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act). As a non-US entity, it would not cFew readersHow Do I Get a Physical Address for My Estonian Company?
As part of our services, and subject to a monthly accountancy plan subscription, you get a virtual office for your company. That includes a person of contact and legal address for your company in Estonia. While this is a physical address, bear in mind that it’s a virtual office. It’s not an office that your company has rented, so you won’t have any utility bills or rental agreement documents. This address will also be shared with other companies. If you need to rent facilities in EFew readersHow Do I Obtain the Official and Apostille Documentation Of My Company With Companio?
Do you need the official apostille documentation for your company because the bank has requested it? Don't worry, Companio does all the paperwork for you. The service pack includes: Entry in the registry: this is what proves that the company is incorporated. Articles of association: they contain the organic and regulatory structure of your company. Postal and digital delivery of documents: we deliver digital copies and we send you physical copies. Help and support: we gFew readersHow to Get the creditinfo.ee Document?
To get it you will have to pay a fee, but it is not necessary to have a bank account in Estonia, you can pay it with your personal account. This is the process: Enter the following page. Click on the part in English at the top right. Search your company. Another page will appear with your company. You must click where it says "Beneficial owners, ownership and control structure" And then click where it says "As Business Customer" A page will appearFew readersCan I Sell My Company?
Yes, you can sell your company. You can contact the notary to finalize the process correctly. You will have to add the new owner or owners as board members and shareholders, and then you can delete yourself. You can do it online or you can visit a notary in Estonia. If you want to do it online, the share capital must be, at least, €10.000, fully paid and registered. You can also do it faster by physically visiting the notary in Estonia. In this case, there is no need to increFew readersHow to Update Your Company Information on the eSTAT Portal?
You must update your company information on the eStat portal when requested by the Estonian authorities. You will typically receive an email notification about this requirement. While it may initially seem a little scary, it is not a big problem. They need some information from you. With simple instructions, you can complete this in about five minutes using your e-resident card. Let's go through how to do it. Follow these steps to update your company information on the eStat portal: AccFew readersIf I'm a Board Member or Shareholder, How Do I Pay Myself?
Here are your available options: Dividend Distribution: You can choose to distribute dividends, typically done once a year after the annual report, provided there are profits available for distribution. This option assumes you can distribute enough dividends to cover your annual expenses. Employment through Companio Work: Consider becoming an employee of your Estonian company, even if you don't reside or are a tax resident in Estonia. With Companio Work, you can enjoy a seamless hFew readersIs My Estonian Company Information Public?
Yes. Estonia is proud to have the most transparent business system in the world. All registration information of your company will be public and can be consulted by anyone on the internet, including: Company name. Registry number. VAT number. Legal address. Public email and contact numbers. Company members, names, surnames, and nationality, including shareholders and directors. Taxes paid in each fiscal year.Few readersWhat Is an Audit for My Estonian Company?
An audit for your Estonian company is a systematic review and evaluation of your company's financial statements and records. Conducted by an independent certified auditor, the purpose of an audit is to ensure that your company's financial records are a fair and accurate representation of the transactions they claim to represent. This process involves the examination of various financial documents and may include physical verification of assets and internal controls. In Estonia, an audit is nFew readersWhat Is My Estonian Company Identification Number?
Your company, when accessing the Estonian registry, obtains a registration number. This number, along with the name of your company, serves to identify your company and must be included in the invoices that they send to your clients or send you to your suppliers. They are made up of numeric digits only. You can find yours in the registry entry that the e-Business registry sent you when your company was registered or looking for the name of your company here.Some readersI Have Losses, What Can I Do?
Preparing the annual activity report of your company is the most demanding procedure required for the correct accounting and bookkeeping of your company. What’s inside that annual report? It’s a collection of all fiscal elements that defined the activity of your company in that fiscal year. It must contain everything, from your invoices, documents, and bank movements to taxes paid, VAT, etc. That’s the reason why we ask for any missing information when we start preparing it at the beginningSome readersHow to Grant Us Permission to Submit Your Company Information on the e-Stat Portal?
Granting permission to us to submit information about your Estonian company on the e-Stat portal is straightforward. Here's how to do it: Access the e-Stat portal: Go to the e-Stat portal and log in using your e-Residency card. Click on the "Enter the company environment" bFew readersWhy Does My Company Need an Audit?
Your Estonian company may need an audit for several reasons, both statutory and strategic. Legally, Estonian law requires that companies meeting certain criteria—like exceeding thresholds for revenue, balance sheet total, or number of employees—must undergo an annual audit. These thresholds are designed to ensure that businesses of a significant size or economic impact operate transparently and are financially sound. Beyond legal compliance, an audit offers several benefits to your company:Few readersWhat's the Difference Between Shareholders and Board Members?
Shareholders are the individuals or entities that own company shares, giving them control over that company. The members of the board don’t control the company (unless they are also shareholders), but they make the day-to-day decisions of the business. In a startup context, a board member may be the CEO, CTO, or CMO. Learn more about these roles – and how they relate to your company in Estonia in this article. In EstonPopularWhen Does My Company Need to Undergo an Audit in Estonia?
In Estonia, the requirement for a company to undergo a mandatory audit or an audit review is prescribed by law and is based on exceeding certain activity or financial indicators. This legal requirement aims to ensure transparency and accountability in financial reporting, applicable to various entities under different conditions. Mandatory Audit Requirements: An audit is mandatory for the following entities: Joint-stock companies with more than two shareholders. Local government unitFew readersHow to Grant Permission to Submit Your Company’s Information and Create User Rights In the eSTAT Portal?
The e-Stat office, a governmental institution in Estonia, collects various data, including activities of Estonian companies. As an Estonian company, you might need to submit information about your company through the e-Stat online portal. To grant us permission to submit this information on your behalf, follow these steps: Access the e-Stat portal using your e-Residency card. Click on theFew readersHow to Distribute Dividends?
When Can I Distribute Dividends? Dividends can only be distributed after we prepare and submit the annual report, and only if the annual report shows profit and dividends were declared by the business owners. Once the annual report is submitted, dividends can be distributed up to the maximum specified. How Many Taxes Do We Pay?Some readersHow to Specify the Beneficiary Owners of Your Company
In order to comply with the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) laws, Estonia has established that companies registered in Estonia must specify who are their beneficial owners. This process, although a mere formality, is mandatory, and does not have any repercussions beyond complying with the AML law. However, failure to comply before the deadline can result in fines or penalties. What is a beneficial owner? Here is an in-depth technical explanation (https://www.rik.ee/sites/www.rik.ee/files/elfiSome readersHow do I Change my Company's Name After Registration?
Change your company's name in Estonia quickly and securely online. Learn how to update your business details through the e‑Business Register using your e‑Residency or Smart‑ID.Few readersHow Do I Add, Remove, or Modify Members of My Company’s Board of Directors?
Thanks to e-Residency, you can perform this procedure online in minutes and through the registration process. Requirements for modifying board members ✅ Previously, you must have configured the USB reader to work with your e-resident ID card, which will allow you to sign the document digitally. Here we explain how to do it. ✅ It is necessary that you also prepare in advance the resolution of the current members. ThePopularUnderstanding the Statement of Financial Position
The "Statement of Financial Position" within the context of an Estonian company's annual report is a financial statement that offers a comprehensive view of the company's financial status at a specific moment in time. This statement encompasses the company's assets, liabilities, and equity. In Estonia, it is mandatory for all companies to submit the annual report within six months following the end of the fiscal year. Typically, the annual report in Estonia includes the balance sheet, incFew readersHow to Change the Legal Address of Your Company?
To change the legal address and the contact person of your company you have to follow the following 9 steps. 1. Access the Company Registration Portal and Start the Application to Change The Data Log into the e-Business Register. Once inside, you will see a list of your companies. Most probably, there will only be one. Click on the name of your company. A new screen will appear showing some information about your company. Click on the "Change the datPopularHow to Update the Person of Contact of Your Company?
To update the contact person of your company, you need to follow these steps. As a prerequisite, you will require a digitally signed consent document (.asice file) from us. If you are our customer, simply contact our customer service to obtain this document free of charge. 1. Access the Registry Begin by logging into the e-Business Register. Select the means of authentication - ID card, Smart-ID or mobile ID and log in to the system. 2. Navigate in tSome readersCan I get a phone contract for my business?
Yes, indeed, Telia allows you to get an Estonian phone number for your business and pay it with your corporate bank card or account. You just need to sign up with your e-resident ID. Once you do, select your company name (not your personal name) and you will access a site where you can get a 4G SIM card contract. Unfortunately, the dashboard of Telia is in Estonian and Russian only, so you will need the help of Google Translate. If you still cannot understand anFew readersWhy Do I Receive Spam After Registering My Company?
You may receive spam emails in your inbox after registering your company. Before we tell you why, keep in mind that we do not sell or share that data with third parties. We understand that it can be annoying to receive spam. Still, even if you received this email before registering your company with the e-Business Register, Companio is not involved. Why Is This Happening? This happens because your company email and other registration data appear publicly (https://help.companio.coFew readersWhat Is The Legal Reserve, And Do I Need To Appoint One?
The legal reserve (also known as a statutory reserve or legal reserve fund) is a mandatory portion of a company’s shareholders’ equity that must be set aside from the company’s profits to protect the company’s financial stability and provide a buffer against potential future losses. This requirement is outlined in the Estonian Commercial Code. Purpose The primary purpose of the legal reserve is to safeguard the company’s capital by ensuring that a portion of profits is retained within tFew readers
e-Residency
e-Residency of Estonia: 5 Simple Steps to Apply for It
Applying for the Estonian e-Residency program is very straightforward and 100% online. Let's see the steps to follow! 1. Collect the documentation required To become an e-resident, you will need these documents: A copy of your ID. A passport-size photo in .jpg or .jpeg format. CV (or a link to social media like LinkedIn). Your Visa or Mastercard to pay the state fee of €120. 2. Submit your application GoPopularHow to Get Started With Your e-Residency Card
Once you have received the e-resident pack with your card, you can now set it up to start using it! Before installing the card with the reader, you will need to install the software. The official e-Residency page explains the process in English. The steps are the following: First, you must enter this link, where you will find the programs you need to iPopularWhat Does the e-Residency Kit Contain?
The e-Resident pack contains three important things: The e-resident card. Your e-Resident number (personal code) appears below on the right. It is an 11-digit number. A tiny USB reader. It is like a black rectangle that can be opened like a cross. It has a part with pins that go into the USB port (with the pins facing up). A closed envelope. This envelope contains PIN1 and PIN2 pins that you need to operate with your card and the PUK. What are the PIN keys used for?Some readersMy e-Residency Card Isn’t Working. What Should I Do?
Sometimes the e-Resident card, and more specifically the reader, does not work as well as it should. This is more frequent in the browser when it comes to entering sites such as the Tax Office website or when signing a document. If you can’t sign the company registration contract, try the following solutions, from top to bottom, one by one, until one works. Try to move the card, make sure it is well placed (with the chip facing up), and that the chip reader is directly on it. Check that theFew readersIs There an Age Limit to Apply for e-Residency?
Currently, there is no age limit, but all minors have very limited use of the e-Residency digital ID without a legal guardian, who should then also be an e-resident. Persons who are under 18, have restricted active legal capacity. They'll not be able to give digital signatures for registering a company, for example. So they (minors) can basically apply for e-Residency and will likely get a positive outcome, but the document is not useful for opening a company until they are 18. If you are cFew readersHow Much Does the Application of the e-Residency Cost?
The application has a cost of 100€ plus 20€ in shipping costs. Total 120€ (*). (*) An additional fee of 23,60€ applies when picking up your card at e-Residency “collection centers” in Sao Paulo, Johannesburg, or Bangkok.Few readersCan Companio Apply for e-Residency for Me?
Companio cannot apply for the e-Residency for you, but we give support to all of our customers throughout the process.Few readersWhat Is the E-Residency Program of Estonia and What Are Its Advantages?
The Estonian e-Residency program allows anyone to become a member of the digital nation of Estonia and receive an ID card containing a certificate with a digital identity. Using this ID card, applicants can access the Estonian administration. This allows you to start a European company in the country and being part of the competitive and advantageous Estonian tax system – even without visiting the country. In a nutshell, it is a hassle-free gateway to Estonian digital administration. To discoSome readersWhat's the Difference Between the Digital Nomad Visa and e-Residency Program of Estonia?
The Estonia Digital Nomad Visa allows entrepreneurs and remote workers to live and work in Estonia for an extended period, ranging from 6 to 12 months. Individuals do not need to have a company in Estonia. On the other hand, the e-Residency program is a digital identity that enables people to establish online businesses in Estonia. It is not a travel or residency document. The Digital Nomad Visa and the e-Residency program of Estonia cater to different needs: Digital Nomad Visa Allows rFew readersDo All the Company Members Need to be e-residents?
Yes! If you want to benefit from this program all members of the company (including shareholders and members of the board) must be e-residents. In order to benefit from the e-Residency program and be able to run your business online, all members of the company (shareholders and members of the board of directors) must be individuals (not organizations) in possession of their e-Residency cards. Otherwise, you won’t be able to incorporate your business or manage it online. Registering theFew readersCan I Live in Estonia with an e-Residency Card?
No. The e-Residency should not be confused with a citizenship or physical residence permit. Being an e-Resident does not grant you any permission to live or work in Estonia or the rest of Europe. If you are already a European citizen, obviously, you can work and reside in Estonia like any other European citizen. Visit the official website of Work In Estonia for more information.Few readersHow Do You Renew Your E-residency?
To renew your e-Residency, follow these steps: Check the validity of your current digital ID card, ensuring it hasn’t expired. Submit your renewal application online at least 2-3 months before your card expires. Pay the state fee for renewal, which is the same as for a new application (€100-120). Choose a pickup location for your new digital ID card from over 40 options worldwide. Collect your new card before your old one expires to maintain accFew readersWhat’s a Residency Check?
To obtain e-Residency, Estonian authorities will review your background and request confirmation of your current place of residence, along with a photograph of your passport. On an annual basis (or every 6 months if you are considered high-risk), you will need to report your current place of residence and provide a photograph of your passport to maintain the validity of your e-Residency. If you are a frequent traveler without a fixed address, you should provide the address that you consider yFew readersFrequent Issues and Solutions: Applying for e-Residency
Review the step-by-step guide provided by the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board (PBGB) and seek clarification from their FAQ section. An account is necessary to apply for e-Residency. Follow the instructions to create an account and submit your application online. Once you receive the magiFew readersCan I Register My Company Without e-Residency?
If you don't have e-Residency, the only way of registering a company in Estonia is the "old way". That implies: Physically visiting a notary in Estonia. Creating a translated (by a sworn translator) power of attorney at a notary and sending it to the notary in Estonia. As such, fiscal agencies or notary firms may offer that service, but as we offer our services completely online, we don’t offer this service. Another important detail is, if you create your company "the old way", for everyFew readersI Don't Have My e-Residency Card Yet! What Can I Do?
No need to worry! If you don't have your e-Residency card yet, you can still proceed with the process. Here's what you can do: Apply for e-Residency: First, make sure you have applied for e-Residency. If you haven't done so yet, please follow the instructions in our tutorial on how to apply for e-Residency. Sign the contract: Once you have received your e-Residency card and you're reFew readers
Annual Report
How Do I Sign My Company’s Annual Report?
ACCESS THE E-BUSINESS REGISTER Log in to the e-Business Register website with your e-resident card to sign your annual report. Then, click "Submission of a report" and "Submission of the annual report." Next, you will see the report listed under "Annual reports to be submitted" in the "Incomplete reports" section. Then, next to the incomplete report, you will see twoSome readersAnnual Report Explained
The annual report is a document that Estonian companies must write and submit to the authorities after the fiscal year has passed (usually within the following six months). It contains all the transactions, movements, and operations of the company. Additionally, the annual report allows you to distribute the profits from the previous fiscal year (if applicable) as dividends. Until the annual report is submitted, your company cannot distribute dividends.Some readersPrice of Submitting the Annual Report With Companio
If you want to submit the annual report for the current period (e.g., in January 2025, you wish to submit the annual report for 2024), the price is €250 + VAT. If you want to submit the annual report for previous years (e.g., if you are going to submit the report for 2022 or 2023 in January 2025), it is considered a "late" annual report. In this case, the price is €500 + VAT.Few readers5-Step Annual Report Submission With Companio
Preparing your annual report with Companio is very easy! You just have to follow these 5 steps. STEP 1: Payment When the annual report preparation begins, you will receive notifications through our newsletter, emails, and notifications on the platform. To start, access the Companio platform and click on "Let's go!" to prepare your annual report and make the payment. Once the payment is completed, a new annual report will be created, and your assigned accountant will be notified to start tPopularHow to Grant Companio Permission (PoA) for the Annual Report
To grant us permission (PoA) to prepare your annual report, please follow these steps: Step 1: Log in to the eesti.ee Portal Access eesti.ee, the official gateway to e-services and information provided by the Estonian government with your e-resident ID. If the portal is not in English, select the appropriate language on the top-right corner. (https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesPopularHow to Declare Dividend Distribution in the Annual Report?
When distributing dividends for your Estonian business, it is essential to understand the process. First, you must fill in the "Profit distribution resolution" section when reviewing your annual report. This section includes the amount you plan to distribute in dividends and the calculation of your retained earnings after distribution. For example, if you plan to distribute €30,0Some readersWhy Does Your Company Have to File an Annual Report?
First and foremost, submitting the annual report is essential if your company has realized profits during the fiscal year and you intend to distribute these earnings as dividends. On the other hand, unless your company was registered after July 1st of the previous year, submitting the annual report is mandatory according to the Estonian Commercial Code. Failing to submit the annual report on time can have consFew readersWhy Are You Now Asking For Additional Documents for the Annual Report That You Didn’t Request in Previous Years?
At Companio, we aim to adhere to Estonia's accounting and tax laws, which involve the proper documentation and recording of all financial transactions. To ensure we meet these legal deadlines, we send monthly reminders for you to upload your invoices by the fifth day of the following month. If you're late, our accountants will initially record these as "prepayments" to align with tax requirements. That means the transactions are supposed to be payments waiting for a document or invoice.Few readersUnderstanding the Profit and Loss Statement in Your Annual Report
The Profit and Loss statement outlines the company's income and expenses during the reporting period, offering insight into its economic performance, including revenue, expenses, and profit or loss. It comprises several sections: Revenue: Total income from sales or services. Other Income: Additional income from sources unrelated to primary business activities. Raw Materials and Consumables Used: Costs associated with production materials and consumables. These are items essenFew readersHow To Download Your Annual Report
Once the annual report has been prepared by our team, you are asked to sign it before we submit it to the authorities. However, if you no longer have access to the report, you can download it anytime from the registry by following these instructions: First, log in to the e-Business Register with your e-Residency ID card. Next, go to "Submission ofFew readersHandling Unmatched Transactions for Annual Reports
During the annual report period, our team can ask you to match some transactions that weren't matched with the right documents during the previous year. Sometimes it can be confusing to understand how to match these transactions. Don't worry, here’s how to easily handle them: Incoming Money (Positive Amount in Bank Transactions) Advance Payment from aFew readers