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Doing business in Estonia: 5 key areas for investors before market entry

December 1, 2025
Accace - Outsourcing and advisory services in Estonia

When doing business in Estonia, companies enter a digitally driven and forward-thinking market known for its strong technological backbone and well-developed traditional industries. Sectors such as IT, telecommunications, energy, construction and manufacturing form the core of the economy, while emerging priorities like renewable energy and agriculture attract increasing investment attention.

Estonia’s business environment is built on efficiency and transparency, from streamlined company formation procedures to clear regulatory frameworks governing corporate, VAT and local taxation. Labour rules are straightforward, offering flexibility in employment arrangements and clear guidelines for both local and foreign workers. Individuals and companies alike operate within a predictable personal tax and social security system, supported by comprehensive legislation and accessible public records.

Together, these factors make Estonia an appealing location for entrepreneurs and investors seeking a stable, innovation-friendly setting in the Baltic region. This infographic summarises the essential areas to understand before taking your next step.

Compare Estonia to 16 other markets in our FULL EXPANSION guide

Our free eBook on international expansion was created in cooperation with our global business community, Accace Circle, providing basic yet valuable information from 17 countries. Breeze through the specifics of doing business across different markets and compare key data that may be crucial for your ambitions of international expansion.


Industries & investment incentives

Most common industries:

  • IT
  • Telco
  • Construction
  • Energy industries
  • Processing industry
  • Wood industry and forestry
  • Manufacturing

Industries favoured by investment incentives:

  • Renewable energy
  • Agriculture

Company formation in Estonia

Most common legal form of business: Private limited company

Required no. of shareholders: at least 1

Required no. of directors: at least 1

Incorporation time
5 working days

%
Incorporation fee
EUR 200 – 265

%

Corporate tax

Standard CIT rate
22%

%
Reduced CIT rate
14%

%

Who are tax residents: companies under Estonian law

Tax period: calendar month

Due date for CIT return: submission by the 10th day of the following month (there is no annual CIT return)

Standard VAT rate
24%

%
Reduced VAT rate
9%

%

0% on the export of goods.

From 2025, the additional 13% reduced rate is applied to accommodation services

VAT registration for residents: when the total of taxable and certain tax exempt supplies exceed EUR 40,000 in a calendar year or voluntarily prior to that threshold

VAT registration for non-residents: when they have a permanent establishment and the taxable supplies exceed EUR 40,000 in a calendar year; under certain conditions, if no extended reverse charge is applicable by the VAT registered recipient of goods or services in Estonia, then non-resident should be registered for VAT from the date of taxable supply (without any threshold, unless the non-resident applies the special EU VAT scheme for small businesses)

Other applicable taxes:

  • Excise tax on tobacco, alcohol, electricity, some packaging materials and motor fuel
  • Road tax for trucks with the weight over 3500 kg
  • Land tax calculated on the assessed value of land (excluding buildings), at rates between 0.1% and 2%, depending on the municipality
  • Local taxes, such advertisement tax, road and street closure tax and parking charges – the local authorities may in theory introduce also motor vehicle tax, tax on keeping animals and entertainment tax
  • Gambling tax imposed on amounts received from operating games of skill, totalisator, betting, lotteries, and promotional lotteries; tax is also charged on gambling tables and machines used for games of chance located in licensed premises
  • Heavy goods vehicle tax for trucks with the weight over 12 tons, which are registered in the Estonian Traffic Register.
  • From 2025, motor vehicle tax (including registration fee and annual tax) on passenger cars and vans or other motor vehicles with the weight of up to 3 500 kg.

Labour law and employment

Who is entitled to work in Estonia:

  • People over the age of 18
  • If the job is simple, does not require much physical or mental effort, and does not impede the attainment of education, then young people under the age of 15 or a minor subject to the obligation to attend school, may be employed; however, young people under the age of 18 must have the consent of their parent(s) to enter into an employment contract – 10 working days prior to commencement of employment for a 7-12 year-old, the employer must make a corresponding entry in the employment record and provide information on the consent of the minor’s legal representative, the minor’s working conditions, including place of work and duties, and obligation to attend school and additionally the employer must present the data of the minor’s to the Labour Inspectorate

Types of employment contract:

  • Contract for indefinite and definite period
  • Contract for services
  • Authorisation agreement

Personal income tax

Standard PIT rate
12%

%

Who are tax residents:  Individuals who have a permanent place of residence (home) in Estonia or stay longer than 183 days during any 12-month consecutive period in the country

 

Tax period: calendar year

Due date for PIT return: April 30 of the following year

Taxable incomes in Estonia: employment income, business income, capital gains, rents and royalties, interest, dividends, certain insurance proceeds, pensions, scholarships, grants, prizes and lottery winnings, etc.

Social security contributions

Paid by employer
33%*

%
Paid by employee
1.6%

%

* In addition, 0.8% unemployment insurance contribution is paid by the employer

Health insurance contributions

Health insurance contributions are included in the social security contributions


How we can help with doing business in Estonia

Doing business in Estonia can be simple if you have reliable support by your side. Entering the Estonian market opens up new possibilities as well as some challenges, but with help from skilled professionals, you can understand the local business environment and feel confident about your decisions. Whether you are starting a new company or expanding your current business, our team of Estonian specialists is ready to provide customized solutions that fit your needs.

Our range of advisory and BPO services in Estonia covers everything you need for your business, including tax, legal and corporate support, as well as accounting, payroll, HR and reporting tasks. We make sure all processes are accurate, efficient and fully compliant with Estonian laws and regulations.

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