Starting a business in Estonia has a reputation for being fast, digital, and hassle-free. But let’s be honest — the very first question most entrepreneurs ask isn’t about tax policy or paperwork. It’s much simpler: how much will this actually cost me? Knowing the numbers in advance not only helps you plan your budget but also gives peace of mind that there won’t be hidden surprises down the road.
How Much Does It Really Cost to Launch in Estonia?
In this article, we’ll break down the main costs you’re likely to encounter when setting up a company in Estonia. From the unavoidable state fee to practical add-ons like a legal address or professional help, you’ll see how the total price can change depending on which path you choose.
The idea is simple: whether you go fully digital with e-Residency, register in person at a notary, or rely on a service provider, each option has its own price tag and advantages.
Key Cost Components and Fees
The cost of registration can be thought of as two layers: the mandatory state fees and the optional services you may choose to make the process easier. The state fees are unavoidable, while extras like a legal address, a contact person, or professional support depend on your situation:
- State Registration Fee
To set up a private limited company (OÜ) in Estonia, you need to pay a state fee. If you register online through the e-Business Register, it comes to €265. Registering with a notary costs a bit less — €200. This is a one-time payment that covers the official processing of your application in the commercial register.
- e-Residency Card (Digital ID)
For foreign entrepreneurs who choose to incorporate fully online, obtaining an e-Residency digital ID is essential. The application state fee is €150 for the e-Residency card, and the card is valid for 5 years. In some cases there may be a small additional service charge for picking up the card at certain locations (often around €20), but no annual maintenance fees apply. The e-Residency ID lets you digitally sign documents and access Estonia’s e-services remotely. If you already have an Estonian ID or decide to register through a notary without e-Residency, this cost can be avoided.
- Notary Service Fees
If you cannot use the online portal (for example, if you don’t have e-Residency or prefer in-person setup), you’ll register via an Estonian notary. Notary fees for establishing a company typically range from approximately €100 up to €200, depending on the complexity and the notary’s tariff. The notary will prepare and verify the foundation documents. Using a notary may also incur minor extra costs such as translation or travel expenses if you are not in Estonia. The state fee (€200) is still paid in addition to notary charges – the notary usually requires proof of state fee payment or facilitates the payment during the process.
- Legal Address and Contact Person
Every Estonian company must have a registered legal address. If the board has no local residents, it is also wise to use a contact person service to ensure that official letters from authorities are received and forwarded on time. These services are usually offered together by virtual office providers, and the average cost is about €300–€400 per year. Since this is an annual expense, it should be planned into your budget in addition to the one-time registration fees.
- Service Provider Fees
If you don’t have e-Residency yet, the easiest way forward is often to let a local service provider handle the setup. Instead of figuring out every detail yourself, you get someone who knows the system and does the paperwork for you — either when you show up at a notary in Tallinn or completely remotely with a power of attorney. The price depends on which route you choose. A notary visit usually ends up at €750–€900, while a fully remote setup is closer to €1100–€1300. The remote path costs more because of the extra legal work, but it saves you the trip. Most packages already come with a legal address and a contact person, and some also throw in extras like accounting. Just make sure you know what’s included, since ongoing services like accounting are billed separately.
Most importantly, each registration route has its own strengths. Some entrepreneurs value the speed of online registration, others prefer the certainty of working with a notary, and many choose the convenience of a full service package. Whichever path you take, the process in Estonia stays clear, efficient, and reasonably priced.
Total Expected Cost and Typical Range
So, what does it really cost to get your Estonian company off the ground? If you take the e-Residency path and handle the basics yourself, your first-year budget will usually land somewhere between €600 and €800. That covers the essentials: the state fee, your digital ID card, and a legal address to keep things official.
Of course, many founders prefer a bit of extra help. A service provider who handles the process for you will bring the total closer to €1,000, and if you want the convenience of doing everything remotely by power of attorney, you’re looking at around €1,300. Even then, the investment is still relatively small compared to many other countries — especially when you consider the speed, transparency, and digital ease that Estonia offers.
Conclusion
Establishing a company in Estonia doesn’t have to break the bank. The rules are clear, the costs are predictable, and compared to many other countries, the process is refreshingly straightforward. Your final budget will depend on how you decide to register — whether online with e-Residency, through a notary, or by giving a power of attorney — and on any extra services you choose to add for convenience.
In the end, setting up an Estonian OÜ requires only a modest initial investment. Once you understand which fees are mandatory and which are optional, it becomes much easier to plan ahead and take full advantage of Estonia’s efficient, digital, and business-friendly environment.
