Estonia: all programs

Estonia in brief

Estonia is the northernmost Baltic state, on the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Finland, with a population of about 1.37 million. The capital is Tallinn, and the second city is the university town of Tartu. Estonia joined the European Union and NATO in 2004 and the Schengen area in 2007, and has used the euro since 2011. The country is known for its digital state: almost all government services, taxes and document signing are online, and it has one of the highest numbers of tech startups per capita in Europe. The state language is Estonian, and about a quarter of residents speak Russian.

Estonia suits IT specialists, startup founders and entrepreneurs who value simple company taxation and an online state. It suits less citizens of Russia and Belarus: most routes are closed to them.

How to move in 2026

Nomad visa and e-residency applications from citizens of Russia and Belarus are not accepted, and entry on tourist visas has been practically closed to Russian citizens since 2022. E-residency gives a digital signature and the ability to run an Estonian company remotely, but not the right to live in the country. Citizenship is granted after 8 years in the country, 5 of them with permanent residence, with Estonian and a constitution exam, and previous citizenship must be given up.

Taxes

Estonian income tax is 22%, with a tax-free allowance of 700 euros a month. The employer pays a 33% social tax on top. The key feature for business: a company pays no corporate tax until it distributes profit, and on dividend payments the tax is 22% of the gross payment. VAT is 24%. More on the page about Estonian taxes.

Business and the digital state

A company is registered online in a few hours and can be run from any country, with reports and taxes filed through the state portal. A company without an office in Estonia needs a contact person with a local address. Opening an Estonian bank account is harder than registering the company: banks expect a real link between the business and the country. More on the page about company registration in Estonia.

Property

Foreigners buy flats and houses without restrictions, while buying agricultural and forest land of 10 hectares or more requires a permit. The deal is certified by a notary and title is registered in the land register, with modest notary and state fees. Housing is most expensive in Tallinn, especially the Old Town, Kadriorg and Kalamaja. More on the page about property in Estonia.

Cost of living

Estonia is the most expensive of the Baltic states but noticeably cheaper than Finland and Scandinavia. The main costs are rent in Tallinn and heating in winter. Health insurance covers working people and their families, and others buy private cover. Schools and universities teaching in Estonian are free, and Tallinn has international schools teaching in English.

Where to live

• Tallinn. The capital with its Old Town, startup offices and most of the jobs.
• Tartu. A university town with a young crowd and cheaper housing.
• Pärnu. A summer resort on the coast, quiet in winter.
• Narva and the east. Mostly Russian-speaking towns on the Russian border with the most affordable housing.

Practicalities

• Digital services. With an ID card and digital signature almost all dealings with the state and banks are done online.
• Language. Estonian; in Tallinn many people speak Russian and English, and citizenship and some professions require Estonian.
• Climate. Short cool summers and long dark winters of around minus 5 degrees.
• Getting there. Ferries from Tallinn to Helsinki take about two hours, and Tallinn has flights to major European cities.
• Safety. Crime is low.

Who Estonia suits

Estonia is a choice for specialists and entrepreneurs who want simple company taxation, an online state and life in the European Union next to Finland. Citizens of Russia and Belarus are better off looking at other countries. Write in the chat and we will choose a basis for your move based on your citizenship.