It is essential to obtain any necessary permits before you start providing services or selling goods.

To determine whether your planned or existing business requires a license or registration, you can refer to the full list of regulated business activities on the Economic Activities Register website. This resource is crucial for ensuring that you meet all legal requirements before beginning your operations.

Here are some common types of business activities that typically require a license or registration in Estonia:

• Construction
• Financial services
• Education
• (Online) gambling
• Transport
• Tourism
• Sale of food and beverages
• Mediation of rental workforce and labor

Steps to Obtain a Business Licence in Estonia

Once you have verified that your business activity requires special permits, follow these steps:

1. Establish Your Company:

If you haven’t done so already, you will need to set up your company in Estonia. It’s essential to assign the correct EMTAK (Estonian Classification of Economic Activities) code to your business. This code identifies your main business activity and should be chosen based on the activity expected to generate the most turnover. You can only choose one main activity, even if your company operates in multiple fields. 

You can establish your company here.

2. Submit Your Application:

Economic activity notices are typically registered within one workday, while licence applications are reviewed within 30 days. Once your application is approved, your company will be automatically entered into the register, and you can commence business operations.

Compliance and Reporting

After receiving your license or registration, it is critical to ensure that your business operations remain in compliance with all relevant regulations. 

Each year, when submitting your annual report, you must confirm the accuracy of the information provided to the registration authority. If there are any changes to your business setup, you are required to notify the supervising authority within five days.

Failure to adhere to these requirements can result in the revocation of your license or registration, which would prevent you from continuing your business operations.

Example Scenarios for a Beginning E-Resident in Estonia in the field what needs license

1. A Software Development Company
   As an e-resident establishing a software development company, you would not typically require any special permits unless you plan to offer services in regulated areas like financial technology (fintech). If your business does involve fintech, you would need to follow the steps to obtain the necessary licences, such as those for financial services.
2. Opening a Cafe
   If you’re an e-resident planning to open a cafe in Estonia, you would need a licence for the sale of food and beverages. After setting up your company online and assigning the correct EMTAK code, you would apply for the necessary food handling and alcohol sales licences through the Economic Activities Register, paying the applicable state fees.
3. Launching an Online Gambling Platform
   For an e-resident interested in starting an online gambling business, obtaining the appropriate licences is mandatory. This process is more complex, requiring thorough documentation and a longer review period. After registering your company and paying the state fee, you would need to wait up to 30 days for your application to be reviewed and approved before you can begin operations.

These examples illustrate the importance of understanding the specific requirements for your business type and ensuring compliance with Estonian regulations from the outset.