When the net assets (equity) of an Estonian private limited company (OÜ) fall below the statutory threshold, the board and shareholders must act quickly to avoid personal liability and, in the worst case, compulsory dissolution.

Below is a practical roadmap that reflects the requirements of the Commercial Code (Äriseadustik) and common solutions in the market.

1. When is equity “too low”?

Under Commercial Code § 176(2) the company’s net assets must be at least:

• 50 % of registered share capital, and
• not less than the minimum share‑capital requirement (currently € 2 500 for OÜs).

Example: An OÜ with a registered share capital of €10 000 must keep equity ≥ €5 000.
An OÜ with a registered capital of €2 500 must keep equity ≥ €2 500 (100 %).

If the balance sheet shows that equity is below either limit (often expressed as negative share capital), the board must, within three months after approval of the annual report, convene a shareholders’ meeting to decide on remedies.

2. Legal options (Commercial Code § 176)

3. Practical ways to restore equity

1. Issue new shares / owner cash injection – quickest textbook fix.
2. Convert shareholder loans into equity (set‑off contribution).
3. Revalue (upwards) real estate or IP – allowed if fair‑value report substantiates it.
4. Cut costs & improve margins – demonstrate turnaround in the next financial year.
5. Sell non‑core assets – realise gains, book profit.
6. Reduce share capital to minimum (€2 500) and cover rest via profit or later capital increase.

Tip: Make sure any capital manoeuvre is properly documented, entered in the accounting ledgers and registered in e-Business Register.

4. Exit scenarios

• Sell the company – shares can be transferred to a buyer who is willing to recapitalise. Ensure the SPA allocates responsibility for past debts.
• Liquidate – a clean way to close down if there is no buyer or business rationale. Requires publishing a creditor notice and preparing a final balance sheet.
• Turnkey liquidation service – professional firms can handle filings, creditor notices, accounting & tax clearance (fees start around €300–€1 000).

5. Director’s liability

Failure to address negative equity may expose the board to personal liability for damages (Commercial Code § 187) and fines. Timely action and documented shareholder decisions are therefore crucial.

6. Frequently asked questions

Need help?
We can assist with share‑capital operations, draft resolutions, Business Register filings, or a turnkey liquidation package.

This guide is provided for general information and does not constitute legal advice.

When the net assets (equity) of an Estonian private limited company (OÜ) fall below the statutory threshold, the board and shareholders must act quickly to avoid personal liability and, in the worst case, compulsory dissolution.

Below is a practical roadmap that reflects the requirements of the Commercial Code (Äriseadustik) and common solutions in the market.

1. When is equity “too low”?

Under Commercial Code § 176(2) the company’s net assets must be at least:

• 50 % of registered share capital, and
• not less than the minimum share‑capital requirement (currently € 2 500 for OÜs).

Example: An OÜ with a registered share capital of €10 000 must keep equity ≥ €5 000.
An OÜ with a registered capital of €2 500 must keep equity ≥ €2 500 (100 %).

If the balance sheet shows that equity is below either limit (often expressed as negative share capital), the board must, within three months after approval of the annual report, convene a shareholders’ meeting to decide on remedies.

2. Legal options (Commercial Code § 176)

3. Practical ways to restore equity

1. Issue new shares / owner cash injection – quickest textbook fix.
2. Convert shareholder loans into equity (set‑off contribution).
3. Revalue (upwards) real estate or IP – allowed if fair‑value report substantiates it.
4. Cut costs & improve margins – demonstrate turnaround in the next financial year.
5. Sell non‑core assets – realise gains, book profit.
6. Reduce share capital to minimum (€2 500) and cover rest via profit or later capital increase.

Tip: Make sure any capital manoeuvre is properly documented, entered in the accounting ledgers and registered in e-Business Register.

4. Exit scenarios

• Sell the company – shares can be transferred to a buyer who is willing to recapitalise. Ensure the SPA allocates responsibility for past debts.
• Liquidate – a clean way to close down if there is no buyer or business rationale. Requires publishing a creditor notice and preparing a final balance sheet.
• Turnkey liquidation service – professional firms can handle filings, creditor notices, accounting & tax clearance (fees start around €300–€1 000).

5. Director’s liability

Failure to address negative equity may expose the board to personal liability for damages (Commercial Code § 187) and fines. Timely action and documented shareholder decisions are therefore crucial.

6. Frequently asked questions

Need help?
We can assist with share‑capital operations, draft resolutions, Business Register filings, or a turnkey liquidation package.

This guide is provided for general information and does not constitute legal advice.

To change a company’s address in the Commercial Register, you need to submit an application for amendments.

This is required when the legal address has changed, or the company no longer has the right to use it. If the new location is in a different city or county, you also need to amend the Articles of Association.

You’ll need to attach the amended Articles of Association and minutes of the General Meeting or the Decision of the Beneficiaries approving the AofA to the electronic application. When amending the Articles of Association, you’ll need to pay a state fee.

To change a company’s address in the Commercial Register, you need to submit an application for amendments.

This is required when the legal address has changed, or the company no longer has the right to use it. If the new location is in a different city or county, you also need to amend the Articles of Association.

You’ll need to attach the amended Articles of Association and minutes of the General Meeting or the Decision of the Beneficiaries approving the AofA to the electronic application. When amending the Articles of Association, you’ll need to pay a state fee.