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An authorisation sets the limits for a representative’s actions.
An authorisation is a defined set of rights that determines the scope within which a representative may legally act on behalf of the principal. It outlines what actions the representative is permitted to take and under what conditions, ensuring legal clarity and accountability for both parties.
It is essential for the Estonian Tax and Customs Board that the content of authorization would be understandable and the person granting the authorization and the authorized person would be identifiable.
The main and also the most convenient and practical way to transfer the right of representation is to do it through a suitable digital identification channel. These are Mobile ID, Estonian ID, e-resident ID, and Smart ID. European Union country ID cards are also suitable. It is important to have the right to log in to the systems of the Estonian state.
If necessary, other less convenient and more expensive methods can also be used: power of attorney, lawyer’s client agreement, etc.
Additional info:
Power of attorney (PoA) authorises us to act on your behalf for the transactions you specify.
To be valid in Estonia and recognised abroad, it must meet three basic requirements:
Notarial form – The PoA must be signed in front of a notary (in Estonia or abroad).
Proper authentication –
If the PoA is signed in a country that is party to the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention, the notary’s signature must be apostilled.
If the country is not a Convention member, the document must be legalised through that country’s foreign ministry and the Estonian embassy or consulate.
Language – The notary act should be in Estonian or accompanied by a sworn translation into Estonian or English.
Step-by-step process
Draft – We supply a template that details the exact powers you wish to grant.
Notarisation – You sign before a notary; the notary verifies your identity and capacity.
Apostille / legalisation – Applied as required by the country of signature.
Translation (if needed) – Performed by a sworn translator.
Delivery – Send the original or certified copy to us; courier fees depend on your chosen service.
Country-specific nuances
Most jurisdictions follow the Hague Apostille rules, but some (e.g., Canada, UAE) still require full consular legalisation.
With a properly notarised and authenticated PoA in place, we can conduct the authorised transactions smoothly and in full compliance with international and Estonian law.
Digital notarial services in Estonia and selected embassies.
In Estonia, a public notary acts as an official intermediary between private individuals or companies and the Commercial Register, helping to certify applications, transactions, and legal documents. Thanks to Estonia’s advanced digital infrastructure, many notarial services can now be completed remotely using the e-Notary system.
Book notary appointments and review draft contracts
Access invoices and your full notarial history
e-Notary is available throughout Estonia and in selected Estonian embassies abroad, including:
Helsinki
Stockholm
Brussels
London
Riga
If you prefer, you can visit an Estonian embassy in one of these cities instead of travelling to Estonia for share transactions or other notarised acts. This is especially convenient for e-residents.
Choosing a notary
You can log in to notar.ee with your digital ID to choose a notary and schedule an appointment. Notary fees are state-regulated, and the quality of service is consistent. You may want to choose one who is able to conduct the procedure in English and supports the e-notary scheme.
Additional rights and services
Estonian law (§ 30 and § 33 of the Notaries Act) gives you the right to request that a notary submit documents to the Business Register on your behalf. If the notary certifies the content of the application, their fee also covers:
Legal consultation
Preparation of the draft application
Guidance on applicable state fees
A notary can also help submit address changes to the Population Register and file certain activity licence applications, as listed in Annex 1 of the Notarial Regulations.
An authorisation sets the limits for a representative’s actions.
An authorisation is a defined set of rights that determines the scope within which a representative may legally act on behalf of the principal. It outlines what actions the representative is permitted to take and under what conditions, ensuring legal clarity and accountability for both parties.
It is essential for the Estonian Tax and Customs Board that the content of authorization would be understandable and the person granting the authorization and the authorized person would be identifiable.
The main and also the most convenient and practical way to transfer the right of representation is to do it through a suitable digital identification channel. These are Mobile ID, Estonian ID, e-resident ID, and Smart ID. European Union country ID cards are also suitable. It is important to have the right to log in to the systems of the Estonian state.
If necessary, other less convenient and more expensive methods can also be used: power of attorney, lawyer’s client agreement, etc.
Being an e-resident of Estonia does not give you the right to live in Estonia or elsewhere in the EU, nor does it provide any form of residency, visa, or immigration status. E-residency is simply a digital identity that allows you to manage a business remotely, not a physical presence permit.
What qualifies as permanent residence in Estonia?
To be considered a permanent resident, you must live in Estonia for at least 186 days per calendar year for personal or professional reasons. This requires strong ties to Estonia, which must be proven with supporting documents. Common examples include:
A lease agreement of at least 6 months (must be supported by additional evidence)
An employment or service contract lasting at least 6 months
Proof of property ownership in Estonia
Utility bills or fuel invoices in your name
School or kindergarten records (if you have children in Estonia)
Annual report if you’re on the board of an Estonian company
Transport tickets showing extended stays
Letters of explanation from people you live with
If you provide an employment contract, study certificate, or proof of military service in Estonia, that alone may be sufficient.
E-Residency does not include a physical address. If you’re looking to establish stronger ties to Estonia, founding a company, along with using our legal address and contact person services, is a practical and compliant way to do so. We’re here to assist.
The taxation system of Estonia is favourable because the refinanced and retained profit is not subject to the corporate income tax. All taxation can be done remotely. So do company establishment, accounting etc.
Secure online access to company data (legal facts, accounting, banking, taxes, etc.), allowing you to operate the company from anywhere in the world without the need for a regular physical presence in Estonia.
Member of the European Union
Member of the European Monetary Union (currency: Euro)
English is widely spoken
Transparent and attractive tax system
Rapid company registration and business set up
Easy business management via innovative e-solutions
According to § 9 of Estonia’s Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Prevention Act, a beneficial owner (UBO) is the natural person who ultimately owns or controls a legal entity—either directly or indirectly.
Direct control: A natural person directly owns more than 25% of the company’s shares or voting rights.
Indirect control: A natural person controls another company (or companies) that, in turn, owns more than 25% of the legal entity.
Control can also be exercised through other means, such as shareholder agreements or the right to appoint management.
It is also possible for a company not to have a reportable beneficial owner. For instance, in a private limited company where four shareholders each hold exactly 25%, none of them meets the threshold for control, and under Estonian law, no UBO is declared.
Lead-in: Estonian law defines a beneficial owner as the real person who ultimately controls a company—usually through shareholding of more than 25%, either directly or indirectly.
The purchase and sale of cryptocurrencies may be subject to anti-money laundering regulations. Therefore, attention must be paid to § 70 (1) 4) and (5) and § 71 of the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Prevention Act (RahaPTS), according to which the corresponding activity license must be applied for from the FIU.
An application for an activity license can be submitted to the register of economic activities, which can be accessed either through the www.eesti.ee portal or from the MTR website https://mtr.mkm.ee. The state fee for applying for an activity license is 3,300 euros. Pursuant to § 71 of the Money Laundering Act, the FIU shall resolve an application for an activity license within 60 days as of the date of submission of the application. Upon the decision of the Financial Intelligence Unit, the term for granting an activity license may be extended up to 120 days. Services may not be provided before permission has been obtained. A person who holds an activity license of the Financial Supervision Authority does not have an obligation under another law to apply for an activity license of the Financial Supervision Authority, an activity license of a financial supervision authority of a Contracting State of the European Economic Area. The services specified in subsection 70 (1) within the group.
Digital notarial services in Estonia and selected embassies.
In Estonia, a public notary acts as an official intermediary between private individuals or companies and the Commercial Register, helping to certify applications, transactions, and legal documents. Thanks to Estonia’s advanced digital infrastructure, many notarial services can now be completed remotely using the e-Notary system.
Book notary appointments and review draft contracts
Access invoices and your full notarial history
e-Notary is available throughout Estonia and in selected Estonian embassies abroad, including:
Helsinki
Stockholm
Brussels
London
Riga
If you prefer, you can visit an Estonian embassy in one of these cities instead of travelling to Estonia for share transactions or other notarised acts. This is especially convenient for e-residents.
Choosing a notary
You can log in to notar.ee with your digital ID to choose a notary and schedule an appointment. Notary fees are state-regulated, and the quality of service is consistent. You may want to choose one who is able to conduct the procedure in English and supports the e-notary scheme.
Additional rights and services
Estonian law (§ 30 and § 33 of the Notaries Act) gives you the right to request that a notary submit documents to the Business Register on your behalf. If the notary certifies the content of the application, their fee also covers:
Legal consultation
Preparation of the draft application
Guidance on applicable state fees
A notary can also help submit address changes to the Population Register and file certain activity licence applications, as listed in Annex 1 of the Notarial Regulations.
Secure tools for digital identification, signatures, and access to e-services.
Estonia’s digital society is built on secure, convenient, and legally binding e-identity tools: the ID-card, Digi-ID, and Mobile-ID. These allow you to log into e-services, sign documents digitally, and manage your business or personal affairs fully online.
ID-card & Digi-ID
The ID-card and Digi-ID are physical smart cards used to:
Access Estonian e-services (e.g. Business Register, Tax Board, banks)
PIN codes, issued with the card (replacements available at Estonian service points or embassies)
Valid certificates, which you can check and renew at id.ee
A computer with internet access
Mobile-ID – Digital ID on Your Phone
Mobile-ID offers the same functionality as the ID-card, but without the need for a card reader. Instead, it works directly from your mobile phone.
How it works:
Requires a special Mobile-ID SIM card, issued by Estonian mobile operators
Stores private keys and signature functionality directly on the SIM
Actions are confirmed using PIN1 (authentication) and PIN2 (signing)
Perfect for users who prefer secure identification on the go
e-Residency Digital ID
If you are an Estonian e-resident, your e-Residency card allows you to access all of the above features (except Mobile-ID). You can:
Manage your company
Sign documents digitally
Use secure government and private e-services Note: E-Residency does not grant legal residence, tax residence, or the right to enter Estonia or the EU.
Need help?
Most answers to common technical and practical issues can be found on the official website: 🔗 www.id.ee
There you’ll find:
Detailed FAQs
Step-by-step video tutorials
Instructions for software, certificate renewal, and common problems
If you can’t find a solution, please reach out to the ID Help Centre via this contact form. The more clearly you describe your issue, the better the support team can assist. All answers are sent to you in writing with easy-to-follow instructions tailored to your situation.
Lead-in: Whether you use an ID-card, Digi-ID or Mobile-ID, Estonia’s digital tools let you handle secure transactions and official matters easily from anywhere in the world—with expert help just a click away.
Power of attorney (PoA) authorises us to act on your behalf for the transactions you specify.
To be valid in Estonia and recognised abroad, it must meet three basic requirements:
Notarial form – The PoA must be signed in front of a notary (in Estonia or abroad).
Proper authentication –
If the PoA is signed in a country that is party to the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention, the notary’s signature must be apostilled.
If the country is not a Convention member, the document must be legalised through that country’s foreign ministry and the Estonian embassy or consulate.
Language – The notary act should be in Estonian or accompanied by a sworn translation into Estonian or English.
Step-by-step process
Draft – We supply a template that details the exact powers you wish to grant.
Notarisation – You sign before a notary; the notary verifies your identity and capacity.
Apostille / legalisation – Applied as required by the country of signature.
Translation (if needed) – Performed by a sworn translator.
Delivery – Send the original or certified copy to us; courier fees depend on your chosen service.
Country-specific nuances
Most jurisdictions follow the Hague Apostille rules, but some (e.g., Canada, UAE) still require full consular legalisation.
With a properly notarised and authenticated PoA in place, we can conduct the authorised transactions smoothly and in full compliance with international and Estonian law.
If you plan to live and work in Estonia, you must register your local address in the Estonian Population Register. Without it, you won’t be eligible for public healthcare, social support, or many other government services.
What you need to register:
A residence notice (elukoha teade) — filled out in Estonian (see translated example if needed)
Your ID or a copy (if applying by post)
Proof of residence — e.g. a tenancy agreement or ownership document
If the property has multiple owners, consent is required from all
If you have an Estonian ID card, you can complete the process online via the eesti.ee portal.
Lead-in: Registering your address is a legal requirement and essential for accessing public services in Estonia.
Smart-ID personal identification can be used today in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Anno 2023.
If you are an alien living in Estonia the options are:
Residents of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania (incl. people staying here on the basis of a permanent residence permit) have a residence permit card. It allows you to create a Smart-ID account exactly as you would with an ID card: just follow the on-screen instructions. Your personal identification code is written on the residence card.
If you are a non-resident, ie a person who does not have a local personal identification code, it is not possible to create a Smart-ID account in Estonia and Latvia. However, it is possible to register a Smart-ID Basic account with limited rights in Lithuania by visiting the bank branch of Medicines Bankas, don’t forget to bring your identity documents!
Customers can log into the client area and pay to renew their subscriptions.
All offered payment gateway extensions can be used to process manual renewal payments. Customers can choose a different payment method for each renewal payment. It’s better to set up automatic payments.
If there is a problem with logging in to the customer area, let us know and the payment link will be sent.
After we receive the payment we will manually extend your subscription.
An authorisation sets the limits for a representative’s actions.
An authorisation is a defined set of rights that determines the scope within which a representative may legally act on behalf of the principal. It outlines what actions the representative is permitted to take and under what conditions, ensuring legal clarity and accountability for both parties.
It is essential for the Estonian Tax and Customs Board that the content of authorization would be understandable and the person granting the authorization and the authorized person would be identifiable.
The main and also the most convenient and practical way to transfer the right of representation is to do it through a suitable digital identification channel. These are Mobile ID, Estonian ID, e-resident ID, and Smart ID. European Union country ID cards are also suitable. It is important to have the right to log in to the systems of the Estonian state.
If necessary, other less convenient and more expensive methods can also be used: power of attorney, lawyer’s client agreement, etc.
Keeping your residence information up to date in the Population Register is a legal obligation.
To register your residence in Estonia, you must submit a notice of residence to the city or rural municipality government of your place of residence. This ensures that your address is correctly recorded in the Estonian Population Register, as required by law.
You can submit your notice of residence in the following ways:
Online via the e-population register (requires Estonian ID-card, Mobile-ID, or e-Residency). You can also track the status of your submission there.
By e-mail to your local city or rural municipality government (in Tallinn, to the district government). The form must be digitally signed.
By post, including a signed notice and a copy of your ID showing your personal data.
If you have multiple permanent addresses, one must be designated as your main residence—the address with legal effect in the register. Other addresses may be submitted as additional residences, but the main one must always be accurate and up to date.
Whenever you move within Estonia, relocate abroad, or return from abroad, you are legally obligated to update your residence address in the Population Register.
Clarifying taxation rules for e-residents and Estonian companies.
According to Estonian tax law, e-residents are considered non-residents for tax purposes. This means that only income earned in Estonia is taxed in Estonia. If there is no Estonian-sourced income or activity, you must pay taxes in the country where the service is provided or the income is earned. E-Residency alone does not create tax residency—neither in Estonia nor elsewhere.
An Estonian company established by an e-resident is automatically considered an Estonian tax resident company, and subject to Estonian corporate tax rules. However, the personal tax residency of the e-resident does not change simply because they hold an e-Residency card.
It’s a common misconception that e-Residency provides residency or tax residency status—it does not. E-Residency is a digital identity, not a visa, residence permit, or travel document. It allows you to manage a company remotely, but it has no impact on where you pay personal taxes.
Keep in mind:
Your personal tax residency is determined by factors such as physical presence (e.g. more than 183 days in a country) and centre of economic or personal interests.
Your personal tax residency may also trigger permanent establishment rules, which could lead to tax obligations for your Estonian company in your country of residence.
Lead-in: E-Residency gives you access to Estonia’s digital business environment—but it has no effect on your personal or corporate tax residency, which are determined by entirely separate legal criteria.
Just let us know via e-mail with an advance of 7 days, before the date of the subscription extension date and not having an invoice unpaid.
Also, you can log in to the customer area and close your subscription yourself.
What needs to be noticed is that the waiver does not have a retroactive effect, ie the period for which it has already been paid is valid until the end.
Also, it is very important to remember that the order ends permanently when the address and/or contact person has also been deleted from the Estonian Business Registry. Without it, the standing order is not completed.
Legal entities whose address is located or a board resides in a foreign country must appoint a contact person.
A deadline can be set for the contact person. After measuring the deadline, the contact person is automatically deleted from the company. After that, the contact person must be appointed for a new term.
Just let us know via e-mail with an advance of 7 days, before the date of the subscription extension date and not having an invoice unpaid.
Also, you can log in to the customer area and close your subscription yourself.
What needs to be noticed is that the waiver does not have a retroactive effect, ie the period for which it has already been paid is valid until the end.
Also, it is very important to remember that the order ends permanently when the address and/or contact person has also been deleted from the Estonian Business Registry. Without it, the standing order is not completed.
Power of attorney (PoA) authorises us to act on your behalf for the transactions you specify.
To be valid in Estonia and recognised abroad, it must meet three basic requirements:
Notarial form – The PoA must be signed in front of a notary (in Estonia or abroad).
Proper authentication –
If the PoA is signed in a country that is party to the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention, the notary’s signature must be apostilled.
If the country is not a Convention member, the document must be legalised through that country’s foreign ministry and the Estonian embassy or consulate.
Language – The notary act should be in Estonian or accompanied by a sworn translation into Estonian or English.
Step-by-step process
Draft – We supply a template that details the exact powers you wish to grant.
Notarisation – You sign before a notary; the notary verifies your identity and capacity.
Apostille / legalisation – Applied as required by the country of signature.
Translation (if needed) – Performed by a sworn translator.
Delivery – Send the original or certified copy to us; courier fees depend on your chosen service.
Country-specific nuances
Most jurisdictions follow the Hague Apostille rules, but some (e.g., Canada, UAE) still require full consular legalisation.
With a properly notarised and authenticated PoA in place, we can conduct the authorised transactions smoothly and in full compliance with international and Estonian law.
Just let us know via e-mail with an advance of 7 days, before the date of the subscription extension date and not having an invoice unpaid.
Also, you can log in to the customer area and close your subscription yourself.
What needs to be noticed is that the waiver does not have a retroactive effect, ie the period for which it has already been paid is valid until the end.
Also, it is very important to remember that the order ends permanently when the address and/or contact person has also been deleted from the Estonian Business Registry. Without it, the standing order is not completed.
Legal entities whose address is located or a board resides in a foreign country must appoint a contact person.
A deadline can be set for the contact person. After measuring the deadline, the contact person is automatically deleted from the company. After that, the contact person must be appointed for a new term.
Being an e-resident of Estonia does not give you the right to live in Estonia or elsewhere in the EU, nor does it provide any form of residency, visa, or immigration status. E-residency is simply a digital identity that allows you to manage a business remotely, not a physical presence permit.
What qualifies as permanent residence in Estonia?
To be considered a permanent resident, you must live in Estonia for at least 186 days per calendar year for personal or professional reasons. This requires strong ties to Estonia, which must be proven with supporting documents. Common examples include:
A lease agreement of at least 6 months (must be supported by additional evidence)
An employment or service contract lasting at least 6 months
Proof of property ownership in Estonia
Utility bills or fuel invoices in your name
School or kindergarten records (if you have children in Estonia)
Annual report if you’re on the board of an Estonian company
Transport tickets showing extended stays
Letters of explanation from people you live with
If you provide an employment contract, study certificate, or proof of military service in Estonia, that alone may be sufficient.
E-Residency does not include a physical address. If you’re looking to establish stronger ties to Estonia, founding a company, along with using our legal address and contact person services, is a practical and compliant way to do so. We’re here to assist.
Just let us know via e-mail with an advance of 7 days, before the date of the subscription extension date and not having an invoice unpaid.
Also, you can log in to the customer area and close your subscription yourself.
What needs to be noticed is that the waiver does not have a retroactive effect, ie the period for which it has already been paid is valid until the end.
Also, it is very important to remember that the order ends permanently when the address and/or contact person has also been deleted from the Estonian Business Registry. Without it, the standing order is not completed.
Keeping your residence information up to date in the Population Register is a legal obligation.
To register your residence in Estonia, you must submit a notice of residence to the city or rural municipality government of your place of residence. This ensures that your address is correctly recorded in the Estonian Population Register, as required by law.
You can submit your notice of residence in the following ways:
Online via the e-population register (requires Estonian ID-card, Mobile-ID, or e-Residency). You can also track the status of your submission there.
By e-mail to your local city or rural municipality government (in Tallinn, to the district government). The form must be digitally signed.
By post, including a signed notice and a copy of your ID showing your personal data.
If you have multiple permanent addresses, one must be designated as your main residence—the address with legal effect in the register. Other addresses may be submitted as additional residences, but the main one must always be accurate and up to date.
Whenever you move within Estonia, relocate abroad, or return from abroad, you are legally obligated to update your residence address in the Population Register.
Clarifying taxation rules for e-residents and Estonian companies.
According to Estonian tax law, e-residents are considered non-residents for tax purposes. This means that only income earned in Estonia is taxed in Estonia. If there is no Estonian-sourced income or activity, you must pay taxes in the country where the service is provided or the income is earned. E-Residency alone does not create tax residency—neither in Estonia nor elsewhere.
An Estonian company established by an e-resident is automatically considered an Estonian tax resident company, and subject to Estonian corporate tax rules. However, the personal tax residency of the e-resident does not change simply because they hold an e-Residency card.
It’s a common misconception that e-Residency provides residency or tax residency status—it does not. E-Residency is a digital identity, not a visa, residence permit, or travel document. It allows you to manage a company remotely, but it has no impact on where you pay personal taxes.
Keep in mind:
Your personal tax residency is determined by factors such as physical presence (e.g. more than 183 days in a country) and centre of economic or personal interests.
Your personal tax residency may also trigger permanent establishment rules, which could lead to tax obligations for your Estonian company in your country of residence.
Lead-in: E-Residency gives you access to Estonia’s digital business environment—but it has no effect on your personal or corporate tax residency, which are determined by entirely separate legal criteria.
An authorisation sets the limits for a representative’s actions.
An authorisation is a defined set of rights that determines the scope within which a representative may legally act on behalf of the principal. It outlines what actions the representative is permitted to take and under what conditions, ensuring legal clarity and accountability for both parties.
It is essential for the Estonian Tax and Customs Board that the content of authorization would be understandable and the person granting the authorization and the authorized person would be identifiable.
The main and also the most convenient and practical way to transfer the right of representation is to do it through a suitable digital identification channel. These are Mobile ID, Estonian ID, e-resident ID, and Smart ID. European Union country ID cards are also suitable. It is important to have the right to log in to the systems of the Estonian state.
If necessary, other less convenient and more expensive methods can also be used: power of attorney, lawyer’s client agreement, etc.