The Start-Up visa in Estonia is available to non-EU founders. The visa permits the Non-EU entrepreneurs to work and stay in Estonia. This process is a part of the Startup Estonia Program. The European Regional Development Fund is responsible for funding this initiative. The Start-Up Estonia program permits all eligible entrepreneurs to apply for a D visa or a residence permit and set up their business in Estonia. Do you want to know- How Do I Get a Startup Visa in Estonia? Read our blog to learn about eligibility, requirements, the application process, visa fees, and more.
This Blog Includes:
- What is the Estonia Start-Up Visa?
- Start-Up Visa Eligibility Criteria
- Estonia Start-Up Visa Benefits
- Start-Up Visa Requirments
- How Much Bank Balance is Required for an Estonia Visa?
- How to Apply for an Estonia Start-Up Visa?
- Start-Up Visa Estonia Cost
- How Do I Get a D Visa For Estonia for Business Purposes?
- Can I Bring My Family with Me on an Estonia Start-Up Visa?
- Can I Extend My Startup Visa for Estonia?
- Tips to Keep in Mind While Applying for the Estonia Startup Visa
- FAQs
What is the Estonia Start-Up Visa?
The Estonia Start-Up Visa is a visa meant for non-EU founders. how do I get a startup visa in Estonia? You can apply for this visa online. If your product includes both scalability and innovation you can apply. The visa is valid for a year and can be extended for 6 more months. If you want to stay for a longer period you can apply for a 5 year temporary residence permit. The best part? You do not have to invest anything to get a Start-up visa.
Start-Up Visa Eligibility Criteria
How do I get a startup visa in Estonia? First, meet the eligibility criteria. The basic eligibility criteria for the start-up visa are provided below:
- You can be a non-EU citizen. For example, Indian
- Your business must be innovative and scalable (unlimited growth potential) For example, companies like Airbnb, Uber
- Moreover, your business must have the potential to grow globally
- You must be at the stage of scaling up your business
- You must be prepared to reside in Estonia
- You must have sufficient funds (at least EUR 800 per month of stay)
- You must have a LinkedIn profile and a professional CV
- Start-up committee’s approval
Note- You can visit the offical website of the start-up visa (start-up visa) and take the short eligibility test. After clearing this test, you will be redirected to the start-up committee’s page for the application process. You need the start-up committee;s approval to state that you meet the eligibility criteria. Thereafter, you can apply for a visa.
Estonia Start-Up Visa Benefits
There are several benefits of getting an Estonia start-up visa. These benefits are as follows-
- The economy is business-friendly- Estonia competes with Silicon Valley and is one of the world’s best tech economies. The country is home to productive and creative businesses.
- Residency path– Residency opportunities are available to entrepreneurs and their immediate families.
- Minimum Investment Requirement is not there– You do not have to invest any amount in the Estonian economy to get this visa.
To learn more about Estonia visa, watch this video:
Start-Up Visa Requirments
How do I get a startup visa in Estonia? The second step is to meet the documentation requirements. You need to submit the following documents along with your visa application form
- You must have a passport that is issued within the last 10 years, has two blank pages, and is valid for 3 months beyond the duration of your stay
- A filled-out visa application form
- A photo of 35 x 45 mm size
- Start-Up committee’s confirmation letter
- Health insurance that is valid in all the Schengen states
- Proof that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses for the duration of your stay
- An accommodation proof to ensure that you have arranged your accommodation in Estonia
- Air ticker to Estonia
- State fee payment of EUR 100.
How Much Bank Balance is Required for an Estonia Visa?
The bank balance required for an Estonia visa is as follows-
Particulars | Amount |
Minimum Bank Balance for an Estonia Visa | EUR 800 per month of stay |
How to Apply for an Estonia Start-Up Visa?
How do I get a startup visa in Estonia? Follow the step-by-step instructions to get a Start-Up Visa Easily as an Indian citizen.
- Check your eligibility- Take the eligibility test to ensure you meet the requirements
- Start-Up Code application form- Fill out the form provided by the Start-Up Committee. You will be asked to provide as much information as you can.
- Application review– At this stage, the Start-Up Committee will review your application. They will decide within 10 working days.
- Get the verification letter– Once your application is approved you will receive a verification letter and an application code. You need to save this unique code.
- Apply for a Visa– A start-up visa will only permit you to reside and work in the country. However, to travel to Estonia as a Start-Up Founder you need a D visa. Indian nationals can now apply for this.
Understanding the Role of the Estonian Startup Committee
The Start-Up Committee will review your start-up code application form. The committee consists of the e Estonian startup community’s selected members. They are good at accessing applications. Therefore, applications have to be filed like you are pitching an investor. The start-up committee will only take 10 days to decide on your application for a start-up visa.
Estonia Student Visa Requirements For Indian Applicants
Start-Up Visa Estonia Cost
The cost of getting a Start-Up visa in Estonia is as follows:
Program Name | State Fee |
Estonia Start-Up Visa | EUR 100 |
How Do I Get a D Visa For Estonia for Business Purposes?
Now you know the answer to your question- How do I get a startup visa in Estonia? To stay for the long term in Estonia it is not sufficient to get a Start-Up Visa. You need to apply for a D visa as well. The D visa will permit you to enter the country as an Indian national, and work, and reside in Estonia using the Start-Up visa.
Fill out the Visa Application From
The Visa application form that you need to attach with the documents can be obtained by visiting the official website of the Embassy of Estonia- New Delhi Under the consular information section, there is an option available for ‘Long Stay Visa Application Form’. Fill out the online form, print it out, and sign the same.
Schedule Your Visa Appointment
Visit the official website of the Embassy of Estonia- New Delhi, and go to the consulate information page. On the left side, there will be an option for documents for long-stay visa applications. You can visit this page, and click on the highlighted text – Book your appointment.You will be redirected to the VFS page where you can register, and schedule an appointment.
On the Day of the Visa Appointment
Submit your application form, the necessary documents, and your biometric information. Pay the visa fee as well. You will be asked to sit for a visa interview. You need to attend the same.
Visa Processing & Decision
At this stage, the visa application processing takes place. After the processing time is over, you will get a decision on your application. You can check your email, or SMS for updates. You can also visit the VFS website online and enter your reference number, and date of birth to know your status.
Collect Passport
After a decision has been arrived at, you can collect your passport from the visa applicaton centre. You can travel to Estonia once you get the visa.
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Can I Bring My Family with Me on an Estonia Start-Up Visa?
Now you know the answer to your question- How do I get a startup visa in Estonia? If you get the visa, you can bring your family along with you to Estonia. You are permitted to bring your spouse, minor children, and adult children who are dependent on you. If your start-up visa is extended for 6 additional months, your family’s visa can also be extended.
Can I Extend My Startup Visa for Estonia?
Yes. You can extend your start-up visa. How do I get a startup visa in Estonia again? Reapply for the visa by meeting the requirements and following the application process.
Visa | Duration |
Startup up visa extension duration | 6 months |
Tips to Keep in Mind While Applying for the Estonia Startup Visa
These are some of the things you must keep in mind while you apply for the start-up visa
- Ensure you fill in all the documents while applying for the start-up visa
- Apply for a D visa only after getting the Start-Up committee’s approval
- Ensure that you download the documents checklist for the D visa, and do not miss any document while applying for the visa
- Do not forget to include a cover letter of your educational and work background while applying for the visa
- Choose flexible travel plans while booking your air tickets. This will ensure that you can easily travel if your visa application processing gets delayed.
FAQs
Yes. Estonia is an excellent country to establish a start-up. The country is home to forward-thinking businesses and offers an excellent support network..As per the statistics, there is an impressive number of unicorns per capita in the country.
Motor vehicle drivers, childcare organisation support specialists, teachers – STEM teachers, care workers, and nurses are some of the highest jobs in demand. Skilled construction workers are also in demand in Estonia.
A start-up visa allows to you settle in Estonia. You can get a visa for a year. Thereafter, you can choose to apply for a residency permit. The permit will help you to stay in the country for a long duration.
We hope you now have the answer to your question- How do I get a startup visa in Estonia? Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or visit our visa page for more such articles. You can also connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!
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