- country
- Estonia
- eligibility
- For non-EU/EEA/Switzerland startup founders whose business is technology-based, innovative, repeatable and has high global growth potential; company registered in Estonia and not older than 10 years; requires approval from the Estonian Startup Committee. Applicants must show proof of funds (minimum ~EUR 800/month) and health insurance with at least EUR 30,000 Schengen coverage. Family members of approved founders (spouse, children) may also apply.
- processing notes
- Initial startup visa application is free and the Startup Committee responds within ~10 working days; the accompanying long-stay (D) visa has a EUR 120 state fee. Visa valid up to 365 days, extendable for a further 183 days. Decisions handled by the Startup Committee; applications processed via the Police and Border Guard Board or Estonian embassies. Startups are exempt from the general EUR 65,000 investment requirement when later applying for a residence permit for entrepreneurship (issuable up to 5 years).
- quota
- Exempt from the annual immigration quota (the startup visa is a separate pathway and does not count against the general immigration cap, which is 1,292 slots for 2026 non-EU work/business residence permits)