The Estonian Trade Register

 

The Estonian Trade Register is also known as the Business Register and is part of a larger platform called the Center of Registers and Information Systems. The Business Register offers access to an electronic database about Estonian companies and it also gives investors the opportunity to make online applications for company registration in Estonia.

 

Those who want to open a company in Estonia can also access the Company Registration Portal, also part of the Business Register. The Center of Registers and Information Systems falls under the management of the Estonian Ministry of Justice. The main role of the Business Register in Estonia is to deal with company registration in Estonia, as well as to keep an updated database with details about the existing companies. All new companies in Estonia must register with the Business register, according to the Estonian legislation. Moreover, any changes made regarding the company must be announced, so that they can be modified in the database.

 

Those who want to open company in Estonia and need to know more about the registration process can contact our Estonian experts for any questions. We can also handle the company registration procedure in Estonia on behalf of foreign businessmen.

 

Types of companies to be verified with the Estonian Trade Register

In accordance with the Company Law, there are several types of business forms which can be registered in Estonia. The same types of companies can be verified with the Business Register in Estonia; however, other types of entities can be verified as well.

Those looking to obtain information on a business in Estonia can verify the following types of entities:

•           - sole traders – in Estonia sole proprietorships must register with the Business Register in order to activate;
•           - limited liability companies – these are also most employed business forms by foreign investors;
•           -  public companies – all public companies must report to the Estonian Business Registry;
•           - non-profit organizations (NGOs) – the Business Register also maintains information on such entities;
•           - foundations – it is possible to verify such an entity with the Trade Register even if it does not perform any commercial activity.

A novelty of the Business Register in Estonia consists in the option of registering with it and obtaining access to information such as the contracts and other commercial relations of a company, direct access to the European Business Register and direct access to the Land Register in Estonia. For those in need of such information, our Estonian company formation agents can perform the necessary searches.

 

Any citizen can view the available public data regarding an Estonian company. Estonian citizens can also log into the Business Register using their ID card. In order to search for the company, one must know the code or business name of the legal entity. Companies may also be searched according to their location or business field.

 

A simple query will contain the following information about the Estonian company: general data, company debts, annual reports, and statutes, personal and commercial data. Small fee rates of 1 or 2 euros apply for checking information. The documents related to the company and the company’s annual reports can be visualized free of charge.

 

 

Foreign investors in Estonia have the option to register a company online. Using the same business portal, the Centre of Registers and Information Systems, Estonian, Portuguese, Belgian, Finnish or Lithuanian citizens can log into the Company Registration Portal and register a new company. This simplified procedure is very useful for those who want to open a company in Estonia. Business associations, sole proprietorships, and non-profit associations can be registered this way. Also, the portal allows business owners to make any necessary notifications regarding the changes made to the company information.

 

Our company registration consultants in Estonia can help you with detailed information about the online company registration procedure and all the necessary requirements. You request our services if you want to open an Estonian company.

 

Information filed by Estonian companies with the Business Register

Estonian companies and branches and subsidiaries of foreign companies must submit the following information with the Trade Register:

1.           the business name and the registration code (in the case of sole traders, the name of the person must be submitted);
2.           the residence address of the company’s shareholders and directors, as well as other personal information;
3.           the registered address of the company must also be submitted with the Business Register;
4.           information about the type of company and the date of incorporation of the business;
5.           information about the share capital of the company and the distribution of shares, as well as the value of one share;
6.           information about the financial year of the company and information about bankruptcy (if the case requires).

Apart from these, all changes brought to the company must be reported with the Estonian Business Register.

In the case of foundations, associations and NGOs, a business file, a registration file and information about the person submitting the documents must be reported with the Business Registry.

With a vast experience in company registration matters, our representatives in Estonia can guide foreign investors who want to open companies here. We can also assist with the registration of other types of entities here. Companies in Estonia are also required to register for VAT.

How to open a company in Estonia

Both foreign and local entrepreneurs can open companies in Estonia by submitting all the documents required by the Trade Register online. Furthermore, the government has enabled the e-residency card through which foreign citizens can obtain Estonian residency and then start the company formation procedure online directly from their own countries.

Foreign companies seeking to register branches and subsidiaries will need to appoint a local representative for the Estonian-based company.

The registration procedure, whether online or in person, will take the same time and will imply the same steps. Our company formation specialists in Estonia can guide foreign investors who want to register their businesses here.

Foreign investors can also buy shelf companies; however, it must be mentioned that all the changes made to the ready-made companies must be reported with the Estonian Business Register. If you are interested in buying a shelf company, we can assist with due diligence procedures. The information on such companies can be found with the same Business Registrar.

Apart from registration with the Trade Register, companies in selected business fields will need to apply for other licenses, such as the crypto license in Estonia.

Do not hesitate to ask for professional advice from our Estonian agents, no matter if you want to start a new business or purchase a ready-made one.

FAQ on the Business Register in Estonia

1. Can I search the Business Register if I am a foreigner?

Yes, you can access the Estonian Business Register even if you are a foreign citizen.

2. Can I access the Business Register in Estonia if I am abroad?

Yes, you can access the Estonian Trade Register even from abroad.

3. Is there any charge for researching the Business Register?

Most of the information is free of charge, however, there is also information which is based on a fee or subscription.

4. How long does it take to register a business with the Trade Register in Estonia?

The Estonian company formation procedure takes about 5 days to complete.

Please contact our company formation specialists in Estonia for a personalized consultancy. For more detailed and complex information regarding legal issues, clients can rely on our partner lawyers in Estonia.