The Real Costs of Running an Estonian Company in 2026 – A Full Guide for Entrepreneurs

Estohub_2026_2

The Real Costs of Running an Estonian Company in 2026 – A Full Guide for Entrepreneurs

Estonia is known for its digital infrastructure, EU access, and business-friendly tax system. But for many founders considering
an Estonian company, one important question always comes first:
“How much does it actually cost to operate an Estonian company?”

In this guide, we break down the real monthly and yearly expenses of running an OÜ (Estonian limited company) in 2025.
Whether you’re an e-commerce seller, a consultant, a crypto-investor, or building a holding structure, this article will
help you understand what to expect — and how to optimize your costs.


💼 Mandatory Costs for Non-Resident Entrepreneurs

If you are not an Estonian resident, two services are legally required:

  • Legal Address
    – required for company registration and official state communication.
  • Contact Person
    – required by law for all companies with foreign board members.

At Estohub, these services are combined into one simple and transparent package,
making your company compliant from day one.


📊 Accounting – The Most Important Monthly Expense

The cost of accounting depends on your business type and transaction volume.
Estonian law requires:

  • Proper bookkeeping
  • VAT/KMD reporting (if VAT registered)
  • Payroll reporting (if you have employees)
  • Annual Report submission

Our accounting service ensures full compliance and includes
everything needed for monthly operations:

  • Bookkeeping and classification of documents
  • VAT reporting and OSS/IOSS calculations
  • Payroll and employee declarations
  • Consulting and communication with authorities
  • Year-end Annual Report

This is especially important for e-commerce sellers, consultants, and companies dealing with cross-border transactions.


🌐 Optional Costs for E-Commerce Companies (OSS/IOSS)

If you operate a multi-country sales model, the following may apply:

  • OSS registration & filing
  • IOSS for imported goods
  • Marketplace compliance and VAT adjustments

Estohub provides complete OSS & IOSS services to ensure that your
EU sales are reported correctly and on time.


🔗 Costs for Crypto or Investment Companies

Crypto and investment-focused companies may have additional accounting requirements depending on:

  • Number of wallets and exchanges
  • Transaction volume
  • Asset classification requirements
  • Taxation rules for digital or financial assets

Our crypto accounting service provides:

  • Wallet & exchange reconciliation
  • Transaction categorization
  • Reporting for auditors and tax authorities
  • Documentation for compliant Annual Reports

🧾 Government Fees and Taxes to Consider

Estonia has a unique tax system where:

  • 0% corporate income tax on reinvested profits
  • 20% corporate tax only on distributed profit (dividends)
  • No capital gains tax for many types of investments
  • No tax on owner salaries if paid outside Estonia

For many foreign entrepreneurs, this results in significantly lower taxation compared to their home country.


⚖️ What About Liquidation Costs?

Closing a company also comes with clearly defined steps and expected expenses.
Our liquidation service includes:

  • All legal resolutions
  • Appointing a liquidator
  • Opening & closing balance sheets
  • Annual report during liquidation period
  • Final deregistration

Liquidation takes several months due to legally required notice periods, but our team manages the entire process.


💡 Summary: What Does It Really Cost?

The typical Estonian company in 2025 pays for:

  • Legal Address & Contact Person (mandatory for non-residents)
  • Monthly Accounting
  • VAT/OSS/IOSS reporting (if applicable)
  • Bank or fintech account fees
  • Annual Report

With the right setup and proper accounting, running an Estonian company remains one of the most cost-effective ways
to operate in the European Union.


✨ Final Thoughts

Estonia offers a modern, digital, and transparent business environment — but it’s important to understand all mandatory
and optional costs before incorporation.

At Estohub, we provide fully remote, professional support
to help you set up, manage, and grow your Estonian company with confidence.

If you’re planning to launch or relocate your business to Estonia, our team is ready to guide you through every step.