welcome to the EU – it's open for your business
Tap into the European business ecosystem through e-Residency, Estonia's digital identity. Expand your client base, access funding, and operate remotely – 100% online.
Your business powered by e-Residency
In the EU market
- Sell goods or services to clients in any EU member state
- Simplify VAT obligations with the new OSS and IOSS VAT programmes
- Secure your Intellectual Property and streamline funding
Simple corporate environment
- Open and run your company 100% online
- Easy-to-navigate tax environment – in English
- Developed business support market and startup ecosystem
Operating on your terms
- Reliable remote access to services through your digital identity
- Access EU banking and trade in Euros
- A first step to Estonia's Startup Visa
- Apply online now and collect your card in Cape Town or Johannesburg in February 2026 from temporary pick-up points. Otherwise, pick up at 50+ locations globally.
129,000
e-residents worldwide
#1
Estonia's global tax competitiveness rank
under 30
minutes to open a company
Next steps to becoming an EU business owner
1
Submit your online application
Along with required documents and fee by 29 December, 2025 to receive your card in South Africa
Apply online2
Receive a decision
From the Estonian Police & Border Guard Board
3
Pick up your e-Residency kit in Cape Town or Johannesburg
From temporary pick-up points in South Africa in February 2026. Otherwise, pick up your card at 50+ other locations year-round.
View other pickup locations4
Find support
For bookkeeping, business banking and tax
Visit our Marketplace5
Register your company online
6
Start operating
Seamlessly reaching the EU consumer market