How much share capital does an Estonian company need?
From one cent — which surprises everyone who remembers the €2,500 requirement. The minimum nominal value of a share is €0.01, so a private limited company can be founded with one cent of share capital, and the contribution must be made at founding. But “may” does not mean “should”. In practice founders choose a larger figure — typically €100–2,500 — because the capital affects the trust of banks and business partners and shows you have actually put something in. The state fee: the expedited procedure in the e-Business Register costs €265, the whole process runs online with an ID card, Mobile-ID or Smart-ID, and the entry is usually confirmed in 1–2 working days.
📋 The rules
- Minimum share value: €0.01
- The contribution is made at founding
- Expedited state fee: €265
- Founding happens in the e-Business Register
- Entry usually within 1–2 working days
🔓 Exceptions
- In practice 100–2,500 euros of capital is recommended for credibility
- The expedited procedure uses a standard model of articles
- Founding requires an ID card, Mobile-ID or Smart-ID
⚠️ Penalties & fines
One cent of capital is lawful, but you pay for it elsewhere. Banks look at it when opening an account, partners check the register, and tenders may demand serious capital. Share capital shows you have committed to the business — and one cent says the opposite. A second practical point: the expedited procedure costs €265 and uses standard articles, which suit most founders — but with several shareholders and special arrangements it is worth drafting proper articles and a shareholders' agreement from the start. And third: once founded, the obligations begin — the annual report, tax returns, director's duties. A company is never “dormant” just because it is not trading.
📎 Official sources
- e-Business Register · Founding →
- Ministry of Justice · Private limited company →
- Eesti.ee · Founding a company →
❓ Frequently asked
How much share capital is needed?
The minimum nominal value of a share is 0.01 euros, so a company can be founded with one cent of capital. The contribution must be made when the company is founded.
Is one cent enough in practice?
Legally yes, but in practice founders choose 100–2,500 euros. Share capital affects the trust of banks and business partners and shows that you have genuinely invested in the company.
What does founding cost?
The expedited procedure in the e-Business Register costs 265 euros. The process runs online with an ID card, Mobile-ID or Smart-ID and the entry is usually confirmed within one to two working days.
Does the expedited procedure suit everyone?
It uses standard articles, which suit most founders. With several shareholders and special arrangements it is worth preparing proper articles and a shareholders' agreement at the outset.
What obligations follow founding?
Filing an annual report, submitting tax returns and the duties of a board member. These apply even where the company is not trading, so an idle company is not cost-free.
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