Tag: Open a company

Estonian Financial Sector Remains Immune to the Impact of Coronavirus

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The situation is stabilising as banking institutions begin to invest in postponed projects.

“Compared to the economic crisis a decade ago, the current viral crisis has had little impact on the financial sector. Despite the uncertainty caused by the pandemic, during the first wave of Covid-19, a change in the credit schedule was desired by a relatively small share of enterprises and individuals, and the «stagnation» of the housing credit market did not last long. Bold to take risks slowly returns to enterprises, delayed investments begin to materialise, and banks dare to finance all this,» —  reported on the findings of the Development Monitoring Center report The Impact of the Viral Crisis. Scripts until 2030» expert of this organisation Uku Varblane.

Uku also noted that new financial technologies would set the tone along with traditional banking services in the following years. Upcoming opportunities could offer the internet of things and contactless payments.

However, the insurance sector was affected by the virus.

For example, due to travel restrictions, people no longer needed appropriate travel insurance, and the impact of the crisis on businesses focused on this area was huge. The crisis did not have much effect on the activity and volume of life insurance companies.

According to the expert, the overall change in the financial and insurance sectors in response to the COVID-19 pandemic leads to the development of virtual services.

“Innovation is facilitated by the need to offer customers convenient services in remote or digital form. The development of web channels is especially noticeable in the insurance sphere, where the presence of physical office becomes increasingly rare,» – explained Uku Varblane.

The specialists of LKS Consult OÜ will be happy to assist with company registration in Estonia.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Estonian Companies are Optimistic about the Future

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Estonia is a 99% digitalised country, and Estonian unicorns maintain the country’s image of a well-developed digital society.

Among hundreds of promising ideas, there are: a drone for the inspection of power lines and power pylons, a Tuul scooter with an electronic motor, a rapid drug test that determines the presence of illegal drugs in the blood with laboratory accuracy. These are the ideas of small startups located in the scientific town of “Technopol”.

There are particular funds that support technology development and new startups. Yana Budkovskaya is the head of Prototron, the fund that supports young talents for eight years now. Last year they invested more than 1 000 000 EUR.

Last year there were presented about 800 ideas looking for both fintech and mentor support.

“We help create our web page. Then in partnership with Fundwise, we have a hybrid platform where some teams can learn to make their first crowdfunding campaign do. In addition, all our founders of Tehnopol, Talltech, Swedbank, also a big partner of Tartu University, help with the specialists, experts and mentors. And all who still support us, is the city of Tallinn, and Samsung, and Amazon, and Microsoft, also participate as mentors,” lists Budkovskaya.

Pipedrive

The maximum amount of money a startup can get is 35 000 EUR. Such an approach brings results. The four unicorns that are evaluated in more than 1 000 000 000 $ — Skype, Bolt, TransferWise, Playtech and Pipedrive.

Last year, Pipedrive was acquired by American investors for $1.5 billion. The secret of the company’s success lies in the unique platform for managing its business relations with clients. The Pipedrive sales agents turned out to be indispensable.

“He helps to organise his calendar. This is his first feature. It gives you a visual image from which you can trace at what stage in relation to your clients. You can keep a full client database. What you talked about, what deals you made. We also have an analyst,” explained by Pipedrive client-manager Victoria Babisashvili.

5G

The foreign labour force compensates the shortage of “IT players” in the company. Still, the shortage of specialists is not entirely solved as in the entire IT sector of Estonia.

The new Minister of Entrepreneurship and Info-Technology is Andres Sutt (Reform Party), who described his immediate plans in the IT-sphere.

“5G is definitely one of the first steps. We have to hold a competition and find telecom companies that will develop the technology further. Everything about cybersecurity is also important. E-State must develop,” says Sutt.

In the Minister’s plans – development of Estonian “Siri”, that is artificial intelligence, a kind of assistant in the phone. Sutt also plans to create an e-services package for business. So that an entrepreneur can access all necessary registers, departments, licenses and documents through a single site or application, such an approach would open the door and speed up business communication with the State, the Minister believes. The country should also be open to foreign professionals, especially in the IT area.

“If we look at startups, in 2020, the number of new companies was about 1050, in 2019 – 650. So the number went up sharply. And if you look at how much they’ve been able to attract investment, you get 450 million euros. That’s a record. The previous achievement was established in 2018,” Sutt emphasises.

The Minister’s logic is that the presence of the necessary number of foreign experts allows business to expand, which in turn helps to reduce unemployment and create new jobs. At the same time, people’s desire to retrain is fundamental because infotech will soon take up a significant part of the economy.

Startups contributing to GDP

“If we look to the future, to “Green Turn”, to “Digital Turn”, then info-technology is not only a business of the IT-sector, it will be part of the business in every sector of the economy. Whether in industry or in services. I think these changes are huge,” said the Minister.

“Today, there are about 1,000 startups in Estonia. All startups forecast their growth. And startup communities like us also predict growth. And they want to see a tenfold increase by 2050. That means we want 10,000 startups. And if today’s GDP that comes from startups is about 3%, imagine if our startups are about a third of GDP. This is a very real future for Estonia. As long as we do not slow down,” Budkovskaya is optimistic.

The specialists of LKS Consult OÜ will be happy to assist with company registration in Estonia.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Open a Business in Estonia

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It is common nowadays to buy someone else’s business and adapt it to preferable realities — let’s consider the facts and opportunities of obtaining a shelf business.

Estonia is gaining more and more popularity as the most favourable jurisdiction for starting a business, and that’s for specific reasons. ‘Friendly’ taxation and legislation attract people and are good enough motives to start a company in this North European county. Following up on the idea, we discover even more bonuses offered by the Estonian business sector. As we consider purchasing existing businesses, this blog article mainly explores the subsidiary advantages of having a company in Estonia. These are primarily intersected with a friendly business environment well-established here, in Estonia.

We kindly note that this article does not focus on a traditional way of purchasing a ready-made company. That way of starting a business is indeed efficient and worth it, but first, you need to consider that in this case, the process takes the same amount of time and money to be implemented as when building up a company from scratch. Once obtained, shelf companies need to undergo a re-registration procedure to be in the ownership of a new owner. LKS Consult OÜ can assist you in this matter and offer a ready-made company.

Purchasing an existing business, however, is a slightly different process. Obtaining such businesses is a fast way to become a part of the Estonian business market.

An existing business is a pre-owned business that put up for sale by its owners or state agents. Such businesses have and come with commercial areas or/and rental agreements and all their possessions.

Main advantages of business takeover:

  • Quick process
  • Low set-up cost
  • No hassle
  • Reputation
  • Trustworthiness
  • Good for foreigners (not so well familiar with local legislation)
  • Ability to adjust

LKS Consult OÜ offers business takeover service — professionals of our company will assist you in finding the right business and accompanying the whole administration process. We note that professional legal help enables us to carry out the process entirely online. In order to obtain a business, you need to register a company, and we are happy to help. Moreover, such way of opening business in Estonia enables businessman to obtain a residence permit.

Once purchased and all formalities are undergone, the business is subject to change of a new owner’s choice — that is what makes this way of investing stand out among other methods. You can get a business you want in the shortest possible time online and feel as a rightful owner.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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A Short Guide: Company Types in Estonia

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Are you planning to open a company in Estonia? Feel free to familiarise yourself with different forms of Estonian business.

Company Types in EstoniaIn Estonia, a business establishment is not a big thing. This country is being 99% digitalised; therefore, the process of company formation and development is as simple as it could be.

Numerous advantages — favourable tax system, friendly environment, talent pool, fintech opportunities attract entrepreneurs from around the world, and thus they face a choice — to what legal entity to choose.

According to the Commercial Code, there are 6 forms of business in Estonia:

  1. Limited Liability Partnership or Private Limited Company (OÜ)
  2. Public Limited Company (AS)
  3. General Partnership (TÜ)
  4. Limited Partnership (UÜ)
  5. Commercial Association
  6. Sole Proprietor (FIE)

Foreign companies can also offer their goods or services by opening a branch in Estonia. It should be noted that the branch is not a form of entrepreneurial activity, and the foreign company is fully responsible for the obligations arising from the activities of the branch.

Limited Liability Partnership (OÜ)

  • The most common type of legal entity in Estonia
  • Minimum share capital 2,500 EUR
  • Ruled by management board (at least one member)
  • Shareholders are not personally liable for the obligations of such a company
  • Perfect for small to medium-scaled businesses
  • Set up online (Estonian citizens or e-Residents)

Public Limited Company (AS)

  • Minimum share capital of 25,000 EUR
  • Must have management and supervisory board and an auditor
  • Works for large-scale businesses
  • Ability to attract a wide range of shareholders
  • Possibility of listing the company on the stock exchange
  • Shareholders are not personally liable for the obligations of a PLC
  • Cannot be registered online but at a notary

General Partnership (TÜ)

  • No minimum for share capital
  • Based on the association agreement concluded between partners
  • Board members are liable for all assets
  • All partners share an equal amount of responsibility
  • Does not require notarisation or registration to the Commercial Register

Limited Partnership (UÜ)

  • At least one general shareholder and one limited shareholder
  • General partner will be solely responsible for the legal obligations of the company
  • The limited partner is liable up to the amount of the investment
  • Establishment online or through a notary

Commercial Association (Tulundusühistu)

  • Company aimed at supporting and promoting the economic interests of its members
  • No minimum share capital
  • If there is no personal liability of the members, the amount of the authorised capital is at least 2,500 EUR.
  • At least two founders
  • Registration only through a notary

Sole proprietor (FIE)

  • Individual entrepreneur
  • There are no requirements for the minimum amount of capital
  • Individual entrepreneurs are not required to have articles of association
  • Simple registration (online or at a notary)
  • Bank account and an Estonian legal address required
  • No need to draw up a memorandum or articles of association

Whatever business form suits you best — LKS Consult OÜ will be happy to consult and assist you.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Doing Business in Estonia

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Exploring Estonian business environment — starting a business in Estonia and its further development.

business-in-estoniaEstonia is a small country in Northern Europe that has built a digital society over a couple of decades. So far, the country with a population of less than 2 million is leading in the IT sector and is referred to as a 99% digitalised European country. Hence, unlimited tech opportunities have contributed to the fact that Estonia has drawn more and more attention as a prominent European entrepreneurial hub over the years. In our previous blog article, we covered the advantages of the Estonian business market and explored the reasons behind this, among which is a favourable tax system, fintech opportunities and talent pool. All of that constitutes a good motivation for setting up a business in Estonia.

Entrepreneurs worldwide intend to open a business in Estonia where legislation welcomes every business person, and various programs and companies are happy to offer their services on business formation development.

E-business and e-company are widely and fairly used terms when speaking about doing business in Estonia. Starting from the very first steps made online and continuing to fully remote management of a company, we may say that a business established in Estonia is an e-business.

Innovative programme e-Residency allows every willing foreigner to set up a company in Estonia remotely by submitting an application online. In short, e-Residency enables non-citizens to enter government portals online and is a great alternative way for company formation in Estonia. It also simplifies the further process of company management, making it remote.

Besides e-Residency, there are three more ways for setting up business in Estonia. Among which are company establishment by power of attorney and by a visit to the country. It is advisable to request assistance when starting a company by proxy or by visit, as the process involves lots of legal nuances, professional assistance won’t hurt.  When cooperating with the authorised service provider, both ways guarantee the successful result — an active company in Estonia.

Estonian business market offers a business for sale, and this is the last option for obtaining a company in Estonia. Buying an existing company is still a process as the rest ways of company formation. It takes time and effort, so it is worth considering consult professionals.

Once all the initiation procedures are undergone, and you have your registered company, there are still many aspects to work on. Having a business means its constant development and apart from ‘artistic’ parts such as gaining and maintaining reputation, PR, establishing connections, branding and looking for talents — business involves endless legal aspects.

Legal support for a business is the key to the effective functioning of a company, especially if it’s the case with foreigners starting a company that may be not so well familiarised with the Estonian laws and requirements. In that way, it is a traditional method to seek professionals who can help you with legal advice, documentation, legal opinion, audit, etc.

If you decide to base your business here in Estonia, you will find the support you are looking for. Various service providers, IT companies and their technologies, innovative programmes will lead your business to a sufficient level — but you should take the first effort. Please don’t wait and join thousands of entrepreneurs that are basing their businesses in small North European country. LKS Consult OÜ will be glad to help.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Why Starting a Business During the Pandemic Could be a Good Idea

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At these challenging times, having doubts about whether it is worth starting your business now or waiting for better times is indeed normal. In this blog article, we focus on some advantages and opportunities Covid-19 brought to the entrepreneurship sector; in so doing, we did not mean to deny the damage the virus has caused.

Covid19 and business in EstoniaThe worldwide pandemic started in 2019 is now firmly established in the current world and has its influence over every aspect of human life. So far, the severe economic damage that appeared to be critical has eventually minimised, and the worldwide economy seems to adapt to changes brought by Coronavirus sufficiently. Moreover, as entrepreneurs have seized the opportunity to start businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic, it becomes evident that you can capitalise on every situation.

What are the benefits?

It is definitely that not every business can succeed during the recession — quite contrary. Our intention is not to romanticise the recession but to expose reasons why it could be good for some businesses to start a business right now.

Necessity brings invention

Coronavirus has caused a number of problems that need to be resolved. Innovation — is the key to the solution people need during the downturn.

The pandemic illustrates how creative humans are. Such adaptability fascinates and encourages more and more people to start businesses. Even though the idea you want to follow exists already, you can be innovative while delivering and developing your business.

Less competition

It’s kind of taking advantage out of disadvantage, but it is a fact that due to the sad story end of many businesses, there is less competition on the market. Whether you decide to make a good start for your idea or thinking of re-entering the market — it is the time.

Funding opportunities

During the recession, funding becomes more accessible as interest rates become lower. It may sound illogical, but it is an excellent time to look for funding.

Moreover, considering the current business environment, negotiating for lower cost and better conditions is more appropriate than ever.

What are promising industries?

Tech

Tech or contactless tech is the primary field for investing at the time of the Covid-19 pandemic. Rapidly spreading through airborne droplets virus affected human’s perception of communication and interaction. As many shops and catering places went trading online, more and more potential opportunities appear.

Whilst there are plenty of innovative technologies existing on the market, the long-standing virus contributes to the need creation. That need demands satisfying in the face of new businesses offering solutions to current problems — where ‘online’ is a keyword.

Crypto

It is not really fair to say that Covid-19 facilitated the rise of cryptocurrency businesses. Better to say, so far, the pandemic did not affect the crypto industry. The flow of time and tech progress strengthen cryptocurrency position by natural causes.

Being 100% online-based industry, cryptocurrency is promising more than ever now. However, if you decide to build a crypto business, it is crucial to evaluate the risks and consult professionals.

Going online

IT-business are still as relevant as they were during the past decades. Furthermore, Coronavirus compelled even no fans of technologies to use online services, thereby creating an absolute online necessity.

When everything moves online, it is more than enterprising to invest in the ‘online industry’. More likely, when the pandemic is over, the usage of machines continues to increase rather than decrease as humanity strives for comfort.

 

Our previous blog articles explain why Estonia is a good place for starting your business. In this article, however, we would also like to add a mark regarding Estonia being a perfect place for setting up your company during the pandemic.

e-Residency allows you to establish a company remotely that is indeed relevant at a time of the pandemic. Moreover, in Estonia, cryptocurrency is regulated by the law, providing security and legality for your potential business. Estonia fintech opportunities, as well as, the talent pool, will contribute to your business growth; just consider — how to benefit the situation.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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A Short Guide: Company Registration by Visit

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Here’s a short guide introducing how company establishment by visit look like with Service .
  1. Before visiting Estonia in person, please send the following information:

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22margin-left%22%3A%220%22%2C%22margin-right%22%3A%220%22%2C%22padding-left%22%3A%220%22%2C%22padding-right%22%3A%220%22%7D%7D” width=”1/4″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][us_iconbox icon=”fal|calendar-alt” title=”Planned date of visit” title_tag=”p” color=”custom” icon_color=”#45b400″ size=”20px” iconpos=”left” alignment=”left” css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22margin-bottom%22%3A%2210px%22%7D%7D”][/us_iconbox][us_iconbox icon=”fal|star” title=”Desired company name” title_tag=”p” color=”custom” icon_color=”#45b400″ size=”20px” iconpos=”left” alignment=”left” css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22margin-bottom%22%3A%2210px%22%7D%7D”][/us_iconbox][us_iconbox icon=”fal|list-ol” title=”Type of activity of the company” title_tag=”p” color=”custom” icon_color=”#45b400″ size=”20px” iconpos=”left” alignment=”left” css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22margin-bottom%22%3A%2210px%22%7D%7D”][/us_iconbox][us_iconbox icon=”fal|file-user” title=”Data of the Owners/Beneficiaries of the company (passport photo, email, telephone, residence address, marital status)” title_tag=”p” color=”custom” icon_color=”#45b400″ size=”20px” iconpos=”left” alignment=”left” css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22margin-bottom%22%3A%2210px%22%7D%7D”][/us_iconbox][us_iconbox icon=”fal|clipboard-user” title=”Data of the Directors of the company (passport photo, email, phone number, residence address, marital status)” title_tag=”p” color=”custom” icon_color=”#45b400″ size=”20px” iconpos=”left” alignment=”left” css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22margin-bottom%22%3A%2210px%22%7D%7D”][/us_iconbox][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class=”padding”]

  1. Appointment of the date and time of the visit to the notary. After receiving the necessary information, we will book an appointment with a notary and draw up a petition to establish a company.
  2. Preparation of the necessary documentation in order to establish a company in Estonia, it will be necessary to visit Estonia for one day, as well as a legal address and a contact person. Our company takes care of this for you.
  3. Client’s visit at our office on the appointed day of your arrival, we will meet at the office of LKS Consult OÜ .
  4. Joint visit to a notary to sign a prepared petition
    Company formation by visit of the founder/s is the fastest way to establish a company in Estonia.

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Company Formation by Power of Attorney in 5 Steps

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Service will help you to start your company by power of attorney. Here’s the sequence.

1. Requested information

It is necessary to send photos of passports of all company founders and information about the company to be established (desired name, type of activity, means of communication, and information about founder/s).

As soon as the requested information is provided, our lawyer will send you examples of powers of attorney in English, which will need to be certified by a notary in your country.

2. Sworn translations

After that, we will prepare a sworn translation of the power of attorney into the state language.

3. Notary and apostille

Next step is to certify all powers of attorney at a notary and apostille them (if necessary). In the process of certification of documents, it is important to take into account the format in which a power of attorney is issued and whether it needs to be additionally apostilled in your country.

4. Final sworn translations

After the powers of attorney have been drawn up, they will need to be translated into English by a sworn translator.

5. Transferring the powers of attorney

After certification and translation of all powers of attorney, they will need to be sent by courier to LKS Consult OÜ at Pärnu mnt 105, Tallinn, Estonia. The process of establishing a company takes about two weeks (the received powers of attorney must be translated into Estonian, and the notary who will establish the company, must familiarise themselves with the documents).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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How to Start Your Company with e-Residency in 4 Steps

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e-Residency allows foreigners to set up a company in Estonia remotely by providing online access to government services.

1. Get an e-Resident card

e-residency cardYou can enjoy the benefits of e-Residency once you have obtained your Estonian digital ID − e-Residence card.

All you need to do at that stage is to submit your application. The process takes place online and is indeed straightforward.

Applications form is available on the e-Residency official website:

You need to prepare some documents beforehand:

  • copy of your verified ID
  • passport-style photo
  • motivation statement
  • Visa or Mastercard

While submitting the application, you will be asked to pay a state fee and choose a pick-up location for your e-Resident card kit. The state fee is 100-120 EUR depending on the pick-up location.

Once submitted, check your email for confirmation and wait for your application’s approval, which usually takes between 4 and 8 weeks.

After receiving positive news, first of all, we congratulate you and kindly remind you to take your ID and pick up the kit strictly by yourself.

2. Take care of legal address and a contact person based in Estonia

It is an absolute requirement to have both in order to set up your company with an e-Resident card.

It is well-known that Estonia is a good place for business as it welcomes every entrepreneur. Estonian legislation proves this fact. Whilst it may sound not very pleasant by its complexity, company registration in Estonia doesn’t take piles of documents. Just make sure to have a legal address and a contact person in Estonia − and bear in mind, we are here to help with both virtual office and a contact person.

3. Choose the name, decide on Management Board, set up accountancy and figure out the taxation − give it a good start, fill up this form:

We promise to do our best so your business will have a great start.

4. Grow your business and enjoy multiple advantages of e-Residency!

e-Residency provides your company with freedom. Manage the process entirely online by submitting, signing and securing all the documents remotely. Make your company global without a hard effort but by taking the proper advantage.

The favourable tax system, unlimited fintech opportunities and business market full of talents and enthusiasm − go for it and join the community of successful people. We will help you at this very first and the most significant stage.

 

LKS Consult OÜ offers full support on all stages of developing your business, starting from company formation in Estonia.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Who is a Contact Person, and Why You Need One

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In this blog article, we consider under which circumstances having a contact person is required by the Estonian legislation.

As of January 15, 2018, the Estonian Commercial Code stipulates that all companies that do not have a Republic of Estonia resident to sit on the Board of Directors must designate a contact person.

Moreover, if you decide to open your company using e-Residency, you need to have a legal address and contact person beforehand.

The contact person can only be represented by:
Who is a Contact Person, and Why You Need One

  • a Notary Office,
  • a Law Office,
  • a Certified Audit Office or
  • a company that has the necessary license to provide contact person services.

A contact person is responsible for accepting procedural and other documents from the Republic of Estonia’s administrative authorities and sending these documents to the addressee. A contact person’s primary function is intermediary, aiming to provide a continuous communication channel between government bodies and the Company’s Management. Upon receipt of procedural documents or other official statements by the contact person, the relevant procedural documentation is deemed to have been delivered to the Board of the company.

A digital signature or a notarised agreement is required for the appointment of a contact person. A corresponding statement must be submitted to a Board of Directors to remove the authority from a contact person, which in turn undertakes that a new contact person will be designated and registered. A Management Board ensures that the data entered in the Commercial Register is correct. If a company has not entered a new contact person in the register (even if it has this obligation since the Board is located abroad), RIK has the right to impose a fine on the company.

The registrar sets a deadline for a contact person’s appointment, which must be at least one month, but not more than three months. If a contact person has not been designated thus far, the registrar may decide to forcibly dissolve a company or remove a branch of a foreign company from the register. It is possible if a company has not complied with the requirement to appoint a contact person even after receiving a corresponding ruling from the authorities.

Please also be aware that FIE does need to have a contact person, but must have a legal address.

Our team offers full support when registering Estonian companies. Service  is a licensed service provider of a contact person and a legal address in Tallinn.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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