Located in Northern Europe, Estonia became a member of the EU in 2004, with full access to the EU market and the Schengen zone. The question of Estonia dual citizenship often arises.
Estonia does not allow dual citizenship. Under Estonian law, one would have to renounce one’s current citizenship to become an Estonian citizen. It is not possible to have Estonia Dual citizenship.
Not having Estonia dual citizenship may seem like a considerable sacrifice. However, the value of an Estonia passport becomes clear when reviewing The Henley Passport Index, which ranks all world passports. An Estonian passport ranks 12th in the world, offering visa-free access to 179 destinations. Besides the EU, Estonia is also a member of the WTO, the OECD, and NATO.
Estonian Attractions
Estonia is often described as a junction for Eastern and Western Europe. Estonia’s location is ideal for trade between Russia, Asia, and Europe, with full access to the EU market.
In recent years Estonia, with a relatively small population of 1.32 million citizens, has become an attractive option for internationals. English is widely spoken, and the EUR-currency aids in eliminating exchanging currencies.
With Estonia dual citizenship restricted, several alternatives are available to those seeking access to this well developed and technologically astute European country. Estonia is a digitally advanced country and has been at the forefront of IT solutions since its independence in 1990. One of these innovative accolades is the three Estonians, Ahti Heinla, Priit Kasesalu, and Jaan Tallinn, who developed the software for Skype in 2003.
Golden Visas
Estonia is a global leader in Information Technology. Estonia offers a Golden Visa proposition, as an alternative to Estonia dual citizenship, for major investors in IT and other sectors such as engineering and electronics. Estonia is open to direct foreign investment. Estonia offers an investment-friendly taxation system and transparent, functioning legislation.
Estonia boasts a reliable and stable financial system. Foreign and domestic investments are treated equally under the law.
Major Investments in Estonia
A Major Investment is a significant investment of EUR 1-Million into the Estonian economy. Investing in companies or into an investment fund may qualify one for permanent residency in Estonia. This could offer an alternative to Estonia dual citizenship.
The minimum requirement for temporary residence to be granted to a sole proprietor is EUR 16,000. Or as an alternative, if a shareholder of an existing company invests at least EUR 65,000 to set-up a subsidiary in Estonia. The business investment minimum is EUR 100,000. With the added criteria that qualifying business investment will establish a new company in Estonia and create jobs.
Estonian E-Residency
In 2014 Estonia was the first and is currently the only country offering E-residency. Access to this digital citizenship attracts start-ups. This enables digital entrepreneurs to establish and manage an EU-based company 100% online, from anywhere in the world.
In essence, E-residency is a trans-national, secure, digital identity, issued by the Estonian government. E-residency provides access to Estonia’s digital business environment. It allows E-residents to manage a business from anywhere in a developed or undeveloped country, online. With E-residency in pace, one could, in theory, hold Estonia dual citizenship.
E-residency initiates a global virtual business environment. It offers a digital residency in Estonia without living in Estonia. Sometimes referred to as E-Estonia it allows performing e-banking transactions. Access to international payment services, electronic tax return filing, and the ability to sign contracts or digitally authenticate documents are included.
Estonian Start-up Visas
Estonia, or E-Estonia, claims to produce more successful start-ups per capita than any other European country. Estonian start-up visas launched in 2017. This attracts global talent and non-EU nationals to establish, move to or work for Estonian start-ups. This is a workable solution, as an alternative to Estonia dual citizenship .
Start-up visas may be issued for up to one year and extended a total period of 18 months. After that, temporary residency may be the next step in the process.
The criteria for a start-up visa call for a scalable business model. It should contribute to the development of the business environment in Estonia. Preference is given to existing and operational teams and innovative business models with global growth potential.
Entrepreneurs who qualify for a start-up visa may also bring their spouse and children to Estonia. The spouse may, in turn, also qualify to work in Estonia with a temporary permit.
Citizenships.com Solutions
Estonia dual citizenship may be unobtainable. We have the solution. Citizenships.com assists international clients in obtaining residence and citizenship under a range of programs. Our combined expertise and global reach in this specialized field enable us to assist you in navigating the complexity of the respective programs per country.
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