Why Do Non-Residents Need a Contact Person in Estonia?

Estonia’s e-Residency programme has transformed the way entrepreneurs do business internationally. Today, more than 140,000 e-residents from over 180 countries have joined the programme, establishing more than 41,800 Estonian companies. In 2025 alone, e-residents founded a record 5,556 new businesses, highlighting Estonia’s position as one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for digital entrepreneurs and location-independent business owners.

However, operating an Estonian company as a non-resident also comes with certain legal obligations. One of the most important is the requirement to appoint a contact person in Estonia in specific circumstances. While this requirement is often overlooked by foreign entrepreneurs, it plays a crucial role in ensuring effective communication between the company and Estonian authorities.

In this article, we explain when a contact person is required, what responsibilities they have, and why appointing a professional service provider can help your company remain compliant with Estonian corporate regulations.

What Is a Contact Person?

A contact person is an individual or licensed service provider based in Estonia who acts as an official communication channel between a company and Estonian authorities.

The contact person receives official correspondence, legal notices, and court documents on behalf of the company and ensures that these communications are promptly forwarded to the company’s management.

It is important to understand that a contact person does not participate in the management of the company, make business decisions, or assume liability for the company’s obligations.

When Is a Contact Person Required?

Under the Estonian Commercial Code, a contact person is generally required when:

• The members of the management board reside outside Estonia; and
• The company’s registered address is not located at the address of a licensed service provider.

This requirement applies to many companies established by e-residents and other foreign entrepreneurs who manage their businesses remotely.

If your company uses the address of a licensed corporate service provider, that provider typically acts as both the registered office service provider and the contact person.

Why Did Estonia Introduce This Requirement?

The purpose of the contact person requirement is straightforward: to ensure that Estonian authorities can reliably communicate with companies whose management is located abroad.

Without a local point of contact, official correspondence may not be delivered efficiently, creating compliance risks for both the company and public authorities.

The contact person helps ensure that important notifications, requests, court documents, and administrative communications reach the company without delay.

Who Can Act as a Contact Person?

Not everyone can act as a contact person.

Under Estonian law, the role may generally be performed by:

• Licensed corporate service providers;
• Law firms and attorneys-at-law;
• Notaries;
• Sworn auditors; and
• Other professional service providers authorised under applicable regulations.

The contact person’s details are registered in the Estonian Business Register and are publicly visible.

What Does a Contact Person Do?

The responsibilities of a contact person typically include:

• Receiving official correspondence from Estonian authorities;
• Accepting court documents and legal notices;
• Forwarding communications to the company’s management;
• Helping ensure that important deadlines and notifications are not missed.

A contact person does not:

• Manage the company;
• Represent the company in business transactions;
• Sign contracts on behalf of the company;
• Become liable for company debts or tax obligations.

Their role is purely administrative and communication-focused.

What Happens If a Company Does Not Have a Required Contact Person?

If a company is legally required to appoint a contact person but fails to do so, the Estonian Business Register may request that the company correct the deficiency.

Continued non-compliance can lead to administrative measures and, in serious cases, proceedings that may result in the deletion of the company from the register.

For this reason, companies should ensure that their contact person details remain accurate and up to date at all times.

Benefits of Using a Professional Contact Person Service

Many entrepreneurs choose a professional service provider because it offers more than simple legal compliance.

Benefits often include:

• A reliable Estonian business address;
• Professional handling of official correspondence;
• Timely forwarding of important documents;
• Reduced risk of missed legal notices;
• Support with ongoing corporate compliance.

For international entrepreneurs managing their businesses remotely, these services provide additional peace of mind and administrative convenience.

How to Change or Appoint a Contact Person

A company can appoint or replace a contact person by filing an application with the Estonian Business Register.

The appointment generally requires:

• Consent from the contact person;
• Updated company information;
• Registration of the changes in the Business Register.

The process can usually be completed electronically if the company representatives have access to Estonian digital signatures.

Conclusion

A contact person serves as an essential communication link between an Estonian company and local authorities. For many non-resident entrepreneurs, appointing a contact person is not only a legal requirement but also a practical solution that helps ensure smooth business operations.

Whether you are establishing a new Estonian company or managing an existing one remotely, maintaining a compliant contact person arrangement helps protect your business and ensures that important communications are never missed.