What are the changes introduced in the SME Fund 2023?

In the SME Fund 2023, there are two vouchers available for applications: Voucher 1 for IP pre-diagnostic services (IP Scan) and Voucher 2 for Trade Marks and Designs. This differs from the previous year when both services were covered under Voucher 1. Beneficiaries can expect generous reimbursement rates, with Voucher 1 offering a 90% discount on IP Scan services and Voucher 2 providing a 75% discount on basic application fees for trademarks and designs at EU, national, and regional levels. Additionally, there is a 50% discount on the basic application fees for trademarks and designs outside the EU.

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Who is eligible to apply for the SME Fund?

To be eligible for the SME Fund, applicants must be established in the EU and meet the criteria outlined in the official EU SME definition. This definition includes enterprises employing fewer than 250 people, including self-employed individuals, partnerships/associations, and family businesses, with limited annual turnover or annual balance sheet figures. For more specific details, refer to the EU Recommendation.

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What is the SME Fund 2023?

The SME Fund 2023 is a grant scheme aimed at providing financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the European Union (EU) to protect their intellectual property rights (IPRs). It is part of the Ideas Powered for business initiative, led by the European Commission and implemented by the EUIPO in partnership with European national and regional IP Offices.

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🏦 Bank Account Opening:

πŸ’Ό Opening a Bank Account in Estonia After Company Registration 🏦

Congratulations on registering your company in Estonia! Now, let’s talk about the next crucial step: opening a bank account. 🌟

At Eesti Consulting, we’ve made it incredibly easy for you to open a bank account in Estonia. Once your company is registered, the process is straightforward. We specialize in facilitating smooth bank account openings for companies just like yours. 🀝

Whether you’re a startup, an established business, or an e-resident, we’ve got the expertise to assist you. Our services cater to a wide range of financial institutions, including:

1. WISE 🌐

Open bank account in Estonia with WISE

2. Payoneer πŸ’³

Open bank account in Estonia with Payoneer

3. SWEDBANK 🏦

At least 2 personal visits are required in Estonia – no guarantee for the bank account opening

4. LHV πŸ›οΈ

Apply for a bank account with LHV in Estonia fully remotely , but if positive decision = Appointment required.

Our goal is to provide you with the flexibility and financial support your Estonian company needs to thrive. Whether you’re looking for corporate accounts, multi-currency options, or even ready-made companies with pre-established bank accounts, we’ve got solutions tailored to your requirements. πŸŒπŸ’Ό

Don’t let the bank account opening process stress you out. We’re here to simplify the journey for you. Learn more about our bank account opening services in Estonia here. Your success in Estonia is our priority! πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡ͺ

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πŸ“ˆ VAT Registration in Estonia – Yes or No?

πŸ“Š VAT Registration in Estonia πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡ͺ

So, you’ve set up your consulting company in Estonia, and it’s thriving. But as your business grows, there’s an important consideration: Value Added Tax (VAT). Here’s a friendly guide to understanding VAT registration with emojis to make it simple! πŸ€—

1. VAT Basics 🧾

When you establish a company in Estonia, you aren’t automatically liable for VAT or entitled to deduct input VAT. VAT registration becomes mandatory when your total taxable sales exceed €40,000 from the beginning of the calendar year.

2. Optional Registration πŸ“ˆ

Before reaching the threshold, you have the option to register for VAT. It depends on the VAT amount on goods and services you buy and the VAT status of your clients.

3. Plan Ahead πŸ—“οΈ

Once you foresee reaching the threshold, initiate the registration process. You must register within three business days of crossing the threshold.

4. Voluntary Registration πŸ“

You can register voluntarily before reaching the threshold by providing evidence of your business intentions.

5. Estonian VAT Number πŸ†”

The Estonian VAT number starts with a prefix EE, followed by nine digits (e.g., EE123456789).

6. VAT Rates πŸ’Ό

Services to Estonian companies and individuals typically have a standard 20% VAT rate. A reduced 9% VAT rate applies to certain services. If you serve customers in other EU Member States or third countries, a 0% VAT rate often applies.

7. B2B Transactions 🀝

For B2B transactions in other EU Member States or third countries, include the customer’s VAT registration number and “reverse charge mechanism” on invoices.

8. B2C Transactions πŸ§‘β€πŸ€β€πŸ§‘

B2C transactions outside Estonia may be subject to Estonian VAT, or you may need to register in the customer’s country and follow local VAT rules.

9. Verify VAT EE Number βœ…

You can verify the VAT EE number on the VIES website or the Estonian Tax and Customs Board’s KMKR website.

For comprehensive VAT registration services in Estonia, visit this link. Make informed choices to ensure your consulting business thrives in Estonia! πŸŒ±πŸ’Ό

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⏳ Wait for Approval

Await the approval of your registration application. The processing duration varies and is influenced by the workload of authorities.

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πŸ’³ Pay State Fee

Cover the state fees associated with the registration process. These fees contribute to document processing and entry into the Business Register. Registering a private limited company (OÜ) online incurs a state fee of €265

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πŸ’° Pay Share Capital

πŸ’Ό Easy and Quick Registration: Setting up a private limited company in Estonia is a straightforward and speedy process.

πŸ’° No Required Share Capital: As of February 1, 2023, there is no statutory requirement for a minimum share capital when establishing a private limited company.

🀝 Freedom to Decide: Founders have the freedom to decide how much capital they want to invest in their private limited company, providing flexibility based on the company’s planned activities and capital needs.

πŸ“‰ Risk Consideration: While there’s flexibility in determining share capital, founders should carefully assess their contributions and startup costs to avoid causing damage to the company.

🏦 Liability Protection: Shareholders of a private limited company are shielded from personal liability for the company’s obligations.

πŸ“œ Legal Safeguards: In cases where the share capital is set below 2,500 euros and bankruptcy proceedings are terminated without declaring bankruptcy, the court may order the shareholder to pay an amount between the share capital and 2,500 euros if the trustee’s claims for fees and expenses remain unsatisfied from other debtor assets.

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πŸ’» Register a company in Estonia through e-Residency

1. Apply for e-Residency Card πŸ“¨

Begin by applying for an e-Residency card through the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board (PBGB) website.

2. Collect Your e-Residency Card 🏒

Once approved, collect your e-Residency card from the Estonian embassy or pick-up location.

3. Verify Identity πŸ”‘

Use your e-Residency card to access secure Estonian government services online.

4. Choose Your Company Name πŸ“›

Select a unique and suitable name for your company.

5. Prepare Necessary Documents πŸ“„

Gather the required documents, including your business plan, legal address, and contact person.

6. Register Your Company Online πŸ’Ό

Visit the Estonian Business Register’s website and complete the online registration process.

7. Pay State Fee πŸ’³

Pay the state fee for registering your company.

8. Obtain VAT Number (if needed) πŸ’°

If applicable, register for VAT and obtain a VAT number.

9. Set Up Legal Address and Contact Person 🏠🀝

Ensure you have a legal address and contact person, either by yourself or through a service provider. Learn More

10. Open Bank Account 🏦

Choose a suitable Estonian bank and open a business bank account.

11. Explore Financial Services

Consider services like Payoneer and Wise for international financial solutions.

12. VAT Registrations

Learn more about VAT registrations in Estonia here.

Congratulations! πŸŽ‰ Your Estonian company is now registered and ready for business.

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πŸ™‹β€β™‚οΈ Appoint a Contact Person:

Why You Need a Contact Person πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡ͺ

If your company’s management board is abroad, you must have a contact person in Estonia, as per the Commercial Code.Β  Β The service is available through virtual office providers in our Marketplace.
Who Can Be a Contact Person? πŸ“œ

Who Can Be Your Contact Person? 🀝

Designated contact persons can include notaries, advocates, sworn auditors, audit firms, or licensed trust and company service provider like Eesti Consulting – jump here to our contact person service in Estonia.
If someone within your company resides in Estonia, they can also serve as the contact person.

Requirements for Non-Resident Companies 🌍

When registering as a non-resident company, you must specify the location of your management board (if it’s outside Estonia) in the Commercial Register.

Separation of Legal Address 🏒

Starting from February 2023, you have the flexibility to separate your legal address from your contact person’s address.Β  Β  While not mandatory, most e-residents prefer a single service provider for both.
Responsibilities of Your Contact Person πŸ“¬

For foreigners and e-residents, company formation in Estonia is made easier with these guidelines, catering to e-Residency company needs.

Designated contact persons can include notaries, advocates, sworn auditors, audit firms, or licensed trust and company service providers. If someone within your company resides in Estonia, they can also serve as the contact person.

Requirements for Non-Resident Companies 🌍

When registering as a non-resident company, you must specify the location of your management board (if it’s outside Estonia) in the Commercial Register.

Separation of Legal Address 🏒

Starting from February 2023, you have the flexibility to separate your legal address from your contact person’s address. While not mandatory, most e-residents prefer a single service provider for both.

Responsibilities of Your Contact Person πŸ“¬

Your contact person handles essential documents and letters. Even in Estonia’s digital era, some legal documents are still received in paper form. When your contact person receives such documents, they are considered delivered to your business. No need for them to be a shareholder, board member, or employee, and they don’t require special rights to act on your company’s behalf.

For foreigners and e-residents, company formation in Estonia is made easier with these guidelines, catering to e-Residency company needs.

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πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡ͺ Choosing a Business Name in Estonia

Crucial Steps Before Company Formation in Estonia πŸš€

Selecting your business name is a crucial first step! A unique and memorable name can boost your company’s reputation and success. Remember! The company name must end with ‘OU’ or ‘osaΓΌhing’ for companies.

Don’t register a company in Estonia without following good practice rules. 🚫

  • πŸ“‹ Include Legal Form (like ‘OÜ’ or ‘osaΓΌhing’) for companies.
  • πŸ‘€ Sole Proprietorships: Use the proprietor’s first and last name.
  • 🚫 Avoid Non-Partners: Don’t use names of non-partners or conflicting names.
  • πŸ” Be Distinct: Ensure your name is distinct from existing names in the business register.
  • ℒ️ Trademark Consent: Get consent for using trademarked signs or choose another name – Commercial Register may ask you for a change of company name if the name is connected with a trademark. Do you want to register a trademark with the company? See Trademark Registration Service in Estonia.
  • 🌐 Alignment Matters: Align your name with your business activity and location.

*** Check pronunciation 🧐

Ensure your name stands out. Even small differences in spelling or pronunciation count. It should also reflect your main activity and location.

*** Check the name before starting a company in Estonia. πŸ”

Verify your preferred name in the e-Business Register. Compare it with existing names. The register makes the final call.

*** Check the Trademark Registration before registration ℒ️

Query the trademark database on the Patent Office’s website to avoid trademark conflicts. Follow these steps to choose the perfect business name in Estonia. Good luck! πŸ€πŸ‘

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What are the stages of liquidation?

Stages include appointing liquidators and recording the dissolution in the business register, publishing a liquidation notice, preparing a liquidation report approved by shareholders, selling assets, preparing a final liquidation report and asset distribution plan, distributing assets among partners, and applying for deletion from the business register.

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Who are the liquidators of a private limited company? Ask Eesti Consulting about liquidator – if your e-Residency card will expire soon…it may be a solution.Β 

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What are the grounds for voluntary dissolution?

Voluntary dissolution can occur through a shareholders’ resolution approved by at least two-thirds of participating shareholders (unless articles of association require a greater majority), or if prescribed by the company’s articles of association.

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