Setting up Company in Estonia: The Advantages of Holding Companies

In the realm of global business, Estonia stands out as a prime location for entrepreneurs and investors. Setting up a company in Estonia offers numerous benefits, especially when considering the establishment of a holding company. This blog will delve into the concept of holding companies, with a special emphasis on the advantages of setting up such an entity in Estonia.

Most of Silva Hunt’s clients have already reaped the benefits of setting up a company in Estonia, using it as their primary investment vehicle to maximize long-term growth.

Interested in setting up a holding company in Estonia? At Silva Hunt, we’re committed to providing you with effective strategies and relevant knowledge to facilitate your business success.

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Understanding Holding Companies:

In the business landscape, structure is a fundamental component. This principle holds true whether you’re initiating a new venture or amalgamating existing ones. There will be scenarios that necessitate the formation of a robust business structure and strategic allocation of shares.

When considering setting up a company in Estonia, it’s essential to understand the structure and benefits of holding companies. A holding company is an entity that owns shares in other companies, known as its subsidiaries. According to the Estonian Commercial Code, a parent company is defined by having either majority voting rights or significant influence over another company.

Holding companies are pivotal for risk management. If you’re looking to shield your investment capital from potential risks associated with your operating company, setting up a holding company in Estonia is an ideal solution.

Holding companies can be classified by function as following:

Holding company with independent economic activity. The parent company is actively engaged in economic activities and its subsidiaries operate as agencies and branches in other countries.
Administrative holding company. The parent company determines the principles and procedures for making and managing decisions in all subsidiaries, including strategic and capital flow management.
Financial holding company. Such a parent company is mainly intended for asset management, it does not perform any control or management function. Holds and supplies capital to subsidiaries or new business lines and expansions.
Organizational holding company. The parent company regulates the internal organization and allocates activities and responsibilities across business areas.
Holding company as shareholder. The parent company acts as a shareholder and the economic activities are carried out in its subsidiaries.

Holding companies with all these functionalities can be established in Estonia. As an example, headquarters provide centralised functions (marketing, human resources, financial and corporate governance), however, holding companies have the aim of holding shares of subsidiaries.

7 Reasons Why Setting Up a Holding Company in Estonia is Beneficial:

1. Business friendly tax system

The Estonian corporate tax system is unique in Europe as the profit for the financial year is not subject to income tax. This allows the taxation of profits to be deferred indefinitely and the profits to be reinvested tax-free. The income tax liability arises from the distribution of profits, which is usually the payment of a dividend. The tax burden on dividends is 20% and the tax amount is calculated on the net basis – on the amount of the dividends paid out.

A lower tax rate of 14% can be applied to regular dividends. In addition, there is a 7% withholding tax, which applies if the dividend is paid to a natural person. In the case of a non-resident individual, the withholding tax rate may be reduced by means of tax conventions (find your double taxation treaty here). However, in the case of dividends paid to an Estonian or non-Estonian company, the final tax is 14%.

2. Well-functioning e-services

The business registry is an e-service. Establishing companies and making changes to the register is done online. Shareholders and board members can apply for e-Resident status and receive a smart card with a chip that allows access to all e-services, including the digital business register and documents. Further information on applying for e-residency can be found here: https://e-resident.gov.ee/eesti/

3. The holding company is 100% owned by its owner

A shareholder of a holding company can be both a shareholder and a member of the management board. The business register is public and changes to the register can only be made by a shareholder or board member. All changes will be notified immediately.

A shareholder may transfer his shares to another person in a public notary with a regular contract or on the basis of a simple written agreement if the shares are registered in the securities register.

4. The transfer of shares in a holding company is tax free

If a shareholder of the holding company decides to transfer his shares it is considered tax free in Estonian income tax law. The tax issue may arise if the property of the holding company is real estate located in Estonia.

5. The holding company shall not pay income tax on the purchase or sale of the shares in the subsidiary

If the holding company decides to sell its shares in a subsidiary located in Estonia or in other countries, the holding company will not be liable to tax on the profits arising from the sale of the shares. An income tax is only applied when the profit is paid out as a dividend. Thus, it is possible to sell shareholdings and use the capital tax-free for investments or to lend.

Acquisitions of shares in other companies no tax liability arises. Often, natural persons who own shares transfer them to their holding company. Participation in other companies can also be used to increase the share capital of the holding company.

6. Existence of professional service providers

There are a number of professional service providers in Estonia that provide the services required by e-residents to meet the requirements of Estonian law. Such requirements are usually the contact address, the contact person and the organization of accounting, the submission of the annual report and the tax report. The list of service providers is out in government page https://e-resident.gov.ee/marketplace/service-providers/. More information about us can be found here: https://www.silvahunt.ee

7. Professional tax advice

The main objective of holding companies is to improve tax efficiency. That is why it is important to get professional tax advice in order to find better and more cost-effective solutions for managing your capital, dividend flows and therefore reducing tax risks. Our aim is to help holding companies take full advantage of the tax system without adding extra costs or bureaucracy. If you find holding structure interesting and useful contact us right now.

Setting up a company in Estonia, especially a holding company, offers a plethora of advantages for international entrepreneurs and investors. With its business-friendly environment, efficient e-services, and favorable tax system, Estonia is undeniably a top choice for global business operations.

If you’re interested in setting up a holding company in Estonia, our team of experts and partners is here to guide you through the incorporation process.

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This article was written by Silva Hunt Tax Expert Meelis Krautmann.
Meelis is a tax expert with 18 years of experience. He has led the legal department of Estonia’s tax and customs board and worked as a tax attorney.
Silva Hunt is a e-Residency service provider who offers a safe haven to active companies while being experienced in structuring holding companies.
If you are ready to open a Holding Company in Estonia or have questions about Holding Companies, check our packages and prices here.