Russian and Belarusian nationals can still legally manage Estonian companies without holding e-residency status, according to Anita Preinvalts, senior commissioner at the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board’s (PPA) ID and status office. In a statement to ERR, Preinvalts highlighted that alternative options remain available for those seeking to manage a business in Estonia despite recent geopolitical tensions.
One such option includes appointing a notarized, authorized representative who is based in Estonia to manage the company on behalf of the owner. Additionally, individuals assessed to have a high level of trustworthiness under the EU's eIDAS regulation can use their electronic identification (eID) documents to manage an Estonian business. For example, Belgian ID cards are considered valid under this regulation.
Estonia’s e-residency program, launched in 2014, provides global entrepreneurs with the opportunity to start and manage a company online. While it has attracted a significant number of international applicants, these alternatives ensure that business management in Estonia remains accessible to Russian and Belarusian nationals, even in the absence of e-residency.