In the first half of 2025, Estonia’s e-Residency program generated €68 million in direct economic impact, nearly twice the projected figure. This surge in revenue, driven largely by tax contributions from e-resident companies, marks a turning point in the program’s evolution and signals a new era of opportunity for global founders.
For entrepreneurs seeking a streamlined, EU-based business environment, Estonia is no longer a hidden gem. It’s a proven platform for building lean, compliant, and scalable companies entirely online.
Key figures: E-residency’s economic impact in H1 2025
- €65.9M in tax revenue, including:
- €26.2M in labor taxes
- €39.7M in income tax (primarily dividends)
- €2.1M in state fees from digital ID and company registration
- 7,994 new e-residency applications (+23% YoY)
- 2,634 new companies founded by e-residents (+8% YoY)
- €15.5M spent on Estonian business services, up 36% from 2024
These figures reflect more than just growth. They demonstrate that e-resident companies are hiring, declaring dividends, and investing in local expertise: all signs of healthy, sustainable business activity.
Why e-residency is gaining momentum
Estonia’s digital infrastructure and tax system continue to attract founders from across the globe. In 2025, applications surged in France and Italy, with steady growth in Germany, the UK, and Latin America.
Minister of Economy and Industry Erkki Keldo credited Estonia’s zero corporate income tax policy, effective from 2025, as a key driver of competitiveness. Combined with fast digital onboarding and transparent regulation, Estonia offers a compelling alternative to traditional jurisdictions.
What e-residents are investing in
E-residents spent over €15 million on services from Estonian providers in 2024, with demand rising sharply in 2025. The most sought-after services include:
- Company formation and legal structuring
- Accounting and tax compliance
- Digital automation tools
- Cross-border advisory and EU market access
At Unicount, we’ve seen this trend firsthand. Our platform simplifies company registration and accounting for e-residents, offering a frictionless experience backed by local expertise.
Strategic insight: Why 2025 is a pivotal year
According to Liina Vahtras, head of the e-Residency program, 2025 has already exceeded expectations. The spike in dividend declarations early in the year, ahead of an income tax adjustment, was followed by sustained growth in tax contributions and company formation.
Notably, the share of e-resident companies employing 2 to 10 people rose from 25% to 40%, indicating a shift from solo founders to small teams. This evolution suggests that e-residency is no longer just a tool for freelancers: it’s becoming a launchpad for scalable, globally-minded businesses.
Why become an e-resident in Estonia?
If you’re an entrepreneur considering e-Residency, the data is clear: Estonia offers a stable, efficient, and growth-friendly environment for digital businesses.
- No corporate income tax on retained earnings
- Fast, online company registration via Unicount
- Access to EU markets and banking
- Trusted legal and accounting infrastructure
Whether you’re launching a SaaS startup, managing remote teams, or building a consulting firm, Estonia provides the tools to operate with confidence and without borders.
Start your e-resident business today
Unicount makes it easy to register your Estonian company in minutes. No paperwork. No delays. Just smart, compliant business setup backed by a team that understands e-residents.
