How to Voluntarily Liquidate an Estonian Company: A Guide for E-Residents and Business Owners

If you’ve ceased your company’s operations in Estonia and are ready to formally close it, the shareholders can initiate a voluntary liquidation (dissolution) process. While this procedure is straightforward with the right guidance, it's important to understand the legal steps and timelines involved—especially for Estonian e-residents managing companies remotely.

Understanding the Liquidation Process in Estonia

Even if your company has had no economic activity, Estonian law requires you to follow a defined process. The full procedure—from the liquidation decision to the company’s deletion from the Estonian Commercial Register—typically takes a minimum of 7 months.

Once appointed, a liquidator can handle all the formalities on your behalf throughout the process.

What Does It Cost?

• Our cost (incl. state fees) - 290 euros.

• Additional costs: accountant fees, depending on company activity

  
  

Step-by-Step: How to Liquidate Your Estonian Company

1. Shareholder Resolution & Liquidator Appointment

The first step is for the shareholder(s) to make a formal decision to liquidate the company. A liquidator must be appointed, and the decision needs to be submitted to the Commercial Register, along with the final annual report.

If the shareholders have Estonian e-residency digital IDs, this process is relatively quick and can be done online.

2. Publish the Liquidation Notice

A liquidation notice must be published in the official portal: Ametlikud Teadaanded. Creditors are given 4 months to submit claims. After this period, the liquidator will settle any outstanding obligations.

✅ Your appointed liquidator manages this step on your behalf.

3. Final Tax Declarations & VAT Deregistration

Before final closure, the company must:

• Submit all tax declarations

• Deregister from VAT (if applicable)

• Close business bank accounts

  
  

4. Submit Final Balance Sheet & Asset Distribution Plan

After settling debts and closing accounts, the liquidator prepares the final balance sheet and asset distribution plan. These documents are submitted to the Commercial Register to finalize the dissolution.

Faster Process for Inactive Companies

If your company has no prior business activity, the liquidation process is simpler and may be completed in as little as 3 months—saving both time and costs.

Need Help with Company Liquidation in Estonia?

With experienced legal and accounting support, liquidating an Estonian private limited company (OÜ) can be smooth and hassle-free—even from abroad.

📩 Contact us for guidance tailored to e-residents and remote founders: info@expatlegalestonia.com