Business Formation & Ship Registration
We were the creators of Estonia’s new maritime tax regime, giving us unparalleled expertise in Estonian maritime business formation and ship registration.
Our Services:
- Estonian Maritime Tax Regime Expertise: Helping you establish maritime operations in Estonia and register vessels to Estonian ship registries, utilizing the benefits of Estonian Tonnage Tax or regular corporate tax systems
- Strategic Tax Path Selection: Guiding you to choose the optimal tax approach based on your business model—regular tax for growing companies reinvesting in fleet expansion, or Tonnage Tax for steady dividend-paying operations
- Operational Structure Development: Designing the optimal structure and location for your crew management, technical management, and ship ownership operations aligned with Estonian maritime tax benefits and EU State Aid regulations
- E-Residency Integration: Leveraging Estonia’s e-Residency program for efficient digital business administration from anywhere in the world
Frequently Asked Questions
Vessels may fly the Estonian flag if operated by an Estonian citizen or legal entity registered in Estonia, or if majority-owned by such parties. EEA citizens and entities may also register vessels if they maintain a place of business or responsible representative in Estonia.
Registration fees depend on the registry type. The First Bareboat Register charges €32 plus €0.10 per GT (maximum €3,200) for a two-year certificate.. The Ship Register (Mortgage Register) charges a one-time €130 fee. Survey fees are additional and are €220/hour (maximum €3,400 per survey). The Second Bareboat Register charges €15,000-€25,000 annually based on vessel tonnage. Survey fees are included in annual fee.
Estonia offers three taxation options: (1) Standard regime with 22% income tax, though taxation can be postponed on reinvested profits until dividends are distributed; (2) Tonnage tax system calculating tax based on net tonnage rather than actual profits, providing predictable costs; (3) Seafarer tax relief reducing tax burden on crew employment. All regimes apply equally to EU and non-EU nationals
Yes, foreign nationals may work on Estonian-flagged vessels without citizenship restrictions. However, foreign companies providing crew must sign employment contracts under the MLC (Maritime Labour Convention) with the registered ship operator, and register workers in Estonia’s Employment Register.
Estonia’s tonnage tax allows shipping companies to pay tax based on vessel net tonnage instead of actual profits, providing stable and predictable taxation. Eligible vessels must exceed 500 GT, fly an EEA flag, and engage in international cargo/passenger transport (excluding intra-EEA regular passenger services). Resident companies making strategic, commercial, and/or technical management and/or crew management decisions in Estonia qualify.
Estonian ship registration timeline depends on documentation completeness. With properly prepared documents, registration typically completes within 4-8 weeks.
No, Estonia does not impose maximum age restrictions on vessels seeking registration. Vessels of any age meeting safety and technical requirements may register under Estonian flag, subject to standard classification society surveys and maritime safety compliance.