PUBLICATIONS

Read, follow our publications and stay up to date on international business.

Call
Thompson&Stein blog header
Accounting Estonia, Estonia

Dividend from the Estonian company – rules of distribution

2020-06-10

Verify if the company has paid-up share capital
In order to pay out a dividend from an Estonian company the minimum share capital of 2500 euros has to be paid in advance. When establishing a company in Estonia, you have the possibility to postpone the payment of the share capital until after the whole process of registration is completed. This may lead to a situation in which the company operates despite unpaid share capital. Therefore, before you decide to pay out a dividend make sure that the share capital had been fully paid.

Make sure you have met all the formal requirements
The payout of dividend is made on the basis of the financial result shown in the annual report. That’s the reason why the company’s annual report has to be accepted and signed by all members of the board. In addition, make sure that the amount you wish to pay out does not exceed the retained/not distributed profit shown in the company’s annual report. Moreover, you should ensure that after the pay out of the dividend company’s net assets will not fall below the value of the paid-in or minimum share capital – depending on which of these values is higher. If you met all the conditions mentioned above, you can proceed to the next step.

Accounting Estonia, Estonia

We joined the Association of Estonian Accountants

2020-06-05

In order to provide the highest quality of our services, we are constantly aiming to strengthen our position in the accounting area. Thus, we are glad to inform you about us joining the Association of Estonian Accountants (AEA). By participating in the organization, we have the opportunity to engage in an active discussion on the changes in Estonian tax law, as well as express our opinion. Moreover, by participating in the AEA we will be able to take part in discussions with the Ministry of Finance on the continuous development of accounting area.

The AEA was founded in 1996. The organization unites more than 650 members, which include both natural and legal persons. The aim of the association is to educate and qualify accountants. Moreover, it actively engages in a dialogue with the government on the development of accounting.

Estonia, Liquidation of the company

Liquidation of OÜ company in Estonia

2020-05-13

During current economic slowdown, more and more entities conducting business activity are experiencing difficulties with financial liquidity. Economic constraints, reduced demand and rising inflation are clear signs of the impending economic crisis. Many entrepreneurs are forced to make a difficult decision to liquidate the company.

Liquidation of the company as a long-term and requiring process
First of all, it should be noted that the liquidation of the company is a long-term process, lasting a minimum of 6 months. During this period, a number of required legal and accounting activities should be undertaken. We mean, among others, preparation of the opening and closing balance sheet, as well as the obligation to satisfy the creditors of the liquidated company itself. It should be known that detailed regulations regarding the liquidation of a company are set out in the Estonian Commercial Code.

Others

Why is worth to set up company in Armenia?

2020-04-23

The Armenian government has done hard work to make their market attractive to foreign investors from all over the world. This country is distinguished by a liberal and friendly investment policy, qualified IT specialists and relatively low operating costs. Let’s check why you should open a company in Armenia!

Armenia combines many factors that enable companies from the technology sector to grow rapidly. Favorable investment policies and friendly government approach are some of them. The great advantage of investment in that area is the availability of specialists in mathematics, IT and finance. This allows you to build a strong and specialized team at relatively low costs.

Accounting Estonia, Estonia

Expenditures of the OÜ company in Estonia. When do you have to pay tax on it?

2020-04-20

The Estonian CIT structure, which is collected only at the time of distribution of profits, also required the implementation of mechanisms that counteract hidden dividend payments. Seemingly, it is easy to classify expenses that are necessary to ensure business continuity and work efficiency. However, very often entrepreneurs are not aware at the time of the transaction that they thereby generate a taxable purchase. We decided to facilitate this by preparing a list broken down into those expenses that do not require the payment of taxes and those on which you must pay corporate income tax. We want to stress that our list presented below is general, and expenditure should always be assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the company’s activities.
Untaxed expenditures incurred by the OÜ company in Estonia

Estonia

Is it possible to ‘hack the crisis’? Estonia knows the answer

2020-04-09

Estonians strongly believe that technology can help to effectively mitigate the effects of the crisis. Inspired by the success of online hackathon ‘Hack the crisis’ in March they decided to organize massive global movement called ‘The Global Hack’ which has started today (9.04.2020).

In times of COVID-19 pandemic Estonia once again proves that it deserves to be called a start-ups hub and the most digitized society. While the doctors take care of sick people, Estonian government in cooperation with the private sector works on e-solutions which are needed to minimize coronavirus’ socio-economic impact.

Poland

Polish “anti-crisis shield” – basic information

2020-04-06

The President and the Prime Minister of Poland have announced a package of support measures for entrepreneurs called the Anti-Crisis Shield. We present the most important solutions for entrepreneurs below:

Exemption from Social Insurance Institution (ZUS)
A payer may apply for exemption from ZUS contributions (social security) in case where the two following conditions are met jointly:

the payer was registered with ZUS before February 1, 2020;
the payer, who submitted less than 10 insured persons on the date of February 29, 2020.
Taking the above into account, the payer is entitled to apply for dismissal for the period from March 1, 2020 to May 31, 2020. Additionally, in order to be granted the exemption from ZUS contributions, settlement statements or personal monthly reports due for March, April and May 2020 must be submitted not later than by 30 June 2020.

Estonia, Estonia

How to set up a company in Estonia?

2020-03-23

No one needs convincing that company in Estonia is the best solution for entrepreneurs who are running their business in the international market. No matter which of the above you choose, setting up a business with us will allow you to avoid the cost of travelling the Tallinn. Key factors when choosing right path are length of the registration and new company structure.

Company registration by power of attorney
It is the best solution for people who care about time or plan a more complicated shareholder structure. Granting us a notary power of attorney allows our law firm to perform for the client all the activities needed to register the company. This process takes a maximum of two weeks. You do not have to come to our offices. The power of attorney can be certified with any notary, based on the template prepared by us. The most important thing is that it should be sent to us as soon as possible in the original.

Others

How to set up an OÜ Company in Estonia

2020-03-20

The OÜ company in Estonia is a legal structure that allows owners to separate personal assets from business risks. In other words, the shareholders are not individually accountable for the company’s obligations. An OÜ company can be established by anyone, both Estonian resident and non-Estonian resident. The biggest advantage of running company in Estonia is no corporate income tax on retained and reinvested profits. It is also worth noting that companies registered in Estonia are considered transparent and trustworthy by the Estonian authorities.

Shareholders and board members of OÜ company
There are currently no restrictions on the number of shareholders in OÜ, although at least one founder is required to establish a company. The stakeholders of a company may include people from outside Estonia.