Make employment in Estonia easy. Let us handle payroll, benefits, taxes, compliance, and even stock options for your team in Estonia, all in one easy-to-use platform.
Estonian labor regulations are liberal in principle but provide strong worker protections designed to safeguard workers’ rights in practice. Employees in Estonia enjoy protections against discrimination based on age, religion, sexual orientation, gender expression, and race.
Common questions that could come up during the hiring process may be about minimum wage, overtime rates, and paid time off. Remote can help you offer a complete, competitive, and compliant benefits package to your employees in Estonia.
As of April 1, 2026, the minimum wage is €5.67 per hour (gross), equivalent to €946 per month for full-time employees, or €11,352 annually.
For customers of Remote, all employee payments will be made in equal monthly installments on or before the last working day of each calendar month, payable in arrears.
We can help you get a new employee started in Estonia fast.
Our team ensures your employees are onboarded and paid as quickly as possible while keeping your business compliant with all local employment legislation. The minimum onboarding time begins after the employee submits all required information onto the Remote platform. The onboarding timeline is also dependent upon registration with local authorities.
For all non-nationals of the country of employment, the Right to Work assessment (if applicable) will add three extra days to the total time to onboard. There may be extra time required if we need to follow-up on the right to work assessment.
Please note, payroll cut-off dates can impact the actual first day of employment. Remote has a payroll cut-off date of the 10th of the month unless otherwise specified.
Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
2026-01-01 | New Year's Day (Uusaasta päev) |
2026-02-24 | Independence Day (Iseseisvuspäev) |
2026-04-03 | Good Friday (Hea reede) |
2026-04-05 | Easter (Lihavõtted) |
2026-05-01 | Spring Day (Kevadpäev) |
2026-05-24 | Pentecost (Nelipühad) |
2026-06-23 | Victory Day (Võidupüha) - Subject to change |
2026-06-24 | Midsummer Day (Jaanipäev) |
2026-08-20 | Restoration Independence Day (Taasiseseisvumispäev) |
2026-12-24 | Christmas Eve (Jõuluõhtu) |
2026-12-25 | Christmas Day (Jõulud) |
2026-12-26 | Boxing Day (Teine jõulupüha) |
The Republic of Estonia (Eesti Vabariik) is a European Union member, organized as a unitary parliamentary republic.
For a country with a population of less than 2 million, Estonia’s GDP ranks well above average at 37 on the global scale, driven by membership in the EU, and a flourishing, innovative tech sector. Estonia is a progressive nation with a healthy local economy, a high human development index, and a stable democracy —all of which make this Easter European nation an attractive proposition for international employers.
Estonia is a well-established destination for digital nomads and remote workers, with many coworking spaces, and quality internet connectivity.
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Cost of living index
GDP real growth rate
Payroll frequency
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Ease of doing business
Want to employ workers in Estonia? Companies hiring in Estonia are typically required to either own a local legal entity or work with a global employment platform like Remote that can legally provide employment services in the country.
Remote can employ team members in Estonia and keep you compliant. Remote can hire, onboard, and pay your Estonia team so you don't have to set up local HR services in the region. Remote also makes it easy to pay contractors in Estonia. Sign up now to get started or talk to an expert for more details.
Employment taxes and statutory fees affect both your payroll and your employees' paychecks in Estonia. Note that your employees may be liable for additional local taxes.
Employer
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Health Insurance
0%
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Flat income tax rate
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of gross salary – pension contribution (obligatory for employees born after 1983)
Employees are entitled to 28 paid days off and should any of those leave days fall on a public holiday, the paid leave will be extended so employees are not shortchanged.
Employees are entitled to take the 13 national holidays off and employees who make themselves available on holidays are entitled to double pay.
Estonian labor law guarantees a maximum of 182 paid sick leave days per calendar year, paid at 70% of the employee’s average salary. This is paid by the employer from the fourth until the eighth day of the employee’s illness. The employee draws sickness benefits from the social security administration from the ninth day onwards.
Pregnant employees are entitled to 140 paid days off, which can start vesting at least 70 days before the delivery date. Maternity benefits are disbursed by the social security office.
An employee is entitled to paid parental leave to raise a newly-delivered child or to assist a postpartum partner, both at the expense of the state. Same sex couples are eligible if the child is adopted by the other parent. Paid parental leave can be taken until the child reaches the age of three. The parents can take up to 435 days of leave (this time can be either consecutive or not consecutive). Only one parent can take this leave at a time.
Men are entitled to 10 working days that can be taken within two months of the expected birth date. After the birth, the father is entitled to two months paternity leave. Men are entitled to 100% of their gross salary, however it is capped at three times the minimum wage of the country.
Working students can access 30 calendar days off for general education or vocational studies and are guaranteed 20 days of compensation for the time off taken.
- Adoption leave: adopting parents are guaranteed paid leave to negotiate the adoption process and bond with their children. - Childcare leave: employees with children aged below 14 are entitled to up to 6 days of paid leave monthly, depending on the age of their children. Either parent of a disabled child can take an additional paid workday off every month until the child turns 18.
A working relationship can be terminated in cases of gross employee misconduct, willful employee resignation, or a winding down of the relationship as prescribed in the employment contract.
Depending on the duration an employee has worked with an employer, the latter should provide written notice to the employee well in advance of termination of the working relationship.
Less than 1 year of employment: at least 15 calendar days
1 t0 5 years of employment: at least 30 calendar days
5 to 10 years of service: at least 60 calendar days
10 or more years of service: at least 90 calendar days
If a redundant employee is terminated, the employer should pay the average of the previous one month's salary as severance pay.
Fixed-term employees who are made redundant are entitled to the wages for the remainder of the contract’s term if they’re terminated.
On top of severance pay, terminated employees are entitled to benefits payable by the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund.
Employees who have been employed for five to 10 years are entitled to one month of gross salary
Employees who have been employed for more than 10 years are entitled to two months of gross salary
Probation periods can last up to four months but cannot exceed half of the term of an employment contract. That is, if an employment contract lasts for three months, the probation period cannot exceed six weeks.
An employer should provide notice at least 15 days before terminating a contract that’s still in the probation stage.
At Remote, we provide tailored benefits to ensure that all Remote employees receive comprehensive coverage from top providers. Our plans offer competitive rates designed for larger groups - even if the team is still growing!
Upon onboarding, Remote will enroll team members in their benefits and provide detailed information about their coverage. Remote manages all administrative tasks, allowing you to focus on scaling your global team.
To ensure benefit equality, any benefits offered will apply to all team members in the country, providing consistent coverage and support across the team.
Remote’s Global Business Travel Insurance program is crafted to address the unique needs of your team, whether they are embarking on short business trips or traveling extensively throughout the year. With five comprehensive plan options—Basic, Standard, Premium, Premium Plus, and Standard Plus—this program ensures that your team members have the right level of coverage to protect their health, safety, and well-being while traveling for business.
Available in over 90 countries, the program provides extensive global coverage at competitive rates, offering peace of mind no matter where their work takes them. This optional benefit is designed to be flexible, allowing you to offer tailored coverage that meets the diverse needs of your workforce. By providing business travel insurance, you are taking proactive steps to safeguard your team from unforeseen events such as medical emergencies, trip disruptions, or loss of business equipment while they are on the road.
Coverages (values in USD):
Emergency & Accidental Medical: $1,000,000
Repatriation for Medical Treatment: 100% per trip
Emergency Medical Evacuation: $100,000
Repatriation of Mortal Remains: $25,000 per trip
Pre-existing Medical Conditions: For stable pre-existing medical conditions up to $50,000
Business Equipment: Up to $1,500
Computer Equipment (single item limit): $500
Business Money: $100 per day up to $500
Domestic Business Travel: Trips inside country of residence: Any trip over 70 miles from usual residence, where there’s at least 1 overnight stay in paid accommodation. In-country trips exclude medical treatment & evacuation benefits.
Coverages (values in USD):
Excludes Medical & Evacuation
Baggage Delay: $100 per day up to $700 per trip *Does not apply to one-way trips
Personal Liability: $100,000 per trip
Accidental Death & Permanent Total Disability: $100,000 per trip
Loss of Passport: $250 per trip
Legal Expenses: $10,000 per trip
Hijacking: $1,000 per trip
Business Equipment: Up to $1,500
Computer Equipment (single item limit): $500
Business Money: $100 per day up to $500
Domestic Business Travel: Trips inside country of residence: Any trip over 70 miles from usual residence, where there’s at least 1 overnight stay in paid accommodation. In-country trips exclude medical treatment & evacuation benefits.
Coverages (values in USD):
Emergency & Accidental Medical: $1,000,000
Repatriation for Medical Treatment: 100% per trip
Emergency Medical Evacuation: $100,000
Repatriation of Mortal Remains: $25,000 per trip
Pre-existing Medical Conditions: For stable pre-existing medical conditions up to $50,000
Baggage Delay: $100 per day up to $700 per trip *Does not apply to one-way trips
Personal Liability: $100,000 per trip
Accidental Death & Permanent Total Disability: $100,000 per trip
Loss of Passport: $250 per trip
Legal Expenses: $10,000 per trip
Hijacking: $1,000 per trip
Business Equipment: Up to $1,500
Computer Equipment (single item limit): $500
Business Money: $100 per day up to $500
Domestic Business Travel: Trips inside country of residence: Any trip over 70 miles from usual residence, where there’s at least 1 overnight stay in paid accommodation. In-country trips exclude medical treatment & evacuation benefits.
Coverages (values in USD):
Emergency & Accidental Medical: $1,000,000
Repatriation for Medical Treatment: 100% per trip
Emergency Medical Evacuation: $100,000
Repatriation of Mortal Remains: $25,000 per trip
Pre-existing Medical Conditions: For stable pre-existing medical conditions up to $50,000
Baggage Delay: $100 per day up to $700 per trip *Does not apply to one-way trips
Personal Liability: $100,000 per trip
Accidental Death & Permanent Total Disability: $100,000 per trip
Loss of Passport: $250 per trip
Legal Expenses: $10,000 per trip
Hijacking: $1,000 per trip
Cancellation & Curtailment: $2,000 per trip; subject to $100 deductible per Trip *Benefit not available to residents of the USA
Business Equipment: Up to $1,500
Computer Equipment (single item limit): $500
Business Money: $100 per day up to $500
Domestic Business Travel: Trips inside country of residence: Any trip over 70 miles from usual residence, where there’s at least 1 overnight stay in paid accommodation. In-country trips exclude medical treatment & evacuation benefits.
Coverages (values in USD):
Excludes Medical & Evacuation
Baggage Delay: $100 per day up to $700 per trip *Does not apply to one-way trips
Personal Liability: $100,000 per trip
Accidental Death & Permanent Total Disability: $100,000 per trip
Loss of Passport: $250 per trip
Legal Expenses: $10,000 per trip
Hijacking: $1,000 per trip
Cancellation & Curtailment: $2,000 per trip; subject to $100 deductible per Trip *Benefit not available to residents of the USA
Business Equipment: Up to $1,500
Computer Equipment (single item limit): $500
Business Money: $100 per day up to $500
Domestic Business Travel: Trips inside country of residence: Any trip over 70 miles from usual residence, where there’s at least 1 overnight stay in paid accommodation. In-country trips exclude medical treatment & evacuation benefits.
Providing health insurance in this country may not be mandatory, but offering robust health benefits can significantly elevate your employees’ healthcare experience—ensuring prompt access to top-tier providers and reducing wait times. Through our Global Health Insurance scheme, offered in partnership with one of the world’s leading insurance providers, Remote now presents four comprehensive plan options: Standard, Premium, Gold, and Platinum. • Standard delivers essential health coverage, ensuring a solid foundation for inpatient and outpatient needs. • Premium builds on this by adding dental and vision benefits for enhanced overall care. • Gold and Platinum tiers introduce significantly higher coverage limits and additional services, ideal for those seeking even more comprehensive protection. We also offer flexible options to cover the employee alone or extend benefits to their spouse/partner and children through our Family Coverage option—tailored to meet the diverse needs of your team. If you would like more insight into fair equity and benefits best practices, you can download our Global Benefits Guide
here
!
Hospital Accommodation: Private room
Intensive Care: Full coverage
Prescription Drugs and Materials: Full coverage
Surgical Fees (including anesthesia and charges): Full coverage
Physician and Therapist Fees: Full coverage
Surgical Appliances and Materials: Full coverage
Diagnostic Tests: Full coverage
Organ Transplant: Full coverage
Psychiatry and Psychotherapy: Full coverage
Parent Accommodation (for children under 18): Full coverage
Emergency In-Patient Dental Treatment: Full coverage
Day-Care Treatment: Full coverage
Kidney Dialysis: Full coverage
Out-Patient Surgery: Full coverage
Nursing at Home or Convalescent Home: Up to $3,375
Rehabilitation Treatment: Up to $3,375
Local Ambulance: Full coverage
Emergency Treatment Outside Area of Cover: Up to $50,000
Medical Evacuation: Full coverage
Expenses for Accompanying Evacuation: Up to $2,700
Travel Costs for Family Members (Evacuation): Up to $2,700
Repatriation of Mortal Remains: Up to $13,500
Travel Costs for Family (Repatriation): Up to $4,050
CT and MRI Scans: Full coverage
PET and CT-PET Scans: Full coverage
Oncology: Full coverage
Purchase of Wig/Prosthetic Bra: Up to $270
Routine Maternity: Up to $6,000
Complications of Pregnancy/Childbirth: Up to $13,500
In-Patient Cash Benefit: $205 per night (max 25 nights)
Emergency Out-Patient Treatment: Full coverage
Palliative Care: Full coverage
Long Term Care: Full coverage (max 90 days)
HIV/AIDS Treatment: Full coverage
Maximum Plan Benefit: $3,500
Deductible: $135
Medical Practitioner Fees & Prescription Drugs: Up to $1,350
Diagnostic Tests: Full coverage
Video Consultation Services: Full coverage
Specialist Fees: Full coverage
Chiropractic, Osteopathy, Homeopathy, Acupuncture, Podiatry: Full coverage
Prescribed Physiotherapy: Up to $600
Non-Prescribed Physiotherapy: Up to 10 visits
Prescribed Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy: Up to $1,520
Vaccinations: Up to $300
Infertility Treatment: Up to $16,000
Psychiatry and Psychotherapy: Max 10 visits
Prescribed Medical Aids: Up to $675
Prescribed Glasses and Contact Lenses: Not covered
Hormone Replacement Therapy: Full coverage
Cancer Screening (see details below): Up to $300
Annual pap smear
Mammogram (every two years for women aged 45+, or younger where a family history exists)
Annual prostate screening (yearly for men aged 50+, or younger where a family history exists)
Colonoscopy (every five years for members aged 50+, or 40+ where a family history exists)
Annual faecal occult blood test
BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic test (where a direct family history exists)
Health and Wellbeing Checks: Includes screenings for early detection of illness or disease (see details below): Up to $300
Physical examination
Blood tests (full blood count, biochemistry, lipid profile, thyroid function test, liver function test, kidney function test)
Cardiovascular examination (physical examination, electrocardiogram, blood pressure)
Neurological examination (physical examination)
Bone densitometry (every five years for women aged 50+)
Well child test (for children up to the age of six years)
The Standard tier includes the following additional services: Employee Assistance Programme, Travel Security Services, MyHealth Digital Services, Olive (Health & Wellness Support), and Second Medical Opinion, all of which are available.
Not covered
Not covered
Co-pay: None
Outpatient Deductible: $135
You have the option to cover the cost of your team's dependents, ensuring comprehensive protection for their spouse/parter and children.
Hospital Accommodation: Private room
Intensive Care: Full coverage
Prescription Drugs and Materials: Full coverage
Surgical Fees (including anesthesia and charges): Full coverage
Physician and Therapist Fees: Full coverage
Surgical Appliances and Materials: Full coverage
Diagnostic Tests: Full coverage
Organ Transplant: Full coverage
Psychiatry and Psychotherapy: Full coverage
Parent Accommodation (for children under 18): Full coverage
Emergency In-Patient Dental Treatment: Full coverage
Day-Care Treatment: Full coverage
Kidney Dialysis: Full coverage
Out-Patient Surgery: Full coverage
Nursing at Home or Convalescent Home: Up to $3,375
Rehabilitation Treatment: Up to $3,375
Local Ambulance: Full coverage
Emergency Treatment Outside Area of Cover: Up to $50,000
Medical Evacuation: Full coverage
Expenses for Accompanying Evacuation: Up to $2,700
Travel Costs for Family Members (Evacuation): Up to $2,700
Repatriation of Mortal Remains: Up to $13,500
Travel Costs for Family (Repatriation): Up to $4,050
CT and MRI Scans: Full coverage
PET and CT-PET Scans: Full coverage
Oncology: Full coverage
Purchase of Wig/Prosthetic Bra: Up to $270
Routine Maternity: Up to $6,000
Complications of Pregnancy/Childbirth: Up to $13,500
In-Patient Cash Benefit: $205 per night (max 25 nights)
Emergency Out-Patient Treatment: Full coverage
Palliative Care: Full coverage
Long Term Care: Full coverage (max 90 days)
HIV/AIDS Treatment: Full coverage
Treatment for Alcohol and Drug Addiction: Up to $5,000
Gender Dysphoria Services: Up to $25,000 per lifetime
Maximum Plan Benefit: $5,060
Deductible: None
Medical Practitioner Fees: Up to $1,350
Prescription Drugs: Full coverage
Diagnostic Tests: Full coverage
Video Consultation Services: Full coverage
Specialist Fees: Full coverage
Chiropractic, Osteopathy, Homeopathy, Acupuncture, Podiatry: Full coverage
Prescribed Physiotherapy: Up to $600
Non-Prescribed Physiotherapy: Up to 10 visits
Prescribed Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy: Up to $1,520
Vaccinations: Up to $500
Health and Wellbeing Checks: See details below
Infertility Treatment: Up to $16,000
Psychiatry and Psychotherapy: Max 10 visits
Prescribed Medical Aids: Up to $675
Prescribed Glasses and Contact Lenses: Up to $250
Hormone Replacement Therapy: Full coverage
Cancer Screening (see details below): Up to $500
Annual pap smear
Mammogram (every two years for women aged 45+, or younger where a family history exists)
Annual prostate screening (yearly for men aged 50+, or younger where a family history exists)
Colonoscopy (every five years for members aged 50+, or 40+ where a family history exists)
Annual faecal occult blood test
BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic test (where a direct family history exists)
Health and Wellbeing Checks: Includes screenings for early detection of illness or disease (see details below): Up to $500
Physical examination
Blood tests (full blood count, biochemistry, lipid profile, thyroid function test, liver function test, kidney function test)
Cardiovascular examination (physical examination, electrocardiogram, blood pressure)
Neurological examination (physical examination)
Bone densitometry (every five years for women aged 50+)
Well child test (for children up to the age of six years)
The Premium tier includes the following additional services: Employee Assistance Programme, Travel Security Services, MyHealth Digital Services, Olive (Health & Wellness Support), and Second Medical Opinion, all of which are available.
Preventative Dental Treatment: 100% refund
Routine Dental Treatment: Full coverage
Major Restorative Dental Treatment: Full coverage
Periodontics: Full coverage
Prescribed Glasses and Contact Lenses: Up to $250, including eye examination
Co-pay: None
Deductible: None
You have the option to cover the cost of your team's dependents, ensuring comprehensive protection for their spouse/partner and children.
Hospital Accommodation: Private room
Intensive Care: Full coverage
Prescription Drugs and Materials: Full coverage
Surgical Fees (including anesthesia and charges): Full coverage
Physician and Therapist Fees: Full coverage
Surgical Appliances and Materials: Full coverage
Diagnostic Tests: Full coverage
Organ Transplant: Full coverage
Psychiatry and Psychotherapy: Full coverage
Parent Accommodation (for children under 18): Full coverage
Emergency In-Patient Dental Treatment: Full coverage
Day-Care Treatment: Full coverage
Kidney Dialysis: Full coverage
Out-Patient Surgery: Full coverage
Nursing at Home or Convalescent Home: Up to $3,375
Rehabilitation Treatment: Up to $3,375
Local Ambulance: Full coverage
Emergency Treatment Outside Area of Cover: Up to $50,000
Medical Evacuation: Full coverage
Expenses for Accompanying Evacuation: Up to $2,700
Travel Costs for Family Members (Evacuation): Up to $2,700
Repatriation of Mortal Remains: Up to $13,500
Travel Costs for Family (Repatriation): Up to $4,050
CT and MRI Scans: Full coverage
PET and CT-PET Scans: Full coverage
Oncology: Full coverage
Purchase of Wig/Prosthetic Bra: Up to $270
Routine Maternity: Up to $6,000
Complications of Pregnancy/Childbirth: Up to $13,500
In-Patient Cash Benefit: $205 per night (max 25 nights)
Emergency Out-Patient Treatment: Full coverage
Palliative Care: Full coverage
Long Term Care: Full coverage (max 90 days)
HIV/AIDS Treatment: Full coverage
Treatment for Alcohol and Drug Addiction: Up to $15,000
Gender Dysphoria Services: Up to $50,000 per lifetime
Maximum Plan Benefit: $6,000
Deductible: None
Medical Practitioner Fees: Up to $1,350
Prescription Drugs: Full coverage
Diagnostic Tests: Full coverage
Video Consultation Services: Full coverage
Specialist Fees: Full coverage
Chiropractic, Osteopathy, Homeopathy, Acupuncture, Podiatry: Full coverage
Prescribed Physiotherapy: Up to $1,275
Non-Prescribed Physiotherapy: Up to 10 visits
Prescribed Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy: Up to $1,520
Vaccinations: Up to $300
Health and Wellbeing Checks: See details below
Infertility Treatment: Up to $16,000
Psychiatry and Psychotherapy: Max 20 visits
Prescribed Medical Aids: Up to $675
Prescribed Glasses and Contact Lenses: Up to $250
Hormone Replacement Therapy: Full coverage
Cancer Screening (see details below): Up to $300
Annual pap smear
Mammogram (every two years for women aged 45+, or younger where a family history exists)
Annual prostate screening (yearly for men aged 50+, or younger where a family history exists)
Colonoscopy (every five years for members aged 50+, or 40+ where a family history exists)
Annual faecal occult blood test
BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic test (where a direct family history exists)
Health and Wellbeing Checks: Includes screenings for early detection of illness or disease (see details below): Up to $300
Physical examination
Blood tests (full blood count, biochemistry, lipid profile, thyroid function test, liver function test, kidney function test)
Cardiovascular examination (physical examination, electrocardiogram, blood pressure)
Neurological examination (physical examination)
Bone densitometry (every five years for women aged 50+)
Well child test (for children up to the age of six years)
The Gold tier includes the following additional services: Employee Assistance Programme, Travel Security Services, MyHealth Digital Services, Olive (Health & Wellness Support), and Second Medical Opinion, all of which are available.
Preventative Dental Treatment: 100% refund
Routine Dental Treatment: Full coverage
Major Restorative Dental Treatment: Full coverage
Periodontics: Full coverage
Prescribed Glasses and Contact Lenses: Up to $250, including eye examination
Co-pay: None
Deductible: None
You have the option to cover the cost of your team's dependents, ensuring comprehensive protection for their spouse/partner and children.
Hospital Accommodation: Private room
Intensive Care: Full coverage
Prescription Drugs and Materials: Full coverage
Surgical Fees (including anesthesia and charges): Full coverage
Physician and Therapist Fees: Full coverage
Surgical Appliances and Materials: Full coverage
Diagnostic Tests: Full coverage
Organ Transplant: Full coverage
Psychiatry and Psychotherapy: Full coverage
Parent Accommodation (for children under 18): Full coverage
Emergency In-Patient Dental Treatment: Full coverage
Day-Care Treatment: Full coverage
Kidney Dialysis: Full coverage
Out-Patient Surgery: Full coverage
Nursing at Home or Convalescent Home: Up to $3,375
Rehabilitation Treatment: Up to $3,375
Local Ambulance: Full coverage
Emergency Treatment Outside Area of Cover: Up to $50,000
Medical Evacuation: Full coverage
Expenses for Accompanying Evacuation: Up to $2,700
Travel Costs for Family Members (Evacuation): Up to $2,700
Repatriation of Mortal Remains: Up to $13,500
Travel Costs for Family (Repatriation): Up to $4,050
CT and MRI Scans: Full coverage
PET and CT-PET Scans: Full coverage
Oncology: Full coverage
Purchase of Wig/Prosthetic Bra: Up to $270
Routine Maternity: Up to $10,000
Complications of Pregnancy/Childbirth: Up to $50,000
In-Patient Cash Benefit: $205 per night (max 25 nights)
Emergency Out-Patient Treatment: Full coverage
Palliative Care: Full coverage
Long Term Care: Full coverage (max 90 days)
HIV/AIDS Treatment: Full coverage
Treatment for Alcohol and Drug Addiction: Up to $15,000
Gender Dysphoria Services: Up to $50,000 per lifetime
Maximum Plan Benefit: $15,000
Deductible: None
Medical Practitioner Fees: Full coverege
Prescription Drugs: Full coverage
Diagnostic Tests: Full coverage
Video Consultation Services: Full coverage
Specialist Fees: Full coverage
Chiropractic, Osteopathy, Homeopathy, Acupuncture, Podiatry: Full coverage
Prescribed Physiotherapy: Up to $2,500
Non-Prescribed Physiotherapy: Up to 20 visits
Prescribed Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy: Up to $1,520
Vaccinations: Up to $500
Health and Wellbeing Checks: See details below
Infertility Treatment: Up to $16,000
Psychiatry and Psychotherapy: Max 30 visits
Prescribed Medical Aids: Up to $675
Prescribed Glasses and Contact Lenses: Up to $500
Hormone Replacement Therapy: Full coverage
Cancer Screening (see details below): Up to $500
Annual pap smear
Mammogram (every two years for women aged 45+, or younger where a family history exists)
Annual prostate screening (yearly for men aged 50+, or younger where a family history exists)
Colonoscopy (every five years for members aged 50+, or 40+ where a family history exists)
Annual faecal occult blood test
BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic test (where a direct family history exists)
Health and Wellbeing Checks: Includes screenings for early detection of illness or disease (see details below): Up to $500
Physical examination
Blood tests (full blood count, biochemistry, lipid profile, thyroid function test, liver function test, kidney function test)
Cardiovascular examination (physical examination, electrocardiogram, blood pressure)
Neurological examination (physical examination)
Bone densitometry (every five years for women aged 50+)
Well child test (for children up to the age of six years)
The Platinum tier includes the following additional services: Employee Assistance Programme, Travel Security Services, MyHealth Digital Services, Olive (Health & Wellness Support), and Second Medical Opinion, all of which are available.
Preventative Dental Treatment: 100% refund
Routine Dental Treatment: Full coverage
Major Restorative Dental Treatment: Full coverage
Periodontics: Full coverage
Prescribed Glasses and Contact Lenses: Up to $500, including eye examination
Co-pay: None
Deductible: None
You have the option to cover the cost of your team's dependents, ensuring comprehensive protection for their spouse/partner and children.
Offering life insurance is not mandatory in this country, but providing these additional benefits can significantly enhance the financial security and peace of mind for employees. The Global Life Insurance offering provides flexible coverage levels ranging from $50,000 to $600,000, tailored to meet the diverse needs and budgets of the company and its employees. This benefit includes two options: The Basic Offering provides Life Insurance coverage. In the unfortunate event of an employee’s demise, their beneficiary will receive a payout equivalent to up to 6 times the employee’s annual salary. However, this compensation is capped at a maximum of the selected cover limit. This means that the payout will not exceed the cover limit applicable, regardless of the employee’s salary. The Comprehensive Offering at Remote combines Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), and Permanent Disability (PD) coverage. In cases of accidental death, dismemberment, or a permanent disability, the compensation is equivalent to up to 5 times the employee’s annual salary, subject to a predetermined limit. This compensation is capped at a maximum cover limit provided by Remote. The payout will not exceed the applicable cover limit, regardless of the employee’s salary. It is essential to be aware that in certain countries, insurance premium taxes may be applicable. This means taxes may be due to the company for the monthly premiums paid towards the life insurance coverage for employees. Additionally, life insurance benefits may be categorized as ‘Benefits in Kind’ (BIK). This categorization means that the monthly premiums paid for the life insurance coverage might be counted as part of the employee’s taxable income according to the local tax laws. When life insurance benefits are offered, they must be provided equally to all employees in the respective country.
Provides financial protection and security for beneficiaries after the death of an insured team member.
In the unfortunate event of a team member’s demise, beneficiary compensation cannot exceed 6 times the team member’s annual salary or the chosen cover level (whichever is lower).
Example: See help article for details
Not covered
Not covered
Provides financial protection and security for beneficiaries after the death of an insured team member.
In the unfortunate event of a team member’s demise, beneficiary compensation cannot exceed 6 times the team member’s annual salary or the chosen cover level (whichever is lower).
Offers financial protection to beneficiaries in the unfortunate events of an insured team member's accidental death or dismemberment.
Compensation cannot exceed 5 times the team member's annual salary or the chosen cover level (whichever is lower). The exact payout varies depending on the type of injury sustained, as specified in the Accidental Dismemberment Table.
Designed to offer financial support to insured team members who suffer from either permanent and total or permanent and partial disabilities as a result of an accident or illness.
Compensation cannot exceed 5 times the team member's annual salary or the chosen cover level (whichever is lower). The insurance provider assesses the extent of the permanent disability to determine the final compensation:
Disabilities below 33.33%: No compensation
Disabilities between 33.33% and 66.67%: Compensation calculated as a percentage of the capped amount
Permanent disabilities exceeding 66.67%: Full capped compensation amount
For detailed examples of how the compensation is calculated for Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), and Permanent Disability, refer to the help article for details
If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
Offering mental health benefits is not mandatory in this country, but providing the benefit can significantly enhance the emotional well-being and overall productivity of employees. Remote offers a comprehensive employee mental wellbeing platform in partnership with one of the top-rated employee mental wellbeing providers. This platform is available on desktop and mobile apps and includes 1-to-1 therapy with a curated pool of top-quality therapists in over 35 languages. The advanced matching service finds each employee the right therapist within 48 hours, boasting a 98% success rate. Employees receive a personal wellbeing profile with tailored recommendations and information to track progress. The platform also offers a curated self-guided content library with audio mindfulness and meditation sessions, guided yoga videos, talks, podcasts on workplace wellbeing, and micro-learning content series for managers. Additionally, there are 24/7 mental health helplines for immediate support when an employee is struggling. Mental health program benefits may be offered to the employees from among 5 different plans. Offering mental health benefits is optional, but it can greatly enhance employee well-being and productivity. It is essential to be aware that in certain countries, mental health benefits may be categorized as ‘Benefits in Kind’ (BIK). This categorization means that the monthly premiums paid for the benefit might be counted as part of the employee’s taxable income according to the local tax laws. When mental health benefits are offered, they must be provided equally to all employees in the respective country.
Access to the wellbeing platform and app, which includes:
Personalized wellbeing assessment
Access to world-class self-guided content library with audio mindfulness & meditation sessions, guided yoga videos, talks, podcasts on workplace wellbeing, and micro-learning content series for managers
Access to manager-specific learnings and resources
Precision matching for 1:1 coaching and therapy in 35+ languages
Professional coaching
Text-based chat with dedicated practitioner
24/7 global support in all languages
Add up to 3 friends and family to the platform
Not included in the Basic plan
Team members can pay for therapy sessions themselves, if needed.
Access to the wellbeing platform and app, which includes:
Personalized wellbeing assessment
Access to world-class self-guided content library with audio mindfulness & meditation sessions, guided yoga videos, talks, podcasts on workplace wellbeing, and micro-learning content series for managers
Access to manager-specific learnings and resources
Precision matching for 1:1 coaching and therapy in 35+ languages
Professional coaching
Text-based chat with dedicated practitioner
24/7 global support in all languages
Add up to 3 friends and family to the platform
Includes one pre-paid Therapy/Coaching session per policy year
Team members can pay for extra therapy sessions themselves, if needed.
Access to the wellbeing platform and app, which includes:
Personalized wellbeing assessment
Access to world-class self-guided content library with audio mindfulness & meditation sessions, guided yoga videos, talks, podcasts on workplace wellbeing, and micro-learning content series for managers
Access to manager-specific learnings and resources
Precision matching for 1:1 coaching and therapy in 35+ languages
Professional coaching
Text-based chat with dedicated practitioner
24/7 global support in all languages
Add up to 3 friends and family to the platform
Includes three pre-paid Therapy/Coaching sessions per policy year
Team members can pay for extra therapy sessions themselves, if needed.
Access to the wellbeing platform and app, which includes:
Personalized wellbeing assessment
Access to world-class self-guided content library with audio mindfulness & meditation sessions, guided yoga videos, talks, podcasts on workplace wellbeing, and micro-learning content series for managers
Access to manager-specific learnings and resources
Precision matching for 1:1 coaching and therapy in 35+ languages
Professional coaching
Text-based chat with dedicated practitioner
24/7 global support in all languages
Add up to 3 friends and family to the platform
Includes six pre-paid Therapy/Coaching sessions per policy year
Team members can pay for extra therapy sessions themselves, if needed.
Access to the wellbeing platform and app, which includes:
Personalized wellbeing assessment
Access to world-class self-guided content library with audio mindfulness & meditation sessions, guided yoga videos, talks, podcasts on workplace wellbeing, and micro-learning content series for managers
Access to manager-specific learnings and resources
Precision matching for 1:1 coaching and therapy in 35+ languages
Professional coaching
Text-based chat with dedicated practitioner
24/7 global support in all languages
Add up to 3 friends and family to the platform
Includes twelve pre-paid Therapy/Coaching sessions per policy year
Team members can pay for extra therapy sessions themselves, if needed.
Clients can choose to offer the Wellness & Lifestyle Benefit and select from multiple contribution levels, providing their team members a monthly wallet, which they can use with their virtual card at approved stores, online retailers, or any other approved vendors related to Lifestyle and Wellness benefits. The offered services include:
Physical and mental health support such as gym memberships, fitness classes, therapy, mindfulness apps, and guided meditation.
Lifestyle services like streaming subscriptions (Spotify, Netflix), groceries, and other services that support work-life balance and personal well-being.
Personalized recommendations to help employees select benefits most relevant to their needs.
Platform support for employees needing immediate assistance or guidance on wellness-related concerns.
The available contributions are:
$25 USD
$50 USD
$100 USD
$150 USD
$200 USD
$250 USD
$300 USD
Estonia has a digital-forward economy with key industries in technology, finance, and manufacturing. With specific labor laws and tax regulations, employers in Estonia must ensure compliance with local payroll requirements, including social security contributions, employment contracts, and tax obligations. Understanding these regulations is essential for smooth payroll operations and legal compliance.
Employers in Estonia must adhere to national payroll regulations regarding wages, taxes, and social contributions. Below is an overview of key payroll components:
Minimum wage: Estonia’s minimum wage is EUR 886 per month.
Payroll frequency: Salaries are generally paid monthly.
Standard working hours: The normal workweek in Estonia is 40 hours, typically spread over five days.
Overtime: Employees are entitled to additional pay for overtime work, calculated based on labor regulations.
Personal income tax: Estonia has a flat income tax rate of 22%.
Employer contributions:
Employee contributions:
Corporate tax: Starting 2025, the tax on distribution changes to 22/78 of the net amount for distributed profits.
Tax reporting: Employers must file payroll taxes and contributions with the Estonian Tax and Customs Board regularly.
Employment contracts must be provided in writing and specify terms such as salary, working hours, and job responsibilities.
Payroll deductions: Employers must ensure accurate deductions for social security and income tax.
Employers must stay updated on changes to Estonia’s labor laws and tax regulations to avoid penalties.
Payroll frequency: Salaries are generally paid monthly.
Currency: Payroll in Estonia is processed in Euros (EUR).
Tax reporting: Employers must file payroll taxes and contributions with the Estonian Tax and Customs Board.
Payroll deductions: Employers must ensure accurate deductions for social security and income tax.
Payroll compliance: Employers must stay updated on changes to tax rates and reporting requirements.
Managing payroll in Estonia requires careful attention to tax regulations, employment laws, and social security requirements. Employers must stay informed about tax rates, wage laws, and reporting deadlines to ensure smooth payroll processing and avoid penalties.
The good news is, you can pay anyone, anywhere — from your team in the office to your team abroad, all with Remote Payroll. To see just how easy global payroll can be with Remote, book a demo today.
Hiring contractors in Estonia can be a strategic and cost-effective way for businesses to complete projects without the obligations of hiring full-time employees. Whether you are engaging independent contractors for specialized services or working with subcontractors, understanding Estonia’s laws and federal regulations is essential.
Remote helps businesses stay compliant when hiring contractors globally with these key features:
Global compliance support: Ensures adherence to labor laws in 200+ countries with localized contracts and proper documentation.
Misclassification protection: Includes built-in compliance checks and seamless contractor-to-employee conversion.
Centralized documentation: Maintains essential records for audits and automates tax filings.
Legal expertise: Provides guidance on complex local labor laws, simplifying international hiring.
Remote’s streamlined approach minimizes compliance risks and simplifies contractor management for businesses.
Remote simplifies contractor payments with:
Automated processing: One-click approvals, bulk payments, recurring invoices, and real-time tracking.
Global coverage: Payments in 200+ countries, multiple payment methods, and currency flexibility.
Cost and compliance: Fair price guarantee (pay only for active contractors), built-in compliance with regional regulations, and localized contracts.
Learn more about how Remote simplifies contractor management in Estonia — get started for free today.
Our employer of record (EOR) service enables you to hire, manage, and pay top talent in Estonia with speed and simplicity.
Remote’s EOR allows your company to legally hire employees in Estonia without having to set up a local legal entity. On paper, Remote is the official employer, and we handle compliance, payroll, benefits (including equity), and other HR processes — but you maintain full control over the hire’s day-to-day management and work responsibilities.
An EOR may be ideal if your company:
Needs to hire employees in Estonia but doesn’t want to establish a legal entity
Is testing local markets before committing to a full business expansion
Wants to ensure full compliance with local employment laws and tax requirements
Needs a fast, cost-effective way to onboard employees in Estonia
Needs a temporary hiring solution before establishing a legal entity
If your company wants to hire talent in Estonia but doesn't have a legal entity there, our EOR provides a fully compliant and efficient solution. Estonia has strict employment and payroll tax laws, and our EOR service ensures you meet these legal obligations while enabling you to grow quickly.
Key benefits of hiring through our EOR in Estonia include:
Faster market entry. You can hire talent quickly, without having to wait months to establish a local entity.
Full compliance with local employment laws. Avoid the legal risks associated with non-compliance and misclassification.
Simplified payroll management. We automate payroll tax calculations and ensure you are fully compliant with all withholding obligations, even when laws change.
Lower costs. Setting up a legal entity in Estonia can be costly and time-consuming. An EOR eliminates the need for entity registration, reducing overhead expenses.
Fewer resources required. With HR, payroll, and compliance managed by the EOR, your company can concentrate on scaling operations and assigning your resources elsewhere.
It’s also crucial to note that, at Remote, we own our own legal entity in Estonia. As a result, we don’t need to rely on third parties, which can incur delays and extra costs, and result in a negative employee experience. All our EOR services — including the dedicated support of our local specialists — are provided in-house.
To learn more — and to see our EOR platform in action — book a demo with one of our friendly experts today.
Equity incentives are an invaluable way to attract, motivate, and retain top talent for your business. But when you cross hiring borders, they can become deeply complex.
Remote enables you to easily offer non-qualified stock options (NSOs) to your team members in Estonia. There are no compliance headaches or administrative hassles — just simplicity and clarity for you and your people at every step.
NSOs are a type of equity incentive. They give your team members the right to buy a set number of shares in your company at a fixed price, known as the exercise price.
This typically happens after a vesting period, which is often based on the length of time your team member stays at your company. As a result, they are a great way to foster long-term commitment, and align people with your company’s strategic goals.
Direct employees | EOR employees | Contractors | |
Can receive NSOs? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Difficulty score | Easy | Easy | Easy |
It’s important to note that granting stock options to contractors can potentially increase your misclassification risk in Estonia (although this is not the primary factor). See how Remote protects you against misclassification.
It may also happen that some contractors work with you through a personal management company. This is a corporate vehicle that is owned and managed by the same natural person, and is usually set up for limitation of liability, personal accounting, and tax purposes.
In Estonia, NSOs are taxed in the following ways:
Direct employees | EOR employees | Contractors | |
At grant | There is no taxation at grant. | There is no taxation at grant. | There is no taxation at grant. |
At exercise | There is no taxation at exercise. | There is no taxation at exercise. | There is no taxation at exercise. |
At sale | The difference between the sale price and the “acquisition cost” of the shares is subject to personal income tax. There are no employer taxes if the stock options are exercised more than 3 years after the grant. | The difference between the sale price and the “acquisition cost” of the shares is subject to personal income tax. | If the contractor works as a natural person, the difference between the sale price and the “acquisition cost” of the shares is subject to personal income tax. However, other rules apply if the contractor works through a personal management company. |
Direct employees | EOR employees | Contractors |
N/A | There is no tax-favored scheme, although there are legislative loopholes that may lead to an informal tax exemption. | Stock options granted to contractors working as a natural person are favorably taxed in Estonia (under certain conditions). |
If you want to use Remote Equity Advanced to offer stock options to your Estonia-based team members, your top corporation (i.e., your parent company) must be incorporated in Delaware. Your company must also be private — not publicly listed.
$699
per employee/month
Hire without opening a local entity in 90+ countries
Onboarding with a dedicated specialist
Local payroll paid on time, every time
Compliance protections built-in
Competitive, flexible and localized benefits
Dedicated in-house experts for local support
Includes HR Essentials as standard
$29
per employee/month
Powerful, transparent international payroll
Simple self-service platform
Personalized support from dedicated specialists
Adhere to local payroll regulations in every country
Integrated benefits management
Includes HR Core as standard
$29
per contractor/month
Only pay for contractors you actively work with
Work with international contractors
Create, edit, and sign tailored, localized contracts
Approve contractor invoices with one click or auto-pay
Transparent payments with complete visibility
Includes HR Core as standard
