Estonia gained several rights upon joining the European Union in 2004, including simple access to the intracommunity market. Simplified customs procedures came with membership in the EU, and businesses founded in Estonia are now required to get EORI numbers. The Trader’s Unique Reference Number (TURN) system was replaced in 2009 by the Economic Operators Registration Identification (EORI) system. EORI numbers must be applied for in Estonia by people and businesses conducting customs business on Estonian soil.
Estonian criteria for EORI numbers
The Estonian Tax and Customs Board in Estonia is responsible for issuing the numbers. For local entities and persons, the EORI registration process must be finished at the time of the initial contact with the customs officials. If this is the first country in the EU that a foreign company conducts customs business with, they can apply for EORI registration with the Estonian authorities. EU companies will obtain it from their home country’s customs. The key benefit of registration is that the process is the same no matter where the applicant is from in the world. The process is finished quickly in the case of Estonian citizens, residents, and businesses with management or legal seats here.
Documents needed for Estonian EORI registration
Both Estonian and international entities must provide the same documentation when applying for it, with the essential prerequisite being that the entity has a VAT number. In other words, a company cannot access the EORI system unless it is registered for VAT in Estonia or its native country. To receive EORI numbers, the following paperwork must be submitted to the Estonian Tax and Customs Board:
- the application form provided by the Board (all forms are provided in Estonian)
- copy of the applicant’s identification document
- a paper including the company’s identity information (the VAT number is required)
- TIR Carnet holders must also submit a copy of their carnets to Estonian authorities
- non-EU businesses applying for EORI by email may also need to submit additional paperwork
Selecting a representative for Estonian EORI registration
Business owners can designate representatives to apply for it on their behalf, therefore they are not required to do so in person. A power of attorney and the representative’s identification papers will also be needed in addition to the paperwork stated above. The process will then be carried out exactly as if the owner had asked for the number. Email is used to submit applications for both domestic and international operators to register for it and can be obtained in a matter of days.
The VAT number as part of Estonian EORI registration
The VAT number is a requirement for receiving it. No matter whether a firm or natural person has made taxable supplies that reach the necessary registration threshold or not, applying for a VAT number is essential before requesting it.
Application for EORI registration by foreign operators in Estonia
Registration is not only obligatory for businesses and individuals based in the European Union, but also for international corporations, sole proprietorships, and other non-EU business structures. In their circumstance, the process must be finished before leaving for the EU. If Estonia is the first EU nation that a foreign economic operator trades in, it may apply for the number there. There are no additional procedures to take to receive this number because the documentation needed for the registration of non-EU operators is the same as for traders headquartered in the EU. Foreign operators must register for VAT in their home countries before registering for it in Estonia, just like domestic businesses must do. All other member nations will be able to use and recognize the assigned number, which will begin with the Estonian country code, EE. You can provide the documentation needed to apply for it via email and you will get the number in a few days.
Estonian deregistration from EORI
If a firm stops trade or ends its operations permanently and is likewise deregistered from the Trade Registrar, it is possible to voluntarily de-register from the EORI system in Estonia. Foreign businesses may likewise surrender their EORI numbers, although it’s crucial to note that they may later reapply. A new number will be assigned in its place. There is no time limit on the number.
