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Infrastructure

Estonia’s industrial parks, free trade zones, and advanced digital infrastructure empower you to run your business with ease.

  • 3 free trade zones not subject to VAT
  • 92,3% rate of Internet use (2024)

Premises

There are few restrictions for foreigners acquiring fixed assets in Estonia and the legal processes are simple. If you’re planning to rent, here are some indicative ranges for rents (excluding VAT and operating expenses) in the major towns of Estonia for class A and B1 office premises, medium-sized retail units in major shopping centers, and new and renovated warehouses (EUR/sqm per month).

The most popular real estate portals listing available spaces with prices: the real estate portals kv.ee, Kinnisvara24, and city24.ee.

 

 

Digital infrastructure

2020first commercial 5G network launched

Estonians are pathfinders who have built an efficient, secure, and transparent digital ecosystem that saves time and money.

Estonia aims to be one step ahead with innovation and boasts a full digital ecosystem, world-class cyber-security, and the first commercial 5G networks available.

The average mobile internet speed in Estonia has increased significantly over the past year. Average download speeds achieved in larger cities (including Tallinn, Tartu, Narva, Pärnu, Kohtla-Järve) in 2024:

Telia: 445,9 Mbit/s

Elisa: 278,3 Mbit/s

Tele2: 169,7 Mbit/s

Estonian companies are world leaders in blockchain, connected networks, and clean-tech, and are at the cutting edge of IoT, big data, automation and real-time computing. We have digitally transformed our education system and are now combining biotechnology with the most advanced computer capabilities.

Use our unique location attractiveness comparison tool to compare Estonia’s investment attractiveness to other European countries.

Utilities

electricity

The Estonian power system consists of oil shale fired power plants in North-East Estonia, a combined heat and power plant near Tallinn, wind parks, and hydro plants.

Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have successfully synchronised with the Continental European electricity grid. This means Estonia is now fully in control of its own network and integrated into the EU internal energy market. The Continental European network has more than 400 million consumers in 26 countries.

Live electricity and gas flows to and from Estonia

The price of electricity comprises four components: electricity, network service, renewable energy support, and excise duty. The price of electricity on the open market can be followed through Nord Pool.

water

Local water companies provide water supply and wastewater services. In Tallinn, the cost of one cubic meter of water for industrial use is 1.65 € (excluding VAT).

gas

Industrial gas is distributed to customers through pipelines, distribution stations, and gas pressure reduction stations. The gas price consists of gas, network service, and excise duty. The price of industrial gas is subject to negotiations based on annual total consumption.

The Estonian and Finnish natural gas transmission system operators Elering AS and Baltic Connector Oy are developing the Balticconnector transnational gas pipeline to connect the Estonian and Finnish gas transmission networks. Studies have highlighted the project’s significant socio-economic benefits for both sides and other Baltic countries.

telecommunications

Estonia has a highly developed telecommunication and IT infrastructure. A fibre-optic backbone network has been built throughout the country. Two 10 Gbps optical networks are being built by competing service providers, being among the first such networks in Europe, aiming to provide internet speeds of 10 Gbps to at least 40% of the households in Estonia within the next few years. 4G and 5G internet covers almost the entire country.

Transport infrastructure

Estonia’s main international airport is in Tallinn, the nearest European capital to Asia. Another international airport is in Tartu, and regional airports are in Kuressaare, Kärdla, and Pärnu.

The country has a well-developed port infrastructure. The ports are ice-free and easily navigable all year round. Railway connections allow cargo delivery from seven ports.  Free trade zones are located at three of the major ports – Muuga, Sillamäe, and Paldiski. The full list of ports, including those serving vessels more than 24 meters in length, can be found in the Port Register.

The rail infrastructure is developing rapidly, with major updates underway. Estonia’s current rail gauge is compatible with the railway networks in Eastern Europe. In the following years, an additional rail connection will link Estonia with Central and Western Europe. The project, called Rail Baltica, is one of the biggest investments in the years to come in improving the travel opportunities of Estonian people as well as developing business and trade, tourism, and the exchange of goods.

Estonia has a good quality road network, designed and constructed to all EU-standards, with easy ground transport access to our EU neighbors.

 

 

Rail Baltica

Over the coming years, a new rail connection will link Estonia with Central and Western Europe. The project, called Rail Baltica, is one of the biggest investments in the years to come in improving the travel opportunities of Estonian people as well as developing business and trade, tourism, and the exchange of goods.

The railway route will ensure speeds of up to 249 km/h (passenger) and 120 km/h (freight) and will provide the opportunity to travel comfortably and quickly to Latvia and Lithuania, Central Europe, and further. An interactive map of the future rail network with additional details on the status of its components can be found here.

Industrial parks

Several industrial parks with pre-developed modern infrastructure welcome manufacturing and logistics companies. The parks have a lot to offer different businesses and developers. Tenants receive a wide choice of premises and services and, in many cases, options to customise their site section to their specific needs.

These are some of the largest industrial parks in Estonia:

Free trade zones

There are three free trade zones in Estonia that are logistically in great locations near highways, railways, and ports.

The free trade zones are established by the Estonian government and monitored by the Estonian Tax and Customs Board. All free zones in Estonia are open to foreign direct investments.

Goods in the free trade zone are considered as being outside the customs territory. Goods brought to the free zone for later re-export are not subject to VAT, excise, or customs duties. The Estonian specialty – no tax on reinvested profits – also applies in free trade zones.

Free zones:

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Infrastructure

Here are some useful links regarding infrastructure:

You are also welcome to send us an enquiry for more specific information.

Estonia means business

News & events

Need more information?

Need more information?

What is it like to run a business in Estonia? How to benefit from the e-solutions and the efficiency of our business culture? What are the opportunities in specific sectors? Who to partner up with?

The Estonian Investment Agency’s team is happy to help you via its complimentary e-Consulting service, organize online or offline follow-up events such as virtual investment visits and guide you through the fairly simple process of investing in Estonia.

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