How to Open a Restaurant in Estonia: A 2025 Guide

Estonia, with its dynamic economy and growing tourism sector, offers a fertile ground for new restaurants, cafes, and bars. However, the food and beverage industry is rightly held to a high standard of safety and compliance. Successfully launching your establishment requires careful planning and a thorough understanding of the regulations set by the Estonian authorities.

This guide provides a step-by-step roadmap, from the initial company registration to the specific food handling permits and ongoing compliance you'll need to manage. We'll demystify the process so you can focus on what matters most: creating an exceptional dining experience.

1. The Foundation: Registering Your Company

Before you can apply for any food-related permits, you must have a legally registered Estonian company. The most common and suitable business structure is the Private Limited Company (Osaühing or OÜ).

• Establish Your OÜ: The first step is to register your company through the e-Business Register. This can be done entirely online if you are an e-resident.
• Assign the Correct EMTAK Code: During registration, you must select a primary field of activity (EMTAK code). For a restaurant, this will typically be under section 56101 - Restaurants, cafeterias and other catering places.

Expert Tip: While you can operate in multiple fields, your primary EMTAK code should reflect your main source of revenue. Getting this right from the start simplifies future licensing applications.

2. Meet the Authority: The Agriculture and Food Board (PTA)

The primary governing body for all food-related businesses in Estonia is the Põllumajandus- ja Toiduamet (PTA), or the Agriculture and Food Board. The PTA is responsible for supervising food safety and ensuring that all establishments comply with Estonian and EU food law, primarily the Estonian Food Act.

All subsequent steps regarding food handling permits will involve interacting with and submitting documentation to the PTA.

3. Core Requirements: Notice of Economic Activity

For most standard restaurants and cafes, you do not need a complex "activity license" for food handling. Instead, you must submit a Notice of Economic Activity (Majandustegevusteade) to the PTA before you begin operations. This notice informs the authorities about your business and its activities.

The notice can be submitted electronically through the state portal (eesti.ee) or the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture's client portal. The notice must include:

• Your company's registration details.
• The address of the restaurant/catering establishment.
• A list of the food groups you intend to handle and prepare.
• The planned start date of your activities.

Submitting this notice is a mandatory prerequisite. Operating without notifying the PTA is illegal and can result in significant penalties.

4. The Self-Control Plan (HACCP): Your Food Safety Bible

Perhaps the most critical document you will prepare is your company's **self-control plan**. This plan, based on the principles of HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points), details every aspect of how you will ensure food safety in your establishment.

Your self-control plan must be a written document kept on-site and must cover:

1. Premises Plan: A layout of the rooms, including the location of water supply and sewerage lines.
2. Food Safety Procedures: How you will manage potential physical, chemical, and biological hazards. This includes temperature control for storage, cooking, and serving.
3. Cleaning and Disinfection Plan: Detailed procedures for cleaning all surfaces, equipment, and facilities.
4. Pest Control Plan: How you will prevent and manage pests.
5. Staff Hygiene Training Plan: How you will ensure all employees are trained in food safety.
6. Traceability: A system for tracking your ingredients back to their suppliers to ensure food traceability.

The PTA provides guidance materials to help you create this plan, but it must be tailored specifically to your restaurant's unique layout, menu, and processes.

5. Premises and Staff Requirements

The PTA has strict requirements for both your physical location and your team.

• Premises: Your restaurant's layout must be logical to prevent cross-contamination. Surfaces must be smooth, non-toxic, and easy to clean. Adequate ventilation, lighting, and hand-washing facilities are mandatory. You must have a reliable supply of potable water.
• Staff Health Certificate: All employees who handle food must have a valid health certificate issued by a family doctor or occupational health doctor. This confirms they are free from any communicable diseases.
• Food Hygiene Training: All food handlers must have completed certified food hygiene training or be able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge. This training ensures they understand the principles of safe food handling, personal hygiene, and HACCP.

6. Special Licenses: Alcohol, Music, and More

Beyond the core food handling notice, you will likely need additional licenses depending on your business model.

• Alcohol Sales: To sell alcoholic beverages, you must register in the Register of Economic Activities for retail or catering sales of alcohol. In cities like Tallinn, there are specific municipal regulations regarding the hours for alcohol sales.
• Music License: If you plan to play music (live or recorded), you must obtain a license from the Estonian Authors' Society (Eesti Autorite Ühing) to ensure royalties are paid to the artists.
• Outdoor Terrace: To operate an outdoor seating area in Tallinn, you must apply for a permit from the city government. These permits are seasonal and have specific requirements regarding size, design, and placement.

7. Your Step-by-Step Launch Checklist

1. [ ] Register your Private Limited Company (OÜ) with the correct EMTAK code (56101).
2. [ ] Secure your restaurant premises.
3. [ ] Develop a comprehensive Self-Control Plan (HACCP).
4. [ ] Ensure your premises meet all PTA requirements (layout, water, ventilation).
5. [ ] Submit your Notice of Economic Activity for food handling to the PTA.
6. [ ] Ensure all staff have valid health certificates and have completed hygiene training.
7. [ ] Apply for an alcohol sales license, if applicable.
8. [ ] Apply for a music license, if applicable.
9. [ ] Apply for a municipal permit for an outdoor terrace, if applicable.
10. [ ] Pass any pre-opening inspections from the PTA or local authorities.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)