Can I change the ownership of an Estonian Company with a digital signature?
Yes, there are three ways to transfer Estonian company ownership without involving a notary. As a rule, it is easier, quicker, and finally cheaper. Often it can be done in one week or even in a few days.
1. Adding Shareholders Through Share Capital Increase
Best suited for bringing in new shareholders when the existing shareholders' share sizes do not need to be reduced. For example, suppose a company's share capital is 1 EUR, and you want to bring a new shareholder into the company. In that case, it's not practical to start dividing this share - it's simpler to increase the share capital and issue a new share to the new shareholder.
2. Changing Shareholdings Through Share Capital Reduction+Increase
Suitable when you want to reduce the share sizes of one or more shareholders, but do not want to increase the share capital to 10,000 euros (see option 3). For example, if a company has two shareholders with 50 EUR + 50 EUR, one shareholder can very easily transfer their shareholding (partially or fully) to the other shareholder.
3. Simplified Change of Shareholdings
Suitable and intended for situations where a private limited company needs to constantly change shareholders and a minimum share capital of 10,000 euros is not a problem. This is particularly well-suited for STARTUP-type companies where shareholding sizes may change or the company's own shares need to be redistributed under certain conditions.