A VAT refund guide to Estonia

How to get VAT Refunds from Estonia for your business
Businesses registered in countries outside of Estonia can claim VAT refunds on any costs incurred in Estonia.
The below information details the requirements needed to be eligible for a VAT refund. This includes claimable expense types, Estonia VAT rates, deadlines and claiming periods.

Which countries have reciprocity with Estonia?

All EU countries, Canary Islands, Iceland, Israel, Monaco, Norway; Switzerland, the United Kingdom.

Learn more about how reciprocity works within VAT by clicking below.

What expenses are claimable in Estonia?

Entertainment

Events

Entertainment
24%
Admission to Fairs & Exhibitions
24%
Accommodation
9%
Training Courses & Seminars
24%
Food, Drink & Restaurant Services
0%

Travel Related

General Expenses

Hiring of Means of Transport
24%
Goods
24%
Fuel
24%
Inter-company Charges
24%
Public Transport
24%
Office Expenses
24%
Taxis
24%
Marketing Costs
24%
Professional Fees & AP Invoices
24%

Additional Information

Current VAT Rate  24%
Categories Entertainment, Events, Travel Related, General expenses
VAT in local language Käibemaks
VAT number format EE123456789 (EE followed by 9 digits)
Exemptions Food, Drink & Restaurant services
Key Deadlines 30th September (8th & 13th directive)
Threshold

Non-simplified – EUR 160 or more (excluding VAT)

Simplified –EUR 160 or less (including VAT)

Super simplified – Not applicable to this VAT scheme

Electronic Invoicing Currently, electronic invoicing is only mandated for B2G transactions. However, the government plans on implementing B2B invoicing in July 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the VAT-Act in Estonia?

The VAT Act governs how VAT is applied in Estonia, including rules on taxable transactions, invoicing, exemptions, and compliance. While most foreign businesses claiming a VAT refund are not required to undergo VAT registration in Estonia or submit VAT returns in Estonia, those that carry out taxable activities above the threshold may be obligated to register and obtain an Estonia VAT number.

2. Can Estonian VAT returns be filed electronically, and how?

Only businesses with Estonia VAT registration and an Estonia VAT number can file VAT returns electronically via the e-MTA portal. Foreign businesses claiming VAT refunds under the 8th or 13th Directive do not file VAT returns in Estonia unless required to register due to local taxable activities. Refund claims are submitted separately but must follow the Estonian VAT rules.

Explore VAT reclaim opportunities in

Nearby Countries

Finland
Finland
Latvia
Latvia
Sweden
Sweden

Need help with your VAT refund from Estonia?

You don’t have to do this alone. We’ve been helping companies reclaim foreign VAT refunds for over 20 years. We have the knowledge and technology to process your refunds quicker as well as attend to any unforeseen VAT authority queries that may arise.

Download the latest VAT Rates Country Guide

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