Effortless business onboarding with SEB
Get started in the way that suits you best
Internet bank
- You can do it yourself
- Available anytime, everywhere
- In under 20 minutes
If you want full control over when and where you become a customer. It's also the fastest option.
Video meeting
- Face-to-face meeting online
- Personal services recommendations
- Takes up to 60 minutes
If you’d like to join from anywhere but still want some guidance when choosing the right services.
Branch
- In-person meeting
- Personal services recommendations
- Takes up to 60 minutes + waiting time
If you prefer speaking to someone in person and want a full consultation.
Documents and requirements for opening an account
The most important prerequisites for opening a bank account are the company’s connection to Estonia, a transparent ownership structure, and a transparent business model.
The connection to Estonia can be one of the following:
- business operations that are strongly linked to Estonia (manufacturing, head office or acting office, warehouse, real estate with cash flow);
- main long-term business partners, suppliers, and/or clients are located in Estonia;
- goods are physically moved through Estonia, e.g. using local logistics companies or local warehouses.
In accordance with local and international laws and regulations and the Know Your Customer principle, we may ask for supplementary documents, information, or clarifications prior to forming or continuing a business relationship (e.g. bank statements, documents showing the source of capital, information on the structure of the group, list of beneficiaries, etc.).
If the ultimate beneficial owner is a Russian or Belarusian citizen, you will be asked to present a document proving their right to permanently reside in the European Economic Area or Switzerland.
If you are required to open a bank account prior to the registration of a company, please visit the start-up account page.
The bank may take up to 10 working days to make the decision regarding the initiation of a customer relationship and we may ask the client for supplementary documents which accordance with the Know Your Customer principle. This might include a bank statement from another existing bank.
Know Your Customer
Price list of services
One year free everyday banking services
- free package for a year, including free payments, debit cards and current accounts (the volume of free services depends on the chosen package)
- up to five payment terminals free for 6 months
- acceptance of payments in online store without contract fee or monthly charge
- holding of Baltic and foreign securities portfolio of up to 100,000 euros and trading in Baltic securities free of charge
- e-invoice portal for submitting and receiving electronic invoices
Special offers for SEB business customers only
Veebikool
A free online course on building your own website
As a business customer of SEB, you can take part in a free video-based WordPress course offered by Veebikool to help you create your own website or online store. In addition, Veebimajutus is offering an all-in-one solution: a company web address for one year for just €1 and, as part of the Plus package, free website hosting for three months.
This offer is valid until 31 December 2025.
SimplBooks
Accounting software free for six months
As a business customer of SEB, your first six months of using the software are free of charge. SimplBooks is ideal for small-company accounting and invoicing. To obtain the discount, enter the code ‘SEB’ on the SimplBooks website.
This offer is valid until 31 December 2025.
Smaily
Free e-mail marketing software for up to 2000 contacts
As an SEB business customer, you can use Smaily’s e-mail marketing services free of charge. This offer includes one hour’s free consultation to get you started with e-mail marketing, the creation of a branded e-mail (template), up to 2000 contacts without charge and three months’ free trial.
This offer is valid until 31 December 2025.
Frequently asked questions
If you are already an SEB private customer, you can open a business account online- in your private internet bank.
If not, you can book a video call or a bank visit to open one.
In most cases, it only takes about 20 minutes. However, in some situations, for example if we need to check additional documents, it might take up to 10 working days. We may ask for more info to follow legal requirements (called KYC – Know Your Customer).
The most important requirements include:
- A clear connection to Estonia;
- A transparent ownership structure;
- A transparent and understandable business model.
What does „a clear connection to Estonia mean?
This can include things like:
- Your business activities are strongly connected to this country (production, services offered to local market, head office or operating office, warehouse, operational real estate etc.);
- Most of your clients, long-term partners, or suppliers are from the country;
- You store or move goods through the country using local logistics.
To meet local and international rules, we may ask for:
- Bank account statements;
- Proof of where the money comes from;
- A scheme of the company's ownership structure and supporting documents or clarifications documents;
- Other relevant documents.
Yes – if you are an SEB private customer and represent the company.
Just log in to your internet bank and go to Accounts → Business account opening. It takes up to 20 minutes.
If you're not an SEB private customer yet, you can become one via the SEB mobile app or by booking a video meeting or bank visit.
It takes up to 20 minutes.
To open a business account online (in the internet bank), you must be the company’s legal representative and meet all the following conditions:
- You're already an SEB private customer with a current account and internet bank access;
- You’re a citizen or resident of the country;
- You have sole signing rights for the company;
- You have a qualified electronic signatuure;
- The company and its shareholders are registered in the same country;
- The ultimate owners (UBOs) are citizens of that country.
If you meet the requirements, no extra documents are needed.
As soon as the account is opened, you can start using it and access SEB’s business services right away.
You can find all prices and fees in our Price List.
Yes, you can. However, as e-residency and digital ID currently do not enable opening a bank account online, you should visit a branch to open a business account.
Start-up account
A start-up account is a temporary bank account for a newly established company, used to hold its share capital.
You can open a start-up account through the E-Business Register during the business registration process.
Once the company is officially registered in the Business Register, the start-up account can be converted into a regular business account via Internet banking or at a bank branch, and you can begin using it.
Free consultations for entrepreneurs
The only bank that offers business consultations
- We will assess your business plan and find opportunities for growth
- We will help mitigate risks and make firm decisions
- We will review the cash flow to ensure sustainable growth for your business
- We will find financing solutions that support growth
- We will provide strategic financial advice in order to take your company to the next level.
If you are already an SEB client, book an appointment by selecting “Business Consultation”.
If you are not yet an SEB client, you need to open an account first, and then you can book an appointment.
Dreaming of a bigger income?
Starting a business does not necessarily mean that you have to give up your day job and venture into the unknown. It often makes great sense to start a side project, allowing you to test your idea and gather experience without risking too much. This means you can retain your stable income, learn the nuances of enterprise step by step, and discover whether your idea could expand into a full-scale business.
Öun Drinks
Juhan developed a strong desire to start making cider from apples while he was doing his internship. Jumping headfirst into the world of entrepreneurship seemed overwhelming, so he started his business alongside his regular job. Today, he is celebrating 10 years in business, and Juhan enjoys the opportunities and freedom that come with entrepreneurship.
Magrada
Life itself led Kaire to start her business – a personal need for allergy-free skincare products grew into a natural cosmetics brand. This spring, she is celebrating 10 years on the Estonian market, and the brand is gradually making its way into markets beyond national borders.
