Guides
Estonian contracts, explained in English
What Estonian law says about the contracts foreigners sign most often, and which clauses to check before you sign. Each guide starts with a short answer and points to the statute.
- Employment contractsProbation, notice, overtime, holidays and non-competes under the Employment Contracts Act.
- Rental agreementsDeposit cap, rent rises, repairs and notice periods for tenants in Tallinn, Tartu and elsewhere.
- Service agreementsLiability caps, payment terms, IP ownership and termination in B2B and freelance contracts.
- Employee or contractorHow Estonian law separates employment from service contracts, and what misclassification costs.
- Minimum wage 2026€946 a month and €5.67 an hour from 1 April 2026, plus overtime, night and holiday rates.
- Shareholders’ agreementsHow an OÜ shareholders’ agreement fits the articles, and how to handle transfers, deadlock and leavers.
- NDAsWhat to define, how long confidentiality lasts, and when a contractual penalty is too high.
- Consumer contractsThe 14-day withdrawal right, what traders must disclose, unfair terms and where to complain.
- Standard termsWhen pre-written terms become part of your contract, which clauses are void and how B2B differs.
- AI review or lawyer?What an AI contract check does well, where it stops, and when to hire an Estonian lawyer.
Frequently asked questions
Who are these guides for?
People who sign contracts governed by Estonian law without reading Estonian: expats working or renting in Estonia, e-residents and founders with an Estonian company, and freelancers working for Estonian clients.
Are these guides legal advice?
No. They explain the general rules in Estonian law and point to the statutes. Synclex OÜ is not a law firm. For a decision about your own situation, ask a qualified Estonian lawyer.
How can I check my own contract?
Upload it on the home page as a PDF, DOCX or TXT file, or paste the text. You get a free risk summary in minutes; the full report adds clause quotes, Estonian law references and a recommendation for each point.