How do I start a nonprofit foundation in Estonia and ensure it qualifies for charitable status?

If you wish to create an association that does not have an economic purpose, you can create a non-profit association or foundation under Estonian law. A non-profit association is a voluntary association of individuals whose purpose may not be to make a profit. All income must be used to fulfill the statutory objectives. A foundation is a private legal entity that does not have members and is established to manage and use assets to achieve statutory objectives. A non-profit association may be established by at least two persons. A foundation is established by one or more founders. The highest body of a non-profit association is the general meeting of its members. A non-profit association must have a board of directors that manages and represents it. The board of directors may have one member. The bodies of a foundation are the board of directors and the supervisory board. The board of directors of a foundation may consist of one member, and the supervisory board must have three members. In certain cases, a foundation must also have an auditor.

To establish a non-profit association, a memorandum of association must be concluded, and in the case of a foundation, a founding resolution must be adopted. In the case of both associations, the articles of association must be approved, and an application must be made to the register. In the case of a foundation, a founding resolution and the articles of association approved thereby shall be notarised.
In the case of a non-profit association, the assistance of a notary is not required and it can be created electronically.

Therefore, a lawyer or attorney can help you to make a better decision which type of company to consider, whether to create a non-profit association or a foundation. In addition, a lawyer or attorney can also help you to draft the necessary memorandum of association or a founding resolution and articles of association.

It is quite possible that yo do not need an attorney for the establishment. I suggest to find and talk to an Estonian notary, as the foundation docs usually need to be notarised. Notaries are also cheaper than engaging a law firm. Plus, law firms are rarely interested in establishment work. I suggest to talk to notary Kadri Pappel's office. As to the 'charitable status', this will depend on the operations you plan and gives only limited benefits.