Key fact: More than 20,000 forest owners in Estonia live abroad. Managing and selling forest is possible remotely — through a power of attorney and digital services. Metzfund handles the entire process without you needing to visit.
The problem: your forest is in Estonia, but you live abroad
Many people who moved from Estonia to other countries own forest or land properties in Estonia. Managing forest from a distance is difficult: you need to monitor its condition, pay land tax, and update the forest management plan. Meanwhile, the property generates no income.
Options for non-residents
| Option | Pros | Cons | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sell the property | Immediate cash, no worries | You lose ownership | Those not planning to return |
| Sell harvesting rights | Income + keep the land | Need to manage the property | Those who want to keep the land |
| Lease the land | Passive income | Small income, need a tenant | Good agricultural land |
| Hire a manager | Professional care | Management costs | Large forest holdings |
How to sell forest from abroad: step by step
- Request a valuation online — fill out the form, provide the cadastral number
- Receive an offer — Metzfund evaluates the property within 24 hours
- Arrange a power of attorney — at the Estonian embassy or with a foreign notary (with apostille)
- Transaction at the notary — the authorized person signs on your behalf, or use Estonian e-ID
- Receive payment — transfer to your bank account in any country
Required documents
| Document | Where to obtain | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Power of attorney | Estonian embassy / notary + apostille | If you do not have Estonian e-ID |
| Land Register extract | Electronically via rik.ee | Confirms ownership |
| Forest Registry data | register.metsad.ee | Metzfund checks this independently |
Practical tip: If you have an Estonian ID card or e-Residency, you can sign the notarial agreement remotely via video link. This is the fastest way to sell without visiting Estonia. Contact us — we will help organize the process.
"Many of our clients live in Finland, Sweden, Germany, and the United Kingdom. We organize the entire sales process remotely — from valuation to money transfer." — Metzfund
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to come to Estonia to sell?
No. With a power of attorney or Estonian e-ID, the entire transaction is completed remotely.
What taxes does a non-resident pay when selling?
Income tax of 20% on the profit from the sale. Tax benefits (5,000 € tax-free) are also available to non-residents.
What if I do not know the cadastral number?
Tell us the approximate location (municipality, village) and the owner's name — we will find the property in the registries.
How much does a power of attorney cost?
At the Estonian embassy — typically 30–50 €. With a foreign notary and apostille — 50–150 € depending on the country.