Riigilõivud

Riigilõivud, a term originating from Estonian law, translates to state fees or state duties. These are compulsory payments levied by the state on individuals and legal entities for services provided by state authorities or for the right to perform certain legal actions. The purpose of riigilõivud is to cover the administrative costs associated with providing these services and to contribute to the state budget.

The concept encompasses a wide range of fees. For instance, individuals might pay riigilõivud when applying for passports, visas, or marriage licenses. Businesses may encounter these fees when registering a company, obtaining permits, or filing specific documents with government agencies. Legal proceedings also often involve the payment of state fees, such as when initiating a lawsuit or appealing a court decision.

The specific amounts and categories of riigilõivud are determined by law, primarily through the State Fees Act (Riigilõivuseadus) in Estonia. This legislation outlines the circumstances under which a fee is payable, the amount, and the designated authority responsible for collecting it. Exemptions from paying state fees are also possible in certain situations, often based on social considerations or the nature of the service. The collection and management of these fees are crucial for the efficient functioning of state administration and public services.