ettevõttevormidest

Ettevõttevormid, also known as forms of business organization, refer to the legal structures under which a business operates. In Estonia, the most common forms are sole proprietorship, partnership, and various types of companies.

A sole proprietorship, or füüsilisest isikust ettevõtja (FIE), is the simplest form, where the business is owned and run by one individual. The owner is personally liable for all business debts. Partnerships, such as a täisühing (general partnership) and usaldusühing (limited partnership), involve two or more individuals or entities. In a general partnership, all partners share in operating the business and assume full liability. In a limited partnership, there are general partners with full liability and limited partners whose liability is restricted to their investment.

Companies offer limited liability, meaning the owners' personal assets are protected from business debts. The most prevalent company form is the osaühing (limited liability company, OÜ). In an OÜ, the liability of the shareholders is limited to the amount of their capital contribution. Another common form is the aktsiaselts (public limited company, AS), which is suitable for larger businesses and can raise capital by issuing shares on the stock market. The choice of business form depends on factors such as the size of the business, the number of owners, the need for capital, and the desired level of personal liability. Each form has different registration requirements, tax implications, and governance structures.