Äriseadustik

Äriseadustik refers to the body of laws that govern the establishment, operation, and dissolution of businesses. In Estonia, this primarily encompasses the Commercial Code (Äriseadus), which regulates various types of business entities such as sole proprietorships (füüsilisest isikust ettevõtja), general partnerships (täisühing), limited partnerships (usaldusühing), private limited companies (osaühing), and public limited companies (aktsiaselts).

The Commercial Code outlines the requirements for registering a business, including the necessary documentation and procedures. It also defines the rights and obligations of business owners, partners, shareholders, and management. Key aspects covered include capital requirements, governance structures, accounting and reporting obligations, and rules for mergers, acquisitions, and bankruptcies.

Beyond the Commercial Code, other legislation also impacts business activities. These include laws related to competition, consumer protection, intellectual property, employment, and taxation. For instance, the Competition Act (Konkurentsiseadus) ensures fair competition in the market, while the Consumer Protection Act (Tarbijakaitseseadus) safeguards the rights of consumers.

The primary purpose of äriseadustik is to create a stable and predictable legal framework for commercial activities, thereby fostering economic development and protecting the interests of all parties involved in business transactions. It aims to provide clarity on legal relationships, facilitate dispute resolution, and encourage investment and entrepreneurship.