TALLINN, Estonia (CHATNEWSTV) — The Estonian government on Thursday approved a package of reforms aimed at cutting bureaucracy and easing administrative burdens on businesses, including scrapping the decades-old alcohol register and simplifying home loan refinancing procedures.
According to a press statement released by the Estonian Prime Minister’s office, the reforms stem from proposals submitted by the Council for Efficiency and Economic Growth and include eliminating outdated occupational health regulations and notary fees tied to home loan transfers.
“Over 500 proposals regarding a reduction of the administrative burden on businesses have been made,” Prime Minister Kristen Michal said. “Today, the first proposals reached the government to decide on. For example, we will abolish some unreasonable occupational health requirements, like monthly ladder inspections, which will instead depend on actual use.”
Michal also said the government will abolish the alcohol register—established in 1994—and remove notary fees when transferring a home loan from one bank to another, moves he said would save businesses millions and make life easier for consumers.
Targeted Changes to Occupational Health Rules
A total of 68 proposals related to occupational health and safety were submitted by employer organizations. The government backed 25 on Wednesday, while the remaining proposals will be reviewed further by the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
“We have been careful to ensure that the changes do not jeopardize the well-being of workers,” said Economy and Industry Minister Erkki Keldo. “We are abolishing outdated requirements, such as a sole proprietor being required to designate themselves a first aid provider.”
Home Loan Refinancing to Become Easier
The government also supported measures to simplify and reduce the cost of refinancing home loans, including abolishing the need for notarized re-certification of mortgages if the loan terms remain the same.
“In the future, it will no longer be necessary to go to a notary when transferring a mortgage from one bank to another—if only the bank changes and the contract conditions don’t,” said Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa Pakosta.
Pakosta said this would increase competition among banks and save consumers significant costs. For instance, refinancing a €150,000 home loan typically carries a €275 notary fee, which will now be eliminated. She also noted that removing the requirement for a new property valuation report—a change already submitted to parliament—could save another €280 per transaction.
Scrapping the Alcohol Register
The government approved the abolition of the alcohol register, which was originally designed to ensure lab-tested alcohol entered the market. Officials said the Tax and Customs Board can now perform necessary checks through other means.
“This is a concrete measure that directly responds to the needs of entrepreneurs,” said Regional Affairs and Agriculture Minister Hendrik Johannes Terras. “It will significantly reduce bureaucracy and broaden business prospects.”
In 2023, more than 10,000 products were entered into the register, with laboratory testing costs per product ranging from €200 to €500. Officials estimate that the industry spent up to €5.1 million on tests last year alone.
To date, the government has supported or implemented 38 proposals submitted by entrepreneurs.
A full list of the proposals is available (in Estonian) on the Government Office’s website: https://www.riigikantselei.ee/majanduskasvu-noukoda
