OCTIS vs LHV vs Wise Business: banking for an Estonian OÜ run from abroad
The Estonian bank e-residents are told to apply for, against the online account most open first. What each costs and requires.
Last checked · 4 sources
Otty's short answer
Wise Business suits an e-resident who wants an account fast and online: no monthly fee, no visit, and a response in about one business day. LHV suits a company with a real tie to Estonia that wants an Estonian bank account, but it needs a visit, a strong Estonian connection, €300 to apply and €30 per month.
Side by side
Swipe to see every column
| What matters | OCTISHong Kong company + OCTIS global plan | LHV | Wise Business |
|---|---|---|---|
| Account opening fee | Set by our licensed partner; quoted before you commit | €300 | €45 (e-Residency listing) |
| Monthly fee | Set by our licensed partner; quoted before you commit | €30 | €0 |
| Visit to Estonia required | Hong Kong company run from anywhere; accounts via licensed partners, subject to their approval | Yes | No |
| Time to open | Set up through licensed partners alongside your incorporation | 10+ business days | Up to 1 business day |
| Estonian connection needed | Not applicable: a Hong Kong company, run from anywhere | Strong connection expected | Not required |
| Currency conversion | Foreign exchange via licensed partners | 1% in the account | From 0.24%, by currency |
| Debit and credit cards | Corporate card via licensed partners | Free | Free |
| Account details | International multi-currency business account via licensed partners | Not stated on listing | Belgian and UK details |
| Currencies | Multi-currency, via licensed partners | EUR, GBP, CHF, SEK and more | 40+ |
| Regulator | OCTIS is not a bank; licensed partners provide the account | Estonian bank | UK FCA e-money institution |
| Restrictions | Subject to our licensed partners' approval | US citizens, FATF high-risk residents | Wise's restricted-business list |
| Rating on e-Residency listing | New (launched 2026) | 3.0 of 5 (14 reviews) | 2.5 of 5 (23 reviews) |
If you have staff, premises or local sales in this country, its own registration and tax rules still apply. OCTIS can help you arrange them.
Data sources & disclaimer: Comparison data was compiled from publicly available sources — including the competitors' own published pricing and feature pages — captured on 9 November 2026. Figures reflect the typical or advertised pricing at that time and may have changed since; plans, inclusions and prices vary by provider, region and promotion. OCTIS is independent and not affiliated with the named companies; all trademarks belong to their respective owners. This comparison is provided in good faith for general information only and is not professional, legal or financial advice — please verify current details with each provider before deciding.
Which one fits you
OCTIS · Hong Kong company + OCTIS global plan
Choose OCTIS if you want a Hong Kong company with a multi-currency business account and a corporate card, run from anywhere.
LHV
Choose LHV if you can visit Estonia, have a real Estonian link, and want an Estonian IBAN with a local bank.
Wise Business
Choose Wise Business if you want to start fast from abroad, hold several currencies and avoid a monthly fee.
What the table does not show
LHV
The e-Residency listing says LHV needs an e-Residency ID and an Estonian OÜ, plus a strong connection to Estonia and a strong business plan. You can start online but must visit in person. The opening fee is €300, the monthly fee is €30, conversion costs 1% and cards are free. Processing takes 10 or more business days. Reviewers say some applications were declined after the fee was paid. Those are unverified, so ask LHV about refunds first.
Wise Business
The e-Residency listing shows a €45 business account opening fee including Estonian VAT, a €0 monthly fee, and €20 one-time for local details in some currencies. Wise's own UK pricing page lists a one-time set-up fee of £50 instead, so confirm the fee for your account type before applying. You need registration documents and the owner's physical address. No visit is needed, and opening takes up to a day. It is an e-money institution authorised by the UK FCA, with euro details in Belgium. Reviewers report some accounts closed or limited without a reason given.
Why not both
The two are not exclusive. You can open Wise first to start trading, then apply to LHV once the company has a record and a visit is possible. Reviewers on both listings report accounts declined or restricted, so a second account is a sensible backup. A fintech account is not a bank account, so check how each provider protects balances.
Where OCTIS fits
OCTIS is not a bank and does not form Estonian companies. If your Hong Kong or Malaysian company is weighing an Estonian OÜ, the account choice above is a banking and tax question for you and an adviser. Your home company's books, tax filing and audit coordination still need doing, and OCTIS handles those. Switching can take 10–30% off your current bill.
Frequently asked questions
Can an e-resident open an LHV account remotely?
Not fully. LHV's listing says the application can start online but an in-person visit to Estonia is required. It also expects a strong connection to Estonia. Processing takes 10 or more business days.
How much does LHV charge for a business account?
The e-Residency listing shows €300 to open and €30 per month. Currency conversion inside the account is 1%, and cards are free. Other fees are listed as upon request. Confirm current terms with LHV.
Is Wise Business a bank?
No. The listing describes Wise as an authorised electronic money institution regulated by the UK FCA. It is not a bank. Check how it safeguards balances before holding large sums.
Do I need an Estonian bank account for my OÜ?
The listings do not make an Estonian bank mandatory. Whether you need an Estonian IBAN depends on your customers, your payment processor and your accountant. Ask them before you apply.
Sources
Checked on the date above. Links open the provider's or regulator's own page.