Why invest in Valga county

Valga County (Valgamaa) is a strategically located region in Southern Estonia, directly on the Latvian border, offering investors a unique combination of cross-border market access, strong logistics, available industrial land, and a skilled workforce.

With easy connections to Estonia’s and Latvia’s key economic centers, modern infrastructure, and a competitive operating environment, Valga County is well suited for manufacturing, logistics, and growth-oriented businesses.

Quick Facts

• Population: 27,034 (01.01.2026)
• Area: 1,917 km² (4.5% of Estonia)
• Municipalities: 3 (Valga, Tõrva, Otepää)
• Key centres: Valga, Tõrva, Otepää
• Location: Directly on Estonia–Latvia border

 

Strategic Location & Market Access

Valga County’s border location enables seamless access to both Estonian and Latvian markets. The twin town of Valga–Valka creates a unified cross-border business environment, expanding opportunities for cooperation, workforce mobility, and trade.

Key advantages:

• Access to two EU markets from one location
• Close to Riga, a major Baltic business hub
• Strong links to Estonia’s main economic and R&D centres
• Part of a growing cross-border economic region

 

Logistics & Connectivity

The region offers reliable and efficient transport connections for both domestic and international operations.

Infrastructure highlights:

• Well-developed road network
• Railway connection for freight transport
• Access to international airports and ports

Distances from Valga:

• Tallinn – 250 km (~3 hours)
• Tartu – 85 km (~1 hour)
• Riga – 165 km (~2 hours)
• Pärnu Port – 145 km
• Berlin – 970 km

 

Workforce & Education

Valga County provides access to a flexible, cross-border labour pool and strong vocational education tailored to business needs.

Workforce:

• ~27,500 residents in the county
• Up to 32,000 people in the Valga–Valka cross-border area
• Access to Estonian and Latvian workforce

Education and skills development:

• Valga County Vocational Training Centre offers programmes in:
  • Engineering, manufacturing & construction
  • Services and health & well-being
  • General and continuing education
• Additional education hubs nearby:
  • Tartu
  • Võru
  • Viljandi

 

Industrial Development Opportunities

Valga County is investment-ready, with space and infrastructure to support new projects.

Opportunities include:

• Available and unused industrial land
• Three developing industrial areas
• Modern infrastructure for manufacturing and logistics
• Supportive local business environment

 

Quality of Life & Living Environment

A high-quality living environment helps businesses attract and retain talent.

Regional highlights:

• Three municipalities: Valga, Tõrva, Otepää
• Otepää – Estonia’s winter capital and tourism hub
• Clean nature, recreational opportunities, and affordable living
• Strong local community and cross-border culture