Estonian e-Residency
What is e-Residency?
The Republic of Estonia is the first country in the world to offer e-residency. Everyone has the opportunity to apply for the secure digital identity provided by the Estonian government – to gain secure access to digital services, to get anything and everything done digitally (sign all documents, launch and manage companies, do banking, encrypt files, etc.).
How to apply?
While in Estonia, it is possible to apply for an e-resident’s digital ID card through the Police and Border Guard Board.
Starting April 1st 2015, it is possible to apply for an e-resident’s digital ID card through Estonia’s foreign representations.
Documents required to apply:
- an application form (possible to fill in on a computer screen or to print out to fill in by own hand;
- the applicant’s valid identity document;
- a colour photo measuring 40x50mm. Read more.
- a state fee for processing the application (80 EUR);
- a written explanation in free form (in English, Russian or Estonian), stating the user’s intentions regarding the digital ID and the circumstances of its use.
Documents submitted by the applicant shall be forwarded to the Police and Border Guard Board, who will perform a background check and make a decision regarding the granting (or refusal) of the e-resident’s digital ID.
In the case of a decision to grant e-residency, the e-resident’s digital ID card, card reader and PIN codes will be sent to Estonia’s foreign representation.
The applicant will be notified of the arrival of his/her ID card, following which the applicant shall return to the embassy, present a valid identity document and his/her biometric identifiers (fingerprints) and will then receive the ID card, card reader and PIN codes.
For more detailed information regarding the application process