Become an e-resident
The Republic of Estonia is the first country to offer e-Residency, a government issued digital identity that empowers entrepreneurs around the world to set up and run a location-independent business.
e-Residents can
Establish a company online
- Start a company 100% online from anywhere in the world
- Access business banking and online payment service providers, such as PayPal
- Be the full owner of your company. No local director needed
Manage remotely
- Sign and authenticate documents anywhere
- Encrypt and send documents securely. No more scanning and posting!
- Easily declare taxes online
Achieve location independence
- Continue operating your company online while traveling
- No need to re-establish your company after moving abroad
- Focus on your passion, not paperwork
Watch how to become an e-resident video
Meet the e-residents
I almost lost my tourism business, but now it’s expanding globally
I started my first company at 16 and am now a serial entrepreneur!
We built a global games company with e-Residency
How to apply for e-Residency
- Gather documents for application
- Submit your application using the secure online form
- Wait for your application to be approved and processed
- Receive confirmation that your application was approved
- Pick up your digital ID card in person from your chosen pick up location
Please keep in mind:
You must pick up the card at an Estonian embassy or consulate, or inside Estonia.
If you do not have a pick up location in your country, you can arrange to pick up the card in another country.
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Required documents for application
- A copy of your government-issued ID
- A passport-style digital photo
- Motivation statement
- Visa or Mastercard
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Submit your application using the secure online form
- Submit your application
- Pay the €100 state fee with Visa or Mastercard
- Receive confirmation email after successfully submitting application
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Wait for your application to be processed and approved
- Application processing period is 30 days
- Once you have submitted your application, the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board will conduct your background check to ensure the safety and trust of the e-Residency programme
- The Estonian Police and Border Guard Board may request further information during the background check
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Receive confirmation that your application was approved
- After the background check has been completed, you will be notified by email whether your application is approved
- If you are granted e-Residency, you will be invited to pick up your digital ID card from your chosen location
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Collect your digital ID card in person from your chosen location
- Bring the same identification document you entered in the online application form
- Submit your fingerprints to the consular or police official
- Pick up your e-Residency kit, including digital ID card and card reader
e-residents receive a digital ID card that provides:
- A government-issued digital identity
- Secure access to e-services
- Digital signing and authentication of documents
The digital ID card and e-services are built on state-of-the-art technological solutions, including 2048-bit public key encryption. The digital ID card contains a microchip with two security certificates: PIN1 for authentication and PIN2 for digital signing.
The digital ID card is not a physical identification or a travel document, and does not display a photo.
Start using your digital ID card
Everything you need to operate online as an e-resident is provided in the e-Residency kit – your digital ID card and a card reader.
Insert your digital ID card into card reader
You are now ready to use your digital ID card to establish a company online and use e-services available