E-Residency or electronic residency in Estonia is a unique innovative e-residency program that was launched in 2014. Estonia was the first country to offer e-residency, allowing foreign citizens to get a government-issued digital identity in Estonia and securely authenticate themselves online. This includes the ability to establish a business and start a company 100% online and manage one’s business from anywhere in the world.
Through this program, Estonia provides a transnational digital identity backed by the government of Estonia, giving global entrepreneurs remote access to the digital infrastructure of the world’s most digital country. E-resident companies enjoy the possibility to securely authenticate and sign documents using their digital ID, ensuring seamless and secure business operations.
How attractive is e-Residency?
As of today, over 100,000 individuals from 170 countries all around the world have achieved the status of an e-Resident of Estonia. In less than 10 years since the program’s inception, more than 27,000 companies started by e-residents have been established, and this number continues to grow rapidly.
Each e-resident obtains an official digital identity which gives them the ability to start and manage an EU company easily and securely. Estonia’s innovative system allows e-residents to open a business account, digitally sign documents, and handle their Estonian taxes efficiently—making Estonia the ideal destination for entrepreneurs globally.
How can I get the e-Residency in Estonia?
Acquiring e-residency of Estonia is very simple. The application process of submitting an online application to obtain status of e-Resident, as well as the rights to secure and efficient electronic signatures (eIDAS) and access to all the tools of Estonia’s electronic state, takes no more than 30 minutes.
After approval, you can easily open your company 100% online, securely manage your business bank account, and handle correspondence via an e mail address linked to your new Estonian business. Estonia’s e-Residency truly provides entrepreneurs company your freedom, letting you manage everything securely with your e-Residency digital identity.
Applying for Estonian e-Residency
The application process of obtaining e-Residency of Estonia is relatively straightforward and consists of a few steps. To acquire e-Residency status in Estonia, one needs to complete an online form on the official program website, pay the state fee, and, once approved (usually within two weeks), collect the e-residency kit at a pre-selected Estonian embassy.
Estonia’s e-Residency is fully backed by the government, making it a trusted choice among entrepreneurs from other countries. Often called Estonia’s gift to the global business community, the program’s transparency and simplicity help ensure clarity through a detailed consideration (details review) of each submitted application.
Key steps to Become an e-Resident of Estonia
Estonia’s popular programme offers location independent entrepreneurs and ambitious entrepreneurial people from developing countries a unique opportunity to grow an EU company. Using your e-residency, you can open a business bank account, gain access to the world’s most advanced digital services, and manage your Estonian company securely online from anywhere.
Step 1. Fill in the application form
To apply, you must fill in an application form in the electronic environment of the Police and Border Guard Board. The application process requires uploading a scanned copy of your passport, a passport photo, a CV, and a free-form motivation letter explaining your purpose and goals for applying for e-residency of Estonia.
The state fee ranges from €100 to €120 and can be paid by bank transfer or by Visa or Mastercard. Upon successful submission, you’ll gain access to the world’s leading digital services for entrepreneurs.
Step 2. Waiting
The review of your application typically takes from 3 to 8 weeks, though most applicants receive a response within approximately two weeks.
Keep in touch! During this period, the Police and Border Guard Board may reach out to your e mail address to clarify details from your application or request additional information. Consider subscribing to receive the best e-residency content and updates about your status, sent straight to your inbox.
Step 3. Receive your e-Residency
If granted Estonian e-residency status, your e-residency kit can be picked up at one of over 50 locations worldwide. The kit includes your personalized smart card (government issued digital identity), a USB card reader, and an envelope containing your PIN passwords, enabling you to securely authenticate yourself online.
When picking up your e-residency digital id, ensure you carry a valid identification document, such as your passport. Now you’re ready to start run and grow your Estonian company remotely, managing it fully online from anywhere.
If you have no criminal records or other obstacles, and the purpose of applying for e-residency of Estonia is clear and understandable, your application process will most likely be approved, granting you a government issued digital identity.
Upon receiving your e-residency kit, you’ll have immediate access to all the tools needed to start a company 100% online. With your new Estonian company, you can securely sign documents using your e-Resident card, manage your business remotely, and enjoy Estonia’s efficient digital environment online from anywhere.
How Can We Help You?
Our dedicated team of legal experts provides step-by-step guidance throughout the application process, performing a thorough details review to ensure your e-Residency application meets all necessary criteria. With our help, obtaining your government-issued digital identity becomes simple and worry-free.
Once approved, we will assist you in starting and running your Estonian company efficiently online from anywhere. Our specialists offer continuous support, providing all the tools you need to manage your business remotely, securely authenticate, and digitally sign important documents using your new e-Residency.
Contact Us
If you wish to open a company in Estonia online or have any questions regarding the procedure for obtaining an e-Resident card, feel free to reach out to our consultants and legal experts.
Our team has over 10+ years of experience in Estonian enterprise registration and corporate law. Estonia’s e-Residency program is fully backed by the government and often referred to as Estonia’s gift to entrepreneurs from other countries. We offer a thorough details review of your specific case and provide step-by-step assistance throughout the entire application process, ensuring that you can start and run your Estonian company successfully online from anywhere in the world.
By obtaining your government-issued digital identity, you gain immediate access to the world’s most advanced digital infrastructure, allowing you to securely manage your business, digitally authenticate yourself, and use secure and efficient electronic signatures for important transactions.
