The card offers foreigners the flexibility to run a business and access Estonian e-services. It does not include a photo, but it does have a personal microchip. You can use a digital signature (e-signature), which is legally equivalent to a handwritten one.
There are two ways to obtain the card:
- The application and all required documents can be submitted online via the government portal. It takes about 15 minutes to complete, and the state fee is 100 euros (payable by card).
- If you are in Estonia, you must visit the police and provide the application along with the full set of documents.
A decision will be made within 30 days. There is a chance of rejection if the applicant has a criminal record, negative background, or if Estonian authorities find no valid reason to grant e-residency.
In case of rejection, you can reapply.
You can collect your e-resident card in Estonia within 2–3 weeks. Or you can collect it from one of 34 countries at an Estonian embassy or consulate in 3–5 weeks. Along with the card, you will receive an ID card reader and PIN codes that can be used to confirm your actions.
The e-Resident Card is:
- Not citizenship in the usual sense. The holder has no right to reside in Estonia, obtain a residence permit, or enter the country. It is also not tax residency. Foreigners can obtain tax residency only after staying in Estonia for more than 183 days in a year.
- Not a substitute for a visa or passport.
- The card allows you to register a business in Estonia online and use Estonian online banking services.
- Interact with the Tax and Customs Board, submit declarations and applications online.
- Use a digital signature for documents, including contracts. This enables you to open companies, manage them, and submit tax declarations remotely from anywhere in the world.
- Access other Estonian services that require electronic identification and submission of applications, including the start of business activity.
- Receive and use a personal identification number in Estonia.
- Obtain licenses online.
In general, having e-Resident status opens the following opportunities:
- Access to the internal market of the European Union.
- The right to open a bank account in any Estonian bank. However, in practice, this can be difficult without a reliable intermediary, as the EU imposes strict requirements on e-residents due to previous cases of financial fraud.
- Access to all Estonian electronic services.
Who is this service for?
- Foreign entrepreneurs and startup founders who want to enter the European market.
- Travelers who want to simplify their stay in Estonia or the EU.
- Anyone planning to build and grow economic ties with Estonia.
How can we help?
We’ve gathered all the most useful information in our Telegram channel: @EstoniaSowana
Subscribe to make sure you don’t miss the latest updates and articles.
Contact us to learn everything about becoming an e-Resident!
Messenger: +372 552 00 78
info@sowana.ee
You deserve accurate information and attentive specialists!
