What is e-Residency?

• Estonia is the first country to offer e-Residency to people living and working anywhere in the world. E-residents are given a digital identity issued by a government agency, which allows them to digitally sign documents, access Estonian e-services, and operate in Estonia's transparent business environment anywhere in the world.
• E-Residency is valuable to many people living and working around the world, but it is not a magic solution that will help everyone. Some people will benefit more from e-Residency than others - it all depends on circumstances and business models.
• E-Residency is a secure and convenient way to run a location-independent business.
• E-Residency is a digital identity that can only be accessed online. E-Residency is not citizenship, visa or physical residency. The card does not have a photo because it is not intended for offline use, although it can be used in the private sector, for example as a loyalty card.
• E-Residency does not cancel international obligations, such as tax obligations. E-residents and their companies must pay taxes in accordance with international and national legislation. It is important to create commercial substance for the company in Estonia, for example, renting an office, recruiting employees, spending time here or registering property.
• E-Residency is not a way to circumvent the income tax system applied to foreign companies to create a shell company. In fact, the Estonian business environment is one of the most trusted and transparent in the world thanks to various measures – for example, basic data of Estonian companies, such as their owners and annual reports, are public and confirmed by digital signature, while all companies managed by e-residents have a registered address and an authorized
  contact person.
• A company created through e-Residency is not a virtual company. It is an Estonian and EU company with equal legal basis. All EU countries allow non-residents to manage companies from abroad, but Estonia offers this in a much more convenient and secure way through e-Residency, because we are already a digital society where companies are managed online.
• An e-resident company does not need to have a traditional Estonian bank account, which can be difficult if the e-resident company does not have operations in Estonia. E-residents can use business accounts with fintech companies or other banks located in the European Economic Area. The account is not guaranteed for e-residents, as banks and fintech companies set their own rules and criteria for accepting clients.
• E-residents can establish a reliable EU company, manage and develop it affordably and with minimal effort, doing so completely digitally and regardless of location.
• E-Residency may not be a useful solution for people living in countries known as high-risk areas for financial transactions, as access to business banking or payment solutions may be impossible for them.
• More information about e-Residency: e-resident.gov.ee.

We assist our clients in applying for e-residency and completing documents.

As of December 1, 2014, a person who is not an Estonian citizen or a foreigner living in Estonia on the basis of a residence permit may be issued a digital ID. All foreigners who wish to use Estonian e-services can apply for e-residency, both private individuals and companies. E-residency gives foreigners living in foreign countries similar opportunities to Estonian residents to operate in the Estonian e-environment. For example, a person from outside the European Union can create a base center for their business in the European Union - they can establish a company in Estonia and actively participate in the management of an OÜ, raamatupidamises, in sales, development, profit growth.

With an Estonian ID card it is possible, regardless of location

• Sign documents
• Establish a company in Estonia
• Make bank transfers
• Actively participate in the management of a company registered in Estonia
• Declare taxes in Estonia

Applicants for e-residency should be aware that this is a benefit, not a right. A digital identity card is issued to a person who has a connection with the Estonian state or a justified interest in using the e-services of the Estonian state. A digital identity card is issued only if the person is trustworthy and there is reason to believe that he or she is using the digital identity card in good faith. If the Police and Border Guard Board suspects that a person may misuse the digital identity card, it has the right to refuse to issue it. In addition to refusing to issue it, the Police and Border Guard Board may suspend or terminate the validity of the digital identity card in the event of the slightest suspicion. E-residency does not give a foreigner rights that only Estonian citizens have. or permanent residents (e.g. vote in Riigikogu and local government elections, belong to political parties).

To apply for a Digital ID, you will need: documents

• Application form
• Foreign identity document
• One color photo measuring 40×50 mm
• A free-form written explanation of the intention to use the digital identity card and the circumstances of its use
• Document proving payment of state fee