Basics
What Is the Estonian e-Residency Program?
The Estonian e-Residency program allows anyone to become a member of the digital nation of Estonia and receive an ID card containing a certificate with a digital identity. Using this ID card, applicants can access the Estonian administration. This allows you to start a European company in the country and being part of the competitive and advantageous Estonian tax system – even without visiting the country. In a nutshell, it is a hassle-free gateway to Estonian digital administration. To discoFew readersCan I Live in Estonia with an e-Residency Card?
No. The e-Residency should not be confused with a citizenship or physical residence permit. Being an e-Resident does not grant you any permission to live or work in Estonia or the rest of Europe. If you are already a European citizen, obviously, you can work and reside in Estonia like any other European citizen. Visit the official website of Work In Estonia for more information.Few readersWhat's the Difference Between the Digital Nomad Visa and e-Residency Program of Estonia?
At its most basic, the Estonian Digital Nomad Visa allows entrepreneurs/remote workers to work and reside in Estonia for an extended period (between 6-12 months). Individuals don’t require a company in Estonia. The e-Residency program, however, is a digital identity that allows individuals to open online companies in Estonia. It is not a travel or residency document. To learn more about the differences between these programs – and to determine which is right for you – click here (https://cFew readersDo All the Company Members Need to be e-residents?
Yes! If you want to benefit from this program all members of the company (including shareholders and members of the board) must be e-residents. In order to benefit from the e-Residency program and be able to run your business online, all members of the company (shareholders and members of the board of directors) must be individuals (not organizations) in possession of their e-Residency cards. Otherwise, you won’t be able to incorporate your business or manage it online. Registering theFew readersCan I Register My Company Without e-Residency?
If you don't have e-Residency, the only way of registering a company in Estonia is the "old way". That implies: Physically visiting a notary in Estonia. Creating a translated (by a sworn translator) power of attorney at a notary and sending it to the notary in Estonia. As such, fiscal agencies or notary firms may offer that service, but as we offer our services completely online, we don’t offer this service. Another important detail is, if you create your company "the old way", for everyFew readersWhat’s a Residency Check?
That is a new feature to help customers and keep everything in order. Every year (or every 6 months for high-risk customers), the system will ask the user to update this information. We ask you to confirm your residence (current residence), and then to upload a copy/photo of your passport(s). So, for the address, if you are a digital nomad, you must add your current address or the one that is more "permanent" for you.Few readers
Application
e-Residency of Estonia: 5 Simple Steps to Apply for It
Applying for the Estonian e-Residency program is very straightforward and 100% online. Let's see the steps to follow! 1. Collect the documentation required To become an e-resident, you will need these documents: A copy of your ID. A passport-size photo in .jpg or .jpeg format. CV (or a link to social media like LinkedIn). Your Visa or Mastercard to pay the state fee of €120. 2. Submit your applicationPopularHow Much Does the Application of the e-Residency Cost?
The application has a cost of 100€ plus 20€ in shipping costs. Total 120€ (*). (*) An additional fee of 23,60€ applies when picking up your card at e-Residency “collection centers” in Sao Paulo, Johannesburg, or Bangkok.Few readersCan Companio Apply for e-Residency for Me?
Companio cannot apply for the e-Residency for you, but we give support to all of our customers throughout the process.Few readersIs There an Age Limit to Apply for e-Residency?
Currently, there is no age limit, but all minors have very limited use of the e-Residency digital ID without a legal guardian, who should then also be an e-resident. Persons who are under 18, have restricted active legal capacity. They'll not be able to give digital signatures for registering a company, for example. So they (minors) can basically apply for e-Residency and will likely get a positive outcome, but the document is not useful for opening a company until they are 18. If you are cFew readers
Setup & Troubleshooting
How to Get Started With Your e-Residency Card
Once you have received the e-resident pack with your card, you can now set it up to start using it! Before installing the card with the reader, you will need to install the software. The official e-Residency page explains the process in English. The steps are the following: First, you must enter this link, where you will find the programs you need to iSome readersWhy Is My e-Residency Card Not Working?
Sometimes the e-Resident card, and more specifically the reader, does not work as well as it should. This is more frequent in the browser when it comes to entering sites such as the Tax Office website or when signing a document. If you can’t sign the company registration contract, try the following solutions, from top to bottom, one by one, until one works. Try to move the card, make sure it is well placed (with the chip facing up), and that the chip reader is directly on it. Check that theFew readersWhat Does the e-residency Kit Contain?
The e-Resident pack contains three important things: The e-resident card. Your e-Resident number (personal code) appears below on the right. It is an 11-digit number. A tiny USB reader. It is like a black rectangle that can be opened like a cross. It has a part with pins that go into the USB port (with the pins facing up). A closed envelope. This envelope contains PIN1 and PIN2 pins that you need to operate with your card and the PUK. What are the PIN keys used for?Few readers