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
How Do I Apply for the Estonian e-Residency Program?
Applying for the e-Residency program of Estonia is incredibly straightforward and 100% online. You’ll need to provide the correct personal details, the desired pick-up location (where you’ll retrieve your digital ID), as well as additional information such as a CV, social media account, or even a criminal background check. After an Estonian police check, you’ll (hopefully) receive a confirmation that your application is approved and make an appointment to pick up your e-Residency pack. To leaSome readersHow 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
Why 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 readersHow Do I Start Using My e-Residency Card?
Once you receive your e-Residency pack, you need to install the software. To learn how to start working with your e-resident pack (and install the necessary software), click here.Few readers