Estonia is actively developing the IT sector. Electronic technologies allow Estonians to vote online, draw up documents via the Internet, and register a business remotely. In addition, almost all documents in Estonia are stored in electronic format.
The e-residency program allows almost anyone who wants to become an electronic citizen of the country – this is a unique offer available only in Estonia. However, many countries, having looked at the successful experience of Estonia, are only preparing to implement an identical program.
Estonian electronic residency
In 2014, Estonia announced its decision to provide users from all over the world with the opportunity to apply for electronic citizenship of the country or virtual residency (e-residency).
It should be noted right away that the ID card relying on electronic residents is not the equivalent of an ordinary Estonian passport, does not give the right to enter Estonia or other EU countries, does not grant the status of a tax resident, the right to a residence permit.
However, despite this, more than four tens of thousands of people from one hundred and fifty countries of the world have already received an e-residency digital card.
What is an ID card? It is a digital ID that reflects the holder’s biometric data (fingerprints, retinal scans), no photo. The document is issued in the form of a plastic card with a chip.
Who can obtain Estonian e-residency?
Any adult citizen of another country who is willing to pay about one hundred euros for the service can become an electronic citizen of Estonia. All processes for issuing an ID card are carried out online, but the applicant will still have to visit the Estonian embassy to submit biometric data and receive the document itself.
Top 6 Benefits of e-residency in Estonia
The secret of such popularity of the program is several advantages that ID-card holders get:
- Opportunity to open a company in Estonia via the Internet. Such an enterprise receives a European residence permit, the opportunity to enjoy all tax benefits on an equal basis with resident companies. By the way, if the company does not distribute its profits, but reinvests them, then the amount of income tax will be equal to zero. At the same time, there is no need to pay the authorized capital – it is enough to fix its size on paper.
- Access to many state portals is opened, which allows you to submit applications and declarations online. E-residents can authorize using their ID-card in electronic banking to make payments, monitor the movement of funds.
- Sign documents electronically, conclude contracts, undergo secure digital identification. A digital signature in Estonia has the legal force of an ordinary signature. The smart card has a built-in chip with security certificates. In addition, PIN1 and PIN2 are also provided.
- The ability to obtain licenses via the Internet.
- E-residents of Estonia in most cases are entrepreneurs who thus decide to acquire an Estonian company and receive all the benefits of such a solution.
- And there are many such advantages. After all, a businessman has the opportunity to conduct all business remotely, sign the necessary contracts, submit declarations and reports, look for partners/investors without personally visiting Estonia. The government of the country strongly supports foreign business, offering investors attractive tax rates and other benefits.
How to become an e-resident of Estonia?
To obtain the status of e-residency in Estonia, you need to take just a few simple steps:
- Go to the e-resident official website and read the requirements. You will need a scan of your passport, scan of your identity card.
- Fill out an online application, indicating the reasons for the decision to obtain electronic citizenship of Estonia.
- Pay a state fee of one hundred euros.
- Indicate in the application a place where it will be convenient to submit biometric data, pick up a ready-made ID card and an e-residency starter package. For these purposes, the Estonian Embassy in the applicant’s country of residence is suitable. You will need to bring an ID with you.
- Install a reading program. The starter pack contains a USB reader and computer connection. It is necessary to install the software for reading and scan the received digital card. After recognition, you must enter the pin code and complete the verification of the card.
Once you have received your ID card and verified it, you can enjoy all its benefits.
By introducing the e-residency program, the Estonian authorities hoped to attract foreign investors, representatives of international organizations, foreign specialists, students, lecturers, applicants interested in foreign digital services.
