Estonia becomes first country in world to offer e-residency

Estonia has become of the first country in the world to offer an e residency program.

The pioneering project launched today means foreign nationals interested in living or doing business in the country can digitally sign documents and save both time and money.

The e-residency program is aimed at foreign investors, foreign experts and diplomats, public broadcasting reports. 

"The request will be processed within ten working days, a security check is conducted, and if the applicant is sufficiently trustworthy to receive e-residency, a digital ID card is made for him,"  said the board's identity and status bureau manager Margit Ratnik.

"The applicant must personally go to the Police and Border Guard Board service station to receive the card,"

Ratnik noted that the e-resident's digital ID does not give the right to stay and live in Estonia whilst it does not ensure Estonian citizenship. The document is not usable as physical identity document or travel document, it is valid only in the electronic environment.

(Edited by Rayyan Sabet-Parry)