Estonia became the first country in the world to offer foreigners digital access to its business environment and the EU market. The e-residency program has been operating since 2014 and has already attracted tens of thousands of entrepreneurs from different countries. Learn more about the conditions of participation, the cost of registration, and the opportunities offered by Estonian e-residency

Estonia has been one of the world leaders in digital government services for over a decade. According to the Expatica portal, this Baltic country was the first in the world to launch an e-residency program in 2014, which allows foreigners to conduct business remotely within the EU. Since then, the program has attracted tens of thousands of entrepreneurs from around the world.

Who can become an e-resident, how much does it cost, what rights and restrictions does digital residency entail, and are other countries copying this model? We'll tell you more in this article.

Are you planning to work remotely from Estonia or another country and don't want to get confused by visa rules?

Visit World's guide for digital nomads will help you quickly understand the requirements, documents, and visa application process.

How did Estonia become the first country for digital residency?

After gaining independence and leaving the Soviet Union, Estonia made a strategic bet on the digitization of all spheres of public life. Today, this country with a population of just over one million provides approximately 99% of public services in electronic format, and a third of Estonians vote online in elections. This level of digitization created a natural foundation for the emergence of the e-residency program.

The launch of the program in 2014 had a clear economic rationale: to attract international investment and strengthen Estonia's position on the global digital map. By giving foreign entrepreneurs access to its advanced business environment, the country has gained an additional flow of capital and new players for the local economy. The program is supported by the government and is part of a broader strategy for the digital transformation of the state.

About the best countries for digital nomads in 2026 — we tell you here.

The essence of Estonia's e-residency program

Estonia's e-residency is aimed at online business owners, digital entrepreneurs, and freelancers from around the world. The program provides participants with a digital Estonian identification number and an ID card with a built-in chip. With this chip, e-residents can access Estonian public and private online services: digital document signing, business banking applications, encryption, and secure file transfer.

In fact, e-residents can register and fully operate a company in Estonia remotely, from anywhere in the world. This opens up access to the European Union's single market and the country's developed digital business community. All administrative procedures, from registration to reporting, are carried out online.

Who benefits from Estonian e-residency?

The program is of greatest interest to entrepreneurs who do not have EU citizenship but want to gain access to the European market. Registering an Estonian company through e-residency allows you to work with clients and partners throughout the European Union while maintaining complete geographical mobility.

The program also attracts the attention of EU citizens, in particular entrepreneurs from the UK, who have lost some of their access to the single European market after Brexit. E-residency in Estonia helps such businesses maintain smooth operations with European counterparties. In addition, the high level of digitalization of the Estonian business environment simplifies the day-to-day management of a company, which is especially valuable for those who travel a lot.

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Procedure for applying for e-residency in Estonia

The application for e-residency is submitted online and requires several documents:

– a completed application form;

– digital copies of a valid government-issued ID;

– photographs;

– a motivation letter explaining the reasons for interest in the program, describing previous business experience and plans for the future.

There are also requirements for applicants. The applicant must have a legitimate interest in Estonia's e-services and not be a resident or citizen of the country. All applications are checked by the police to ensure the transparency and security of the program. Once the application is approved, the ID card can be picked up at the location selected when applying — either in Estonia or at one of the Estonian embassies abroad.

Top 10 countries for digital nomads: Global Citizen Solutions ranking.

Cost of Estonian e-residency and additional expenses

Obtaining a digital ID card costs €100–120, depending on where you receive the document. Registering a company in Estonia through the electronic system requires a state fee of €190. These amounts are basic and do not include associated costs.

Additional financial obligations include the cost of accounting services in Estonia, local business taxes, and other administrative fees. E-residency is valid for five years, after which a new application must be submitted and the relevant fees paid again.

Restrictions on e-residency in Estonia: what the program does not provide

Estonian e-residency is not equivalent to physical residency or citizenship. The program does not grant the right to live or work in Estonia or any other EU member state. Social guarantees and benefits provided to Estonian citizens and residents are also not available to e-residents.

In addition, digital residency holders cannot count on consular assistance from Estonia abroad. The program is designed exclusively for doing business in the digital space and accessing electronic government services. These restrictions should be clearly understood before starting the application process.

About the most expensive countries in the world in 2026 — read here.

Famous e-residents of Estonia

The program attracted the attention of world leaders almost immediately after its launch.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe became the first head of state to receive Estonian e-residency during his visit to Tallinn in April 2015. In early 2016, German Chancellor Angela Merkel also received her e-resident card.

Among the well-known e-residents are representatives of the media industry, including Trevor Noah, host of The Daily Show, who applied for e-residency during an interview with then-Estonian Prime Minister Taavi Rõivas. Fun fact: even before the program's official launch in 2014, Estonian President Toomas Ilves gave Barack Obama an Estonian digital ID card during his visit to the country, which many saw as a symbolic gesture of Estonia's global digital ambitions.

Are other countries introducing e-residency?

Estonia's experience has inspired other countries to create similar programs. In October 2018, Azerbaijan launched its own e-residency program, aimed at globally minded entrepreneurs. Lithuania, Estonia's neighbor across the Baltic Sea, has also announced plans to introduce the EU's second digital residency program to stimulate foreign investment.

The trend toward digitizing residency reflects a global trend: more and more countries are realizing the potential of attracting international entrepreneurs through digital tools. Estonia remains the undisputed pioneer and benchmark in this field, and its model continues to serve as a guide for governments seeking to open their economies to global business.

By the way, in our previous article, we talked about the cheapest countries to live in in 2026.

A guide for digital nomads from Visit World

Estonian e-residency is just one of the tools available to those who work and do business remotely from different parts of the world. Each country sets its own rules and requirements for digital nomads: from preferential living conditions and simplified visa procedures to a complete lack of separate regulations for remote workers. Much also depends on the foreigner's citizenship.

You can find up-to-date information and familiarize yourself with the entry rules for digital nomads to any country in the guide for digital nomads from Visit World. All the necessary information will be sent to your email address in PDF format in just a few minutes. The guide contains step-by-step instructions on how to apply for a digital nomad visa, rules for filling out a visa application form, requirements and criteria for obtaining a visa, a complete list of necessary documents, information about visa fees and application processing times, as well as the benefits of working as a digital nomad.

Order the guide for digital nomads from Visit World and get all the information you need for a comfortable start in a new country!

Reminder! In times of geopolitical turbulence, some people are considering moving to countries that have adhered to a policy of neutrality for years and avoid military alliances. Such states offer relative stability and clear paths to residency or long-term residence. Read about 7 neutral destinations for living and relocation at the link.

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Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents for Estonia;

Legal advice on immigration to Estonia;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Estonia;

Medical insurance all over the world.

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