Estonia Rolls Out New E-Residency Program Offering Passport-Less Citizenship
In a groundbreaking move, the small Baltic nation of Estonia has announced the launch of a new e-residency program that offers passport-less citizenship to digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and other remote workers seeking to establish a presence in the European Union.
The program, known as E-Residency 2.0, builds upon Estonia’s existing e-residency initiative, which was first introduced in 2014 and has since attracted tens of thousands of participants from around the world. Under the new program, e-residents will have access to a wide range of benefits and services, including the ability to open and operate a business in Estonia without the need for a physical presence in the country.
“We are thrilled to unveil this new and improved e-residency program, which represents a major step forward in our efforts to create a truly digital nation,” said Kert Kingo, Estonia’s Minister of Entrepreneurship and Information Technology. “By offering passport-less citizenship to e-residents, we are breaking down barriers and opening up new opportunities for individuals and businesses to thrive in the digital economy.”
One of the key features of the E-Residency 2.0 program is the introduction of a secure digital identity card, which will serve as a virtual passport for e-residents. The card, which is issued by the Estonian government, will allow e-residents to access a wide range of online services and resources, from banking and healthcare to education and government services.
In addition to the digital identity card, e-residents will also have access to a dedicated online platform, known as the E-Residency Portal, where they can manage their business and personal affairs, connect with other e-residents, and access a wide range of tools and resources to help them succeed in the digital economy.
“Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for e-residents to establish and grow their businesses in Estonia,” said Siim Sikkut, Estonia’s Chief Information Officer. “By providing a secure and user-friendly online platform, we are empowering e-residents to take full advantage of the benefits of digital citizenship.”
The E-Residency 2.0 program is expected to attract a diverse range of participants, including digital nomads, freelancers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners from around the world. By offering passport-less citizenship, Estonia hopes to position itself as a global hub for digital innovation and entrepreneurship, providing e-residents with the tools and resources they need to succeed in the digital economy.
“I was drawn to the e-residency program because of its innovative approach to citizenship,” said Maria, a freelance graphic designer from Spain. “With the new digital identity card, I can now access a wide range of online services and resources that will help me grow my business and connect with other entrepreneurs.”
The launch of the E-Residency 2.0 program comes at a time when the demand for remote work and digital citizenship is on the rise, with more individuals and businesses looking for ways to operate and thrive in the digital economy. By offering passport-less citizenship, Estonia is paving the way for a new era of digital innovation and entrepreneurship, creating a truly digital nation that is open to the world.
“We believe that the E-Residency 2.0 program has the potential to revolutionize the way individuals and businesses operate in the digital economy,” said Kert Kingo. “By offering passport-less citizenship, we are breaking down barriers and opening up new opportunities for e-residents to succeed in the global marketplace. We are excited to see the impact that this program will have on digital innovation and entrepreneurship in Estonia and beyond.”
