{"article":{"id":4575271559441,"url":"https://e-residency.zendesk.com/api/v2/help_center/en-gb/articles/4575271559441.json","html_url":"https://learn.e-resident.gov.ee/hc/en-gb/articles/4575271559441-Restrictions-on-e-Residency-applications","author_id":372132811298,"comments_disabled":true,"draft":false,"promoted":false,"position":1,"vote_sum":17,"vote_count":103,"section_id":35198087119889,"created_at":"2022-03-04T13:16:04Z","updated_at":"2026-06-24T12:05:43Z","name":"Restrictions on e-Residency applications","title":"Restrictions on e-Residency applications","source_locale":"en-gb","locale":"en-gb","outdated":false,"outdated_locales":[],"edited_at":"2026-01-08T10:09:09Z","user_segment_id":null,"permission_group_id":44069,"content_tag_ids":[],"label_names":["eligibility","FATF","AML","citizeship","banking restrictions"],"body":"

Estonia welcomes applicants from around the world who want to use e-Residency to start and manage businesses online. To keep the programme secure, trustworthy, and compliant with international rules, there are some restrictions based on citizenship. 

These restrictions exist to protect Estonia's digital environment, to meet international cooperation standards, and to make sure that e-Residency remains reliable for entrepreneurs worldwide.

 

Citizenship-based restrictions

Estonia does not accept e-Residency applications from citizens of certain countries that do not have a cooperation framework with Estonia.

Applications are not reviewed from citizens of the following countries:

Exceptions

Applications from citizens of these countries may still be reviewed if at least one of the following applies: 

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  1. The applicant has lived in a European Economic Area (EEA) Member State, the United Kingdom, or the Swiss Confederation for at least three consecutive years immediately before submitting the application for the e-resident's digital ID and holds a valid residence permit from that country.
    2. \n
  2. The applicant has permanent economic activity in Estonia and has met all obligations related to it.
    3. \n
  3. The applicant has previously been issued an e-resident's digital ID card and it has used it for its intended purpose.
    4. \n
  4. The applicant is an employee of an Estonian embassy, an Estonian Honorary Consul, or a contracted export advisor of the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency (Enterprise Estonia). 
    5. \n

NB

These restrictions do not affect current e-residents who are citizens of the listed countries. Already issued e-resident digital IDs remain valid until the end of their validity period. 

 

Restrictions for citizens of Russia and Belarus

As part of EU sanctions following Russia's war of agression against Ukraine, Estonian government decided to impose following restrictions: 

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  1. The applicant has previously been issued an e-resident's digital ID and has collected it.
    2. \n
  2. The applicant has permanent economic activity in Estonia and fulfils all obligations related to this activity. 
    3. \n

NB

 

Access to banking and business services

Banks, fintechs, and business service providers carry out their own risk assessments as part of their KYC/AML compliance obligations.  

This means

E-Residency as a government programme cannot  intervene in the risk assessments, KYC, or AML processes of banks, fintechs, or other business service providers. 

What you can do

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Have questions?

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\n The Estonian Police and Border Guard Board reviews e-Residency applications.\n Visit their\n website for more information\n and answers to common questions. If you have questions, please contact\n the\n Estonian Police and Border Guard.\n

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Related resources

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\n Estonian Police and Border Guard Board website\n

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\n EU restrictive measures \n

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\n List of legitimate news sources\n

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