This article explains how to collect your e-Residency digital ID card after approval, what to bring to your pickup appointment, and what to expect. It applies to both first-time applicants and renewing e-residents.
Once your application for e-Residency has been approved, your new e-Residency digital ID card will be printed by the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board (PBGB) and shipped to the pickup location you selected during your application.
Receiving updates on your e-Residency digital ID card delivery
You’ll receive an email from your chosen pickup location once your digital ID card is ready for collection. This typically happens within 2–5 weeks after your application is approved by the PBGB unless you have selected a mobile pickup point. Check your inbox regularly, including spam or junk folders to make sure you don’t miss any important updates.
If you gave consent in your application to share your contact details with the e-Residency team, you’ll also receive login details for the My e-Residency, where you can track your card’s delivery status online.
Already an e-resident
If you’re renewing your e-Residency digital ID card, the process is very similar to when you first received your card.
What to bring when collecting your card
Before collecting your card, please ensure you have
- An appointment - you can book an appointment only once your pickup location informs you via email that your card has arrived.
- The same passport or ID card you used when applying for e-Residency.
- If that document has expired, bring both the expired and currently valid one.
- Legal right to enter the country where your pickup location is based.
- The e-Residency digital ID does not grant entry rights, so check visa requirements and secure any necessary travel documents in advance if required.
You must collect your card in person. It can’t be shipped to a home address or collected by someone else.
Why collection must be in person
Estonian law requires that biometric data (fingerprints) is collected when issuing identity documents. This helps:
- Verify your identity securely
- Prevent identity fraud
- Ensure compliance with Estonian and EU digital ID standards
This process helps ensure that the Estonian digital identity ecosystem continues to be secure and trusted by users around the world.
Where can you collect your card
You will need to choose the pickup location when you submit and application for the e-Residency digital ID card. You can browse available pickup locations. These include:
- Estonian embassies
- Mobile pickup missions organised periodically by the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board and selected embassies
Only government-authorised entities can issue Estonian digital ID cards. This means you can only collect your card at embassies or official mobile pickup points that are equipped to take biometric data. Private organisations or companies cannot issue or distribute these IDs.
How mobile pickup missions work
Mobile pickup points are temporary missions organised at select locations and dates. They allow you to collect your digital ID card even if there’s no Estonian embassy nearby.
You will be informed in advance about upcoming mobile missions so you can plan your appointment with the consular official. These events happen periodically - at least four times a year - and only on specific dates.
Can't find suitable appointment
If no convenient appointment is available on the online booking system, contact your selected pickup location directly to check for more options.
Can I change my pickup location?
Yes, in most cases you can, but this is not encouraged. Changing your location will delay your card’s arrival and incur a fee. Also, please note that changing your pickup location won’t extend the 6-month collection period.
If you need to make the change, read our article Pickup locations + FAQ for guidance.
What to expect at your collection appointment
At your appointment, you’ll meet with an authorised official, such as an Estonian consul or a PBGB officer. They will verify your identity by checking your identity document and confirming your personal details. Your fingerprints will be taken, and the official may ask a few questions about how you plan to use your e-Residency digital ID card.
The process is quick and straightforward. You’ll receive your e-Residency Kit, which includes
- your digital ID card
- a USB smart card reader
- a security code envelope
- a one-pager with essential instructions.
You have all the instructions needed to start using your e-Residency card printed on your Kit and one-pager.
How long do you have to collect your card
Your card will be held at the pickup location for 6 months from its arrival date. If it is not collected within this time, it will be returned to Estonia and destroyed as required by law.
If you can’t make it within 6 months, contact your pickup location as early as possible to request an extension. Extensions are not guaranteed and depend on the pickup location’s capacity.