Everything you need to operate online is provided in your e-Residency kit - your e-resident digital ID card, a USB smart card reader and your PIN codes in the Security code envelope.
If you are not yet an e-resident, learn how to apply. If you have picked up your e-Residency kit, Welcome!
The 3 basic steps
1. Verify your card is active by entering your digital ID card document number into Police and Border Guard Board Document Validity Check.
2. Install the digital ID software: Windows or MacOS
3. Insert your card into your card reader and connect the reader to your computer. You are now ready to use your digital ID card to access e-services and establish a company online.
Set up email forwarding from your eesti.ee mailbox
With your e-Residency digital ID card, you will receive your very own @eesti.ee email address. Add your preferred contact details for forwarding notifications from your eesti.ee mailbox.
This is essential for receiving important updates from the Estonian state and also serves as a backup method to revoke your certificates in case you lose your card.
To set up email forwarding, go to the Estonian State Portal.
1) Log into self-service by choosing ID-card as authentication method
2) Choose Mailbox from the menu on the left and add your preferred contact details.
3) Fill in the field “Enter an email address” with your email address and click “Confirm”. An activation code will be sent to the email you entered.
If you have any trouble setting up the eesti.ee email address, contact help@ria.ee.
Make sure you update the forwarding settings if your personal email address changes. To do this, you will need to log into the eesti.ee portal and edit your mailbox settings.
4) You can also enter your phone number. Upon clicking "Confirm" you will receive an sms with activation code. Enter it to activate forwarding also to your phone,
Think ahead - Enable digital signing on your phone
If you often manage your business affairs from your phone, you will likely benefit from the ability to sign documents on your phone as well.
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Install the latest version (2.7.0) of the DigiDoc mobile application in the App Store or in Google Play.
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Open the app
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Choose the file you wish to sign
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Select NFC as the signing option
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Hold your digital ID card near your phone. (Note - this may take a moment, please be patient.)
Important: E-resident's digital ID card does not display a photo. You can find your six-digit CAN number in the bottom right corner on the front of your card.
Friendly reminder
- Keep your PIN codes safe and do not lose them. You cannot get new ones online.
- To continue using your card without interruption, download any updates offered by your operating system, security software, web browsers and the ID software.
- If your contact details change, renew them also on eesti.ee Mailbox.
Practical tips
Check out ID card instructions on different ways you can digitally sign or encrypt documents!
If you encounter issues using your digital signature, the most common reason is that your browser’s digital signing plugins need to be updated. Instructions to properly enable digital signing plugins in your browser can be found at ID card help centre.
E-services commonly used by e-residents
Below is a list of the most commonly used Estonian government e-services. Visit our Marketplace for a collection of services that will enable you to make the most of your digital ID.
| State Portal | Log in to see and manage your personal information |
| E-Residency Marketplace | Some service providers have integrated e-Residency digital ID log in on their websites |
| e-Business Register | Register your company online an manage your business information |
| e-Financials | Web-based public accounting software |
| e-Tax/e-Customs | Submit relevant documentation to the Estonian Tax and Customs Board |
| e-Notary | Buy, sell or pledge shares of your Estonian company, authenticate powers of attorney |
| e-apostille | Use e-apostille when you need your company formation documents apostilled |
Troubleshooting
Check the validity of your certificates on the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board (PBGB) site.
If the certificates are not activated within 24 hours, contact the issuing authority, PBGB, at ppa@politsei.ee. Be sure to provide your full name, date of birth and document number.
While the software is open, verify your PIN codes are not blocked. If PIN1 or PIN2 have been blocked, you can unblock them using your PUK code. Here are the instructions.
Next, determine if the problem is only occurring for one e-service or all e-services. Try to log into the State Portal, Company Registration Portal or any other e-service portal.
If the issue only occurs with certain websites and you are using macOS, it is possible macOS has cached a broken session and logging in via your digital ID card will not work. You can find a solution at ID help website. If you do not use macOS and still encounter a problem, please contact the site webmaster to inquire about the issue.
If the problem occurs on many sites, please contact the ID card help center using an online support form.
In order to suspend your certificates, you will need to confirm your identity by providing your full name, date of birth and/or personal identification code.
To receive a new document, you will need to reapply for e-Residency. You can apply at the application environment.
The state fee to replace the card is the same as applying for a new document and you will need to once again visit a pickup location.
If you entered the PUK code incorrectly three times in a row, this will be locked too. It is not possible to unblock a PUK code remotely.
In order to continue using your digital ID card, you will need to order a new code envelope from the Police and Border Guard Board or at the foreign representation of the Republic of Estonia as described above.
ID Software user support
The ID software support team (run by the Estonian Information System Authority) assists both e-residents and Estonian residents with technical issues related digital ID usage.
Find help articles, video tutorials, troubleshooting guides, and downloads at their website. You can also contact the ID card support by phone at (+372) 666 8888 or through an online form on their website. ID card helpline works Monday to Friday, 8:00 - 19:00 EET.