verdis e-⁠Residency vs estonian e-⁠Residency

The self-declared but unrecognised micronation of Verdis offers an e-⁠Residency programme. Here’s how it compares with Estonia’s.

E-⁠residency has become a hot topic in recent years, with a number of countries rolling out or planning to offer the programme as they try to attract businesses and founders. While Estonia has been one of the key players in the field since launching its own e-⁠Residency programme in 2014, a more surprising candidate entered the fray in 2023 – Verdis.

This self-declared micronation on disputed land between Croatia and Serbia has created headlines as it attempts to achieve its ambitions of becoming a recognised state. Should you consider Verdis as a legitimate option for founding your business? Or could Estonia be the e-⁠Residency programme that fits your needs?

What is the Free Republic of Verdis?

The Free Republic of Verdis was founded in 2019 by Daniel Jackson, who was at the time a teenager. He claimed a small patch of disputed land for the micronation, between Croatia and Serbia along the Danube river. While Verdis calls itself a sovereign state, no official country recognises it, nor does the United Nations. 

In October 2023, Croatian police dismantled an attempted settlement, detaining then expelling those involved. Verdis now operates as a "government in exile" from the UK, with Jackson permanently banned from entering Croatian territory.

What is Verdis e-⁠Residency?

Verdis started offering an e-⁠Residency programme in 2023. This gives you an e-⁠Resident ID card, access to online forums, and “discounted services”. There are two tiers: Basic, at €29.99 a year, and Plus, at €59.99 a year.

Plus members can apply for citizenship after 11 months. This includes a €300 processing fee which the Verdis website says is not refundable in the case that the application is declined. Applicants must also be willing to potentially relocate to Verdis in the future. Plus members can also join Telegram groups.

Verdis e-⁠Residency does not currently accept business registration. It claims to have more than 4,000 e-⁠residents, but this has not been independently verified.

Verdis e-⁠Residency vs Estonia's e-⁠Residency

Government recognition

Estonia is a recognised nation worldwide, and a member of the European Union.

Verdis is not recognised by any official country, and is also not recognised by the United Nations. It currently does not legally consist of any land mass.

Digital identity and signatures

Estonia's e-Residency digital ID supports Qualified Electronic Signatures, which have  legal standing across the EU.

Verdis's e-⁠Residency ID card is used for identification within the Verdis community and access to events. It carries no legal signature standing.

Company registration

Estonia lets you register a company (OÜ) online in around two hours, for a €265 state fee.

Verdis's business registration is currently closed. When it was open, it offered a digital business name and .vs.land domain.

Banking and business ecosystem

Estonian e-residents have access to established Estonian and EU banks, fintechs such as Wise and Revolut Business, and a Marketplace of vetted service providers.

Verdis has no established banking system. Its main business service is hosting and domains through VerdisHost, a Verdis-linked entity.

Community and use cases

Estonia's e-Residency has attracted over 140,000 e-⁠residents from more than 185 countries, who have founded over 43,000 companies.

Verdis claims to have more than 4,000 e-⁠residents. These are mostly people supporting its nation-building project or pursuing its citizenship pathway, rather than running international businesses.

Where is best for you? Verdis or Estonia

The Verdisian and Estonian e-⁠Residency programmes are two notable and distinct options in this field. Here’s a quick breakdown of which could be best for your needs.

Why join the Verdis e-⁠Residency programme

• You want to support a nation-building project
• You're interested in Verdis's citizenship pathway and are willing to potentially relocate if it ever becomes a legal entity
• You want to join an online community and attend Verdisian events

Why join the Estonian e-⁠Residency programme

• You want to register and run a real, EU-recognised company remotely
• You need a digital ID with legally binding electronic signatures
• You want access to established EU banking and business services
• You want a mature programme with over a decade of track record
• You want access to a community of 140,000+ e-⁠residents

FAQ

Is Verdis recognised by anyone?

No. Verdis is not recognised by any state or the United Nations. It is a self-declared micronation on disputed land between Croatia and Serbia. Its president currently governs "in exile" after Croatian authorities blocked a settlement attempt in 2023.

How do you become a Verdis citizen?

Citizenship is available through the Verdis e-⁠Resident Plus plan. After 11 months, you can apply if two current citizens vouch for you, and you must have stayed active in the forums. A €300 processing fee applies, and this is not refunded if your application is rejected. Verdis also says you can become a citizen through marriage, descent, and by making investments.

Do I need a visa to travel to Verdis?

Verdis is not a recognised state, and has no legal claim to any land. The land it says it claims sits within Croatia's borders, and past attempts to settle there have been blocked by Croatian authorities. Therefore there are no official visas for visiting Verdis, and it is highly impractical to try to do so. If you want to visit the land claimed by Verdis, you would need to do so through Croatian territory.