Check card validity
The 'Date of Expiry' is indicated on your digital ID card. Check the validity of the certificates contained in the document chip using the ID software.
is it time to renew your digital id?
Is your e-Residency digital identity card expiring soon? If so, it’s time to apply for a new card so that you can still access Estonia’s e-services. Read on for a step-by-step guide how to renew your card.
Why renew your digital ID?
Benefits of renewing
- Remain an e-resident and an important part of our growing digital community
- Log into Estonian government and private e-services and digitally sign documents
- Manage your Estonian company, submit annual reports, file taxes, and access your business bank account
Prepare in advance
Check obligations
Make sure that your Estonian company has met all of its obligations (annual reports, declaring taxes, and providing all necessary company data).
Submit in advance
Submit your application at least 2-3 months prior to your current ID card expiring.
The steps to renewing your digital ID card
1
You will receive a reminder by e-mail 3 months prior to the date of your document expiry from the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board.
2
Apply for renewal online. The state fee to renew is the same as submitting a new application (€100-120).
Apply for a renewal3
Indicate in your application where you will pick up your digital ID card. Choose from over 40 pickup locations worldwide.
Find your nearest pickup location4
Collect your new card before your old card expires to keep accessing Estonian e-services.
Download Smart-ID for an interim solution
Why Smart-ID?
Before your e-Residency digital ID card expires, download and set up the Smart-ID app.
Smart-ID allows you to continue using Estonian e-services, including logging into the e-Business Register and submitting company annual reports, at least until you receive your new digital ID card.
Note that this service is external to e-Residency, so direct any queries to Smart-ID.
Learn more about Smart-IDApply for e-Residency
Apply Nowfrequently asked questions
What should I mark as the application type?
Submit your renewal application on the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board website. Select “Expiry of document” as the application type.
How long will the renewal of e-Residency process take?
While officially the renewal process can take about the same as a new application (up to 30 days), the Estonian Police and Border Guard are prioritising renewal applications and trying to process and issue them as quickly as possible. They estimate that the average processing time should only be about 10 days as long as your obligations as an e-resident entrepreneur are fulfilled. You can read more in our detailed blog article.
Why is it not possible to create an account in the application environment by authenticating with my currently valid e-resident’s digital ID?
The application process for repeat applicants is currently the same as for first time applicants: you need to create an account, complete the entire application and re-submit all documents.
Unfortunately, the current application environment does not feature an authentication solution, but the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board is working on providing this option in the future.
My passport expired. Do I need to apply for a new e-Residency digital ID?
No. Your e-Residency digital ID is valid for five years and is not dependent on the validity of your identification document. Your identification document needs to be valid when submitting the application and when picking up the e-Residency digital ID.
My data changed. Do I need to apply for a new e-Residency digital ID?
Yes. If your data such as name or citizenship changes, you will need to apply for a new e-Residency digital ID. This will require you to pay the state fee again.
If you know your name will change in the near future we would advise to wait and apply once you have received a new identification document that displays your new name.