Estonian E-Residency forums

I have been wondering about this for a while, so I decided to ask e-residency support at https://e-residency.zendesk.com. Here's the response I got:

We are very happy that you are interested in our program.

The certificates of the document are valid for 3 years. After that period, if you wish to continue using e-services, you would have to apply for a new document. The application process will be the same as when you first applied (including paying the State fee). The online application is available here: https://e-estonia.com/e-residents/apply/

The state fee of 100 euros is paid for the processing of the application according to State Fees Act § 272 (8). The full text of Act is available at https://www.riigiteataja.ee/en/eli/ee/5 ... de/current

I hope this answered your question.

To summarise, you have to follow the same steps as if you're applying for a new card. It would have been much nicer if you could simply extend the validity instead of having to go through the application process all over again, but it is what it is. I also think this information is something that should have been in the FAQ from the beginning.

So, how does everyone feel about this? Will you renew your e-residency when it expires?

So if I went to the trouble of setting up a business in Estonia there would still be a risk my e-residency might be terminated.

Yes, looks like it. The certificates are valid up till the expiry date indicated on your e-residency card, and you will have to renew your e-residency in order to extend your certificate validity.

I've just put in my application to renew and expiring card. You need to apply 2 months in advance and should supply reasonable evidence again (my passport has changed and I added evidence of my registered OU in Estonia).

I will try to keep you updated on the process as I progress.