Estonia’s e-Residency program allows entrepreneurs around the world to start and run an EU-based company entirely online. But like any official identity document, your e-Residency digital ID card has an expiration date. If you’re an e-resident managing an Estonian company, renewing your digital ID is essential to maintain access to Estonia’s secure digital services, including the Business Register, annual report filing, and digital signature tools.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the renewal process, explain what to prepare, and highlight how to keep your Estonian company compliant during the transition.
Why your digital ID matters for company management in Estonia
Your e-Residency digital ID is the key to accessing Estonia’s digital infrastructure. It allows you to:
- Log into the Estonian Business Register
- Submit your annual report
- Digitally sign contracts and board resolutions
- Access accounting platforms and tax portals
- Register changes to your company’s structure or data
Without a valid digital ID, you lose access to these services. That’s why it’s critical to renew your card before it expires.
When and how to renew your e-Residency digital ID
Your digital ID is valid for five years from the date of issue. Starting three months before expiration, the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board (PBGB) will send you a reminder email to the address you used in your original application.
Recommended Timeline
Submit your renewal application 2–3 months before expiration to avoid service interruptions. You must collect your new card before your current one expires to maintain uninterrupted access.
Step-by-Step: Renewing your digital ID in Estonia
1. Check Your Company’s Compliance
Before applying for renewal, make sure your Estonian company is in good standing:
- Annual reports must be submitted
- Corporate taxes must be declared (if your company is tax resident in Estonia)
- Company data in the Business Register must be up to date
- No tax debts or unresolved obligations
Failure to meet these requirements may result in your renewal application being rejected.
2. Log Into the Application Environment
Since March 2024, e-residents with a valid digital ID or Smart-ID can log into the renewal portal directly. Some fields will be pre-filled based on your original application, saving time and reducing errors.
If you cannot use your current digital ID or Smart-ID, you’ll need to create a new account using your email and proceed with the renewal manually.
3. Submit Your Renewal Application
Select “Expiry of document” as the application type. The renewal process is similar to your first application, and the state fee remains the same.
What happens after approval
Once your renewal is approved, your new digital ID card will be printed and shipped to the pickup location you selected during the application. You’ll receive an email notification when your card is ready for collection.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
- The same passport or ID card used in your application
- If your document has expired, bring both the old and new one
- Legal right to enter the country where your pickup location is based
You must collect your card in person. Estonian law requires biometric data (fingerprints) to be collected at the time of issuance.
Where to collect your card
You can choose from:
- Estonian embassies
- Mobile pickup missions organized periodically by PBGB
- Government-authorized pickup points equipped for biometric data collection
Changing your pickup location is possible but may delay delivery and incur a fee. Cards must be collected within 6 months of arrival or they will be destroyed.
What’s in your e-Residency kit
At your appointment, you’ll receive:
- Your new digital ID card
- A USB smart card reader
- A security code envelope
- A one-pager with essential instructions
This kit enables you to resume digital operations immediately: signing documents, accessing portals, and managing your Estonian company.
Keep your company active during renewal
If your digital ID expires before you collect the new one, you may temporarily lose access to:
- The Business Register
- Annual report submission
- Digital signing tools
- Tax declarations
To avoid this, renew early and ensure your company is compliant. If you’re using Unicount’s services, our team can help monitor deadlines and assist with taxes filings.
Ready to renew and keep your business running?
Estonia’s e-Residency makes it easy to manage your company remotely but only if your digital ID is valid. Renew early, stay compliant, and keep your Estonian business active with support from Unicount.
