Estonia ID Card

Estonia ID Card – Complete Guide for 2025

The Estonian ID card is a mandatory, government-issued digital and physical identification document used for legal identity, travel, and e-services in Estonia and across the European Union. Estonia is a world leader in digital governance, and its ID card is central to accessing a wide range of services securely online.

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What Is the Estonia ID Card?

The Estonian ID card (Isikutunnistus) is a smart card issued to:

• Estonian citizens
• Legal residents
• EU/EEA citizens living in Estonia
• Foreign nationals granted e-residency

It serves as both a physical ID and a digital authentication tool.

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Key Features

• Personal information: full name, date of birth, nationality, photo, and ID code
• Electronic chip for digital signing and authentication
• EU-compliant travel document within the Schengen Area
• Mandatory for citizens age 15 and above
• Used for voting, banking, medical services, and tax filings

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Who Can Get an Estonian ID Card?

You are eligible if you are:

• An Estonian citizen (by birth or naturalization)
• A resident with legal permission to live in Estonia
• An EU/EEA national residing in Estonia for more than 3 months
• An approved e-resident (virtual residency)

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Required Documents (For Citizens or Residents)

To apply for or renew an Estonian ID card, you will need:

• Valid passport or prior ID card
• Digital photo (or photo taken at the Police and Border Guard Board office)
• Proof of residence or legal stay
• Completed application form
• Payment of fee

For first-time residents, additional documents such as a residence permit or registration certificate are needed.

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Where to Apply

You can apply:

• In Estonia: At a Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) service point
• Abroad: Through an Estonian embassy or consulate
• Online: For renewals and e-residency-related ID cards

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Cost (as of 2025)

Service	Fee (EUR)
ID Card (standard issue)	€25 – €35
Fast-track (within 5 days)	€45 – €55
e-Residency ID card	€100
Card replacement (lost/stolen)	€30 – €45

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Validity

• Estonian citizens: 5 years
• Residents: Valid as long as the residence permit is valid
• E-residents: 5 years

Renewals should be started 3–6 months before expiration.

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Estonia ID for E-Residents

Estonia offers a unique e-Residency program that allows non-residents to:

• Register and manage an Estonian company remotely
• Access Estonian and EU business banking
• Digitally sign and encrypt documents
• File taxes and invoices online

Note: The e-Residency card is not a travel document or proof of physical residency.

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Uses of the Estonian ID Card

• Travel within the EU/Schengen Zone
• Digital signatures (equivalent to handwritten signatures under EU law)
• Secure logins to online services, including:
  • Banking
  • Tax declarations (e-MTA)
  • e-Health and prescription services
  • e-Voting (Estonian citizens only)
• Access to EU services and cross-border platforms

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Lost or Stolen ID Card

If your ID card is lost or stolen:

1. Report it to PPA immediately
2. Apply for a replacement online or at a service office
3. Disable digital certificates through the ID.ee portal

You may receive a temporary document while your new ID is processed.

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Summary

The Estonian ID card is one of the most advanced national identification documents in the world, providing both physical and digital identification in a secure, efficient system. Whether you’re a citizen, resident, or e-resident, having an Estonian ID card is key to navigating public and private services in Estonia.

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Official Portal: www.politsei.ee
Digital Services Portal: www.id.ee