ID Card Estonia 2025: application, Smart-ID, photo, price
Official guide to Estonian ID card ✓ e-Estonia digital identity ✓ 25-45 EUR
Last updated: | Next review: August 1, 2025
✓ Official sources: All links go directly to Estonian authorities. e-Estonia is the world's most digital society - 99% of government services online! Estonia leads the digital identity revolution 2025!
🔍 Popular searches: id card application • smart-id signing • e-residency startup • biometric photo requirements • pbgb booking system • selver id card • digital identity blockchain
Complete guide to Estonian ID card 2025. Estonian ID card, Smart-ID digital identity, prices and application process. Especially popular among Silicon Valley entrepreneurs and e-residents. Compare with other EU countries:
Finland (54 EUR),
Sweden (58 EUR),
Latvia (42 EUR),
Germany (37 EUR).
🆕 Update 2025: ID cards can now be collected from Selver stores – cheaper than service bureau! Digital identity coming to EU digital identity wallet 2025 ✨
💡 Insider tip: Avoid Tallinn city center service bureaus. Try Viimsi, Saue or Rakvere services for shorter queues.
"e-Residency changed my life! Managing my Estonian OÜ from San Francisco, paying taxes online, signing contracts with Smart-ID. Mind blowing!"
– Michael, Y Combinator startup founder
ℹ️ Estonian ID Card 2025
Estonian ID card is an official identity document issued by PBGB. Used for identification and travel within EU/Schengen. Contains the world's most advanced digital identity!
Use everywhere - banking, digital signature, e-services
🎯 What you can do?
Digital signing - QES level
Authentication - all e-services
Banking - all Baltic banks
State portal - eesti.ee services
X-Road - full integration
⚡ Benefits vs ID card
No card needed - everything in phone
Fast - no PIN reader
Convenient - works everywhere
Secure - biometric confirmation
Free - no extra fees
🌍 Global recognition: Smart-ID is the world's first mobile identity solution with QES (qualified electronic signature) level. Accepted everywhere in EU!
🚀 Digital services with ID card
🏛️ Government services:
eesti.ee portal
e-tax board
e-health
💰 Banking:
All banks
Cryptocurrency
e-wallets
📋 Business:
Company formation
Digital signatures
e-business register
🎓 Education:
SAIS
eKool
Stuudium
🌐 e-Residency - digital global identity
⚠️ Important info
e-Residency is NOT physical residency or citizenship. It's a digital identity for global business. Physical ID card is only for Estonian citizens.
🚀 100,000+ e-residents worldwide
💼 Starting business in EU
OÜ formation: 15 minutes online
Bank account: Wise, Revolut, LHV
Taxes: 0% corporate income until distribution
VAT number: Sell across EU
Average time: 3-8 weeks
💰 2025 prices
Application: 150 EUR (increased 2025)
Renewal: 150 EUR
OÜ formation: 265 EUR
Virtual office: 25+ EUR/month
ROI: Average 6-12 months
🎯 Who is e-residency for?
💻 Digital nomads: Manage business from anywhere
🚀 Startups: Access to EU market
📱 SaaS companies: Global payments
🎨 Freelancers: Professional business structure
🏢 Consultants: Serve EU clients
🌍 E-commerce: 500M EU consumers
📋 Applying for e-Residency (2025 updates)
1. Online application 📝
Fill form at e-resident.gov.ee. Need passport and motivation.
2. Background check 🔍
3-8 weeks. AI-powered check + manual review.
3. Card collection 🆔
100+ pickup points in 38 countries. Or in Tallinn.
EU citizens in Estonia can get special ID card marked "NOT VALID FOR TRAVEL". Contains fingerprints from age 12. Digital functions same as Estonian ID card.
No - ID card is only for Estonian citizens. Americans need Estonian citizenship first (requires 8+ years residency). Alternative: e-Residency for global digital identity or residence permit card for foreigners living in Estonia.
What's the difference between Smart-ID and Mobile-ID?
Smart-ID: App-based, works on all smartphones, 765k users Mobile-ID: SIM card-based, needs special SIM, 229k users ID card: Physical card with chip, needs reader
Smart-ID is most popular choice due to convenience and wide support.
How long does it take to get ID card?
Standard: 5-10 working days Express order: 2-3 working days (+50 EUR) e-Residency: 3-8 weeks Smart-ID activation: Immediately after registration
Can I travel outside EU with ID card?
No - ID card is valid only within EU/Schengen (30+ countries). For USA, Asia, Africa etc. you need Estonian passport. Note: ID card not valid in UK after Brexit.
What to do if I lose ID card abroad?
Contact nearest Estonian consulate/embassy immediately. They can issue temporary travel document for return journey. Tip: Save ID card copy in cloud before travel.