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e-Identity

All Estonians, no matter where they happen to live, have a state-issued digital identity. This electronic identity system, called eID, has existed for 20 years and is the cornerstone of the country’s e-state. e-ID and the ecosystem around it is part of any citizen’s daily transactions in the public and private sectors. People use their e-IDs to pay bills, vote online, sign contracts, shop, access their health information, and much more.

Estonians can use their e-ID via state-issued identity or ID-card, using Mobile-ID on their smartphones, or the application Smart-ID. Holders of a digital identity need not be Estonian residents anymore however. Since 2014, Estonia has also offered a program called e-Residency for anyone who wishes to become an e-resident of Estonia and access its diverse digital services, regardless of citizenship or location.

 

ID-card

Estonia has by far the most highly-developed national ID-card system in the world. Much more than just a legal photo ID, the mandatory national card also provides digital access to all of Estonia’s secure e-services.

The chip on the card carries embedded files, and using 384-bit ECC public key encryption, it can be used as definitive proof of ID in an electronic environment.

  • for digital signatures
  • for i-Voting
  • to check medical records, submit tax claims, etc.
  • to use e-Prescriptions

To learn more about the ID-card, visit its webpage.
Find out, what are the costs on signing contracts in your organisation

99%

of Estonian residents have ID card

1,1B

Digital signatures given so far

5

Days per year saved with digital signature

Here are some examples of how it is regularly used in Estonia:

  • as a legal travel ID for Estonian citizens travelling within the EU
  • as a national health insurance card
  • as proof of identification when logging into bank accounts
  • for digital signatures
  • for i-Voting
  • to check medical records, submit tax claims, etc.
  • to use the e-Prescription service

Developers of e-Identity:

 

Other solutions & services

e-Identity

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Cyber security

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Interoperability services

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Healthcare

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e-Governance

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Smart city and mobility

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Ease of doing business

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Education and research

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Contact

Visit us physically or virtually

We host impactful events both in our centre and online for government institutions, companies, and media. You’ll get an overview of e-Estonia’s best practices and build links to leading IT-service providers and state experts to support your digitalisation plans.

Book here

Questions? Have a chat with us.

Call us: +372 6273157 (business hours only)
E-mail:
Media:

Contacts

Find us

The Briefing Centre is conveniently located just 2 minutes drive from the airport and 7 minutes drive from the city centre.

You will find us on a ground floor of Valukoja 8, central entrance behind the statue of Mr Ernst Julius Öpik. Photo of the central entrance.

Valukoja 8
11415 Tallinn, Estonia

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