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e-Governance

e-Governance in Estonia: 100% Digital, 100% Trusted

In Estonia, 100% of public services are available online 24/7. This seamless accessibility is made possible by a secure and citizen-centric digital ecosystem, where transparency, efficiency, and trust are the cornerstones.

Thanks to e-Governance, Estonia saves over 1,400 years of working time annually and provides a hassle-free environment for businesses and residents alike.

The Pillars of Estonian e-Governance

  • Digital Identity
    Every resident has a secure digital ID, enabling access to all state services with a few clicks.

  • Secure Data Exchange (X-Road)
    Government institutions share data securely through a decentralized system, eliminating silos and duplication.

  • High-Quality Databases
    Centralized, real-time registries enable data accuracy and seamless service delivery.

Transparent, Efficient, and Inclusive

Estonia’s approach to e-Governance combines:

  • e-Administration – efficient internal government operations

  • e-Services – accessible, user-friendly digital services

  • e-Participation – tools for citizen engagement in policymaking

Proactive and Invisible Services

Estonia follows the “once-only” principle: citizens provide their data just once, and government agencies re-use it securely. The next step is proactive services—where the government initiates service delivery based on existing data, without waiting for a citizen’s request.

Privacy and Trust

Estonian citizens have full transparency over who accesses their data. Strong legal frameworks and technologies such as KSI Blockchain ensure data integrity and trust, making Estonia’s digital society one of the most secure in the world.

e-Democracy & open data

Internet voting (i-Voting) is a unique solution that conveniently engages citizens in the governance process. This system allows voters to cast their ballots from any internet-connected computer anywhere in the world. During a designated pre-voting period, the voter logs into the system using their government-issued e-ID and casts a ballot. The voter’s identity is removed from the ballot before it reaches the National Electoral Commission for counting, thereby ensuring anonymity.

Since 2017, 16- and 17-year-old citizens have been eligible to vote in local elections. And historically, no less than 36% — and sometimes nearly 64% — of eligible voters participate in the i-Voting system.

e-Democracy supports and enhances democratic processes and institutions through this technology. It offers citizens the opportunity to participate in the political process as a vital part of the development of e-Governance.

 

51,1%

Estonians use i-Voting

since 2005

Estonia uses i-Voting

#6

The Open Data Maturity Report

Estonia’s e-Democracy tools include:

  • EIS – platform for public consultation on all draft laws.
  • VOLIS – an online decision-making platform for local authorities.
  • Rahvaalgatus.ee – a portal that enables citizens to compose and send collective initiatives to the Estonian Parliament.
  • e-Election system by Helmes

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.

Questions? Have a chat with us.

E-mail:
Media:
Call us: +372 6273157 (Monday to Friday, 9:00-16:30 Estonian time)
Regarding e-Residency, visit their official webpage.

Find us

The Briefing Centre is conveniently located just a 2-minute drive from the airport and around 10- to 15-minute drive from the city centre.

You will find us on the ground floor of Valukoja 8, at the central entrance behind the statue of Mr Ernst Julius Öpik. We will meet the delegation at the building’s reception. Kindly note that a booking is required to visit us.

Valukoja 8
11415 Tallinn, Estonia