Electronic residence in Estonia

8.12.2014

Question for written answer E-010376-14
to the Commission
Rule 130
Marc Joulaud (PPE)

As from 1 December 2014, anyone will be able to apply for electronic residence in Estonia. In exchange for their biometric data and EUR 50, e-residents will be given secure online access to certain administrative and commercial services, which will enable them, for example, to sign documents and register or manage companies online.

The card e-residents will be issued with is not a residence permit and cannot be used as ID; it is recognised by the Member States, however, and holders will be required to provide biometric data, as if they were in fact applying for an identity document.

Estonia, a country with an actual population of 1.3 million, estimates that it could have some 10 million e-residents by 2025.

Can the Commission clarify whether, as a result of being granted an electronic residence permit by Estonia, non-Europeans will enjoy rights or privileges (protection of personal data, free movement, etc.), or, conversely, whether they will be subject to obligations under EC law?