Hello!
In the last episode of Tek Syndicate Logan mentioned that he wanted to get e-residency in Estonia. So to get things started here, I'll just open this post to all the questions you all might have about this thing.
Just to introduce:
The idea of e-residency is to simplify and make it convenient for foreigners to use estonian digital services. So this is not the same ID card as an Estonian has. With your card you would have recieved an e-resident's digital identity. To read more about it: https://e-estonia.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/eResident_leaflet.pdf
What this basically means is: You can digitally use "Estonian" banks, sign documents, it's easyer to create a business etc.
So who is this for?
Well, businessmen and entrepreneurs mostly. Registering a business is easy. https://e-estonia.com/component/e-business-register/ . e-residency and good internet connection/speeds (and overall the strong focus on technology) are ment to attract more businesses to operate in Estonia. (Because after watching a lot of Tek Syndicate talks about internet in other countries, maaan has it made me proud of the connection here... It's relatively cheap and we get the speeds we are promised (or sometimes more..). No monopolies I guess)
About businesses. there is an article I found (didn't have time to read it yet) about the tax situation. I will add this part later when I have had time to read it and it's clear to me aswell :)
Anyhow, also if you plan travelling to estonia, an ID card might make it easyer to complete some tasks that can be done digitally so you wouldn't need to physically visit offices. Transferring money, signing documents. I mean I might seem like a broken record now already, but I myself really do use these services all the time (Use the ID card).
How do I get one?
"During the beta phase, applications are submitted via Police and Border Guard service points in Estonia. As we move on to the next phase in spring 2015, it will be possible to apply through Estonian embassies and consular offices around the world." - This is one of the sources I found. Other sources say that application in other countries might be possible by the end of 2015.
They will take your fingerprints, photo, and information about your identity. Then they'll check it and if all seems correct you will get your e-ID.
It costs 50 euros...just like my real one did..
What can i do with it?
Like said, create business, open bank accounts etc. But I can't pinpoint every single use for it, I simply don't know all the possible uses. If you are interested I can call and find out. But what can I do with my ID card digitally? Well, here's the list: https://e-estonia.com/components/ It is only logical that an e-resident can't use all of these services... e-voting?..no... But this list includes the services an e-resident might want to use. (and like I said I can call or just search for more info if you have any questions).
They also promise to add more services and make it more attractive for people.
Just a summary (TL:DR):
Bottom line: You wont be needing it if you don't want a business in estonia or don't plan to travel here and use the e-services. Otherwise it's like a pirated e-book, it seems interesting and you download it, but you never read it.
I know this post is sort of messy, but I didn't have enough time to work on it :)
I'll gladly answer any questions you might have (If I can :) ).