Questions and Answers for e-Residency in Japan

May 10, 2018 
Japan & Estonia EU Association for Digital Society (JEEADiS)

As of April 2018, we announce answers to the questions about e-Residency that we received from our website etc. When preparing the answers, we gained the cooperation of the Estonian e-Residency team and the Embassy of the Republic of Estonia in Japan.
We hope for the ever-increasing development of the e-Residency Program and success in Japan and aim to realize a digital society that can contribute to the happiness of more people.

Question: upload photo image

I have been applying for e-residency many times, but my photos were not accepted. What should I do ? 

The data of the face photograph must fulfill various requirements such as file format, size, resolution, face orientation, background color, sharpness / focus, precautions when wearing eyeglasses and the photo must be taken within the last 6 months. This information is specified on the application page. 

Application for e-Residency

If you meet the specified requirements, also self-portraits taken by smartphones will be accepted. But it is important to note that the maximum file size is 1.3 MB. Since the camera function of modern smartphones has been improved, it is common that the size of photo data taken with smartphones is 1.3 MB or more. When applying, please make the file size within 1.3MB by compression processing etc.

​Question: copy of the identification document

Asked to send a copy of passport at the time of applying for the e-residency, but I do not have a passport. Is it okay with other identification documents (eg Japanese driver's license, My number card)?

The identification documents accepted by the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board are passport and European Union identity card. Other documents are not accepted when applying for the e-resident’s digital ID. The copy of your document must be in color and the data must be readable.​

Question: payment of fee

​Even if using the designated credit card, I can not pay the fee due to an error. What should I do?​

​As of April 2018, the fee for e-residency application is 100 euros. Even if the application is rejected, it will not be refunded. Payment should be made by credit card as a rule. You will need a VISA or Mastercard credit card.

It is reported that payment is denied even though the credit card you are using is VISA or Mastercard. There seems to be a case where payment is refused if you have restrictions on overseas payment on your credit card or payment bank account. Please refer to the credit card company or bank you are using for how to change payment restrictions.

Alternatively you can also submit the application by email. In that case you will need to submit the application directly to the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board and you can pay the State fee by bank transfer. Contacts, list of required documentation and bank credentials are available on the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board website.
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Estonian Police and Border Guard Board: Application for e-resident’s digital identity card

Question: notification and contact after application

​​I applied for e-residency but I have not heard anything. Do you have e-mail notification as soon as you apply?​

​If the online payment of the fee is completed and the application completion screen "Your application has been submitted!" is displayed, you will receive an email confirming application within days. All subsequent communication will also be done by e-mail.

If you have not received any e-mail contacts within few weeks, it may be that the payment of the fee or the application has not been completed. In this case however, you would not be directed to the application completion screen "Your application has been submitted!"
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Please be aware that email about e-residency application may be caught by spam filters. Since the contact email is written in English, Estonian and Russian, if you are using the Japanese version of Gmail, it may be overlooked as spam mail. If application reception email does not arrive after 2-3 days, please check whether it is treated as spam.

Question: pick-up location and valid period

I live in rural areas and I have no chance to go to Tokyo. Is it only the Estonian Embassy in Tokyo where I can receive e-residency card? Is there a valid period of card receipt?

In order to receive ID cards in Japan, the applicant himself must appear at the Estonian Embassy in Tokyo and receive the card. For designation and change of the receiving place, please contact the department in charge of Estonia (Police and Border Guard Board) and the Estonian embassy in Japan. Please note that additional State fee will apply for this service.
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When the card is issued successfully, you will receive an email from the Embassy of Estonia with the instructions for scheduling a pickup time. Applicant must pick up the e-Residency digi-ID within 6 months once it has arrived to the embassy. 

​Question: card receipt for overseas resident

Currently living abroad, there is no Embassy of Estonia in that country. Do I need a visa to receive an ID card at the Estonian embassy in the nearest country?

For Japanese, most countries do not need a visa for short-term stay to receive e-residency ID card. However, it is not assured. Please contact the Embassy / Consulate General of each countries to confirm. Please remember, that e-Residency digi-ID can be issued only at the embassies and pickup locations listed on the application page. 

Application for e-Residency

Those who have never visited Estonia, please visit Estonia once and experience the splendor of Estonia.

Caution
When you receive your ID card in any country, please specify the receipt date and time with online reservation and do not be late for the reservation time. If you do not keep the reservation time, you may not be able to receive the card on that day.

​Question: required English ability at interview

I got permission on e-residency and received email that my ID card arrived at the embassy. How much English ability is required when receiving an ID card at the Embassy?

​When receiving an ID card at the embassy, you need a minimum English proficiency. I think that there is no particular problem if you have Eiken grade 2 to 3. Those who are not good at English conversation, please tell so to the person in charge of the embassy. People who can not speak English are encouraged to take a person who can speak English as an interpreter.