Why are so many digital nomads becoming “e-Residents” of Estonia? | Hacker News Reader

Why are so many digital nomads becoming “e-Residents” of Estonia?

blog.leapin.eu

52 pointsreimertz7 comments

We stayed in Tallinn, Estonia w/ Hacker Paradise for a month in the summer of 2015.

Great experience - the tech scene there welcomed us with open arms. Got to meet some cool ex-Skype execs, and even did a fireside chat w/ the CIO of the country.

Would definitely recommend it as an up and coming tech city.

We wrote up our discussion with the Taavi, the CIO, here if you're interested -- it was fascinating to hear about how much more advanced they are technologically compared to other nations due to the young relative age of their country: http://www.hackerparadise.org/blog/2015/06/17/welcome-to-e-s...

I'd like to hear from others in the EU who have gone this route. What are the pros, what are the cons, and is it possible to base yourself in another EU country and conduct all your business through this?

I don't know much about it, but the answer to your last question definitely seems to be yes.

I believe Estonia is unique in offering this around the world. Once they get the banking up and running then its getting interesting. They have been considering allowing English in courts/dealing with government as well, but I don't think this has materialized yet as a law.

Can someone explain the following below to me:

Unless you're taking up actual residency there, I don't see what the appeal is? Does e-residency equal residency for tax purposes?

If you're going for low taxes, there also are alternatives in the EU that offer lower taxes. Aside from that, what's the point?

As a sometime digital nomad, this appeals to me in particular after Brexit. With the way the pound is yo-yoing and the likelihood of increased friction of doing business in Europe if you're a UK citizen, this seems like a good move.

Not a personal tax residency, therefore Estonia's E-Residency is not more than a marketing stunt.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com