Estonia awards contract for e-Residency remote biometrics capturing tech to X Infotech
Estonia is moving closer to a fully digital process for its highly successful e-Residency program. The nation has awarded a contract to Latvia-based X Infotech to develop technology capable of remotely capturing biometric data – facial images and fingerprints – from applicants using only a smartphone. This shift aims to streamline the application process, currently requiring in-person visits to Estonian embassies or government offices.
Expanding Digital Access
Estonia’s e-Residency program, launched to provide foreign nationals with access to European markets, allows individuals to establish and manage businesses remotely, including banking, payment processing, and taxation. Currently, applicants complete an online form and submit a passport scan and photograph as part of the pre-screening process. However, final verification requires a physical visit for biometric data collection and a digital ID smart card.
A Secure and Convenient Future
According to Anita Preinvalts, Senior Commissioner of the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) Identity and Status Bureau, the new technology will eliminate the need for in-person biometric appointments for e-Residents. “This means that e-residents no longer have to go to the Estonian embassy to have their biometrics taken. If everything works, we can expand this solution to other applicants for identity documents in the future,” she stated.
X Infotech will develop an application that securely captures biometric data and verifies the authenticity of submitted documents. The solution must adhere to the stringent security requirements outlined in the EU’s eIDAS regulation. The framework agreement for this project is valued at up to 3 million euros (US$3.5 million) and will span 48 months.
A Competitive Selection Process
The contract was awarded following a competitive dialogue process initiated by the IT and Development Centre at the Estonian Ministry of the Interior (SMIT) in 2024, which involved evaluating solutions from 12 different companies. Kaija Kirch, head of the Identity Services Department at SMIT, emphasized the uniqueness of the project: “What makes the procured service unique is that the verification of the authenticity and validity of the document, taking a photo and providing fingerprints must work together in one service.”
X Infotech’s Sales Director, Einars Leps, described the project as “a new generation of biometric solutions, where advanced algorithms and mobile technology will transform the way users can securely verify their identity anywhere in the world.”
Economic Implications
The e-Residency program has already generated an estimated economic impact of 400 million euros ($468.9 million). Liina Vahtras, head of the e-Residency program, predicts that the new card-free solution could increase the creation of Estonian companies by at least 20 percent, potentially generating an additional 3-9 million euros ($3.5-10.5 million) in annual tax revenue for the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Estonia’s e-Residency program?
Estonia’s e-Residency program allows foreign nationals access to services such as company formation, banking, payment processing and taxation.
What biometric data will be collected?
Facial images and fingerprints will be collected remotely through a smartphone application.
How long will it take to implement this new technology?
The framework agreement with X Infotech lasts 48 months, with the technology expected to be operational starting in 2027.
As Estonia pioneers this remote biometric enrollment process, will other nations follow suit to simplify and secure their own digital identity programs?