Palau Digital Residency Application: Complete 10-Minute Guide
Step-by-step guide to applying for Palau Digital Residency - required documents, KYC video tips, payment options, and timeline.
Goal: Fill out the RNS.ID application, clear KYC, and get your tracking number — all in under ten minutes of active work. (Government review still takes 24–72 h, but you’ll be sipping coffee long before then.)
Required Documents & Prep Checklist
- ✔️ Valid passport (photo page, unreadable glare-free scan)
- ✔️ Square photo 600×600 px or larger (JPG/PNG)
- ✔️ Smartphone or laptop with front camera for liveness selfie
- ✔️ Credit/debit card or crypto wallet (USDT, USDC, BTC, ETH)
- ✔️ Clean criminal record (self‑declared; serious offenses trigger manual review)
The 10‑Minute Application Flow
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1. Create account · 1 min
Go to rns.id, click “Apply for Palau ID”, and register with email + password. Confirm via the one‑time code sent to your inbox.
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2. Choose validity · 30 sec
Select 1 yr (US$248), 5 yrs (US$1,039), or 10 yrs (US$2,039). The fee covers printing + global DHL shipping.
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3. Upload passport scan · 1 min
Drag‑and‑drop the photo page. The system auto‑detects MRZ lines; re‑crop if needed.
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4. Selfie & liveness check · 2 min
Follow the on‑screen circle to turn your head. Avoid hats, glasses, or harsh back‑lighting. Blink naturally to pass the anti‑spoof AI.
Pro tip: Hold phone at eye‑level, arm’s length. A low angle often fails the “nose occlusion” filter.
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5. Watch & record the KYC video prompt · 2 min
Repeat the on‑screen numbers — e.g., “Five Six Two” — to prove liveness & consent. If the video freezes, reload; the partial upload is saved.
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6. Pay & submit · 1 min
Pay with Visa/Mastercard (processed by Stripe) or send crypto to the one‑time address displayed. Crypto confirmations auto‑link within minutes.
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7. Sit back — review & shipping
Automated checks run 15–20 min. Human review: 24–72 h. Once approved, your card prints in 7–14 business days and ships DHL express. You’ll get a tracking link via email.
Payment Options at a Glance
| Method | Accepted Currencies | Speed | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit/Debit Card | USD, EUR, many others | Instant | Use 3‑D Secure‑enabled cards to avoid declines |
| Stablecoins | USDT, USDC (ERC‑20 & TRC‑20) | ≤ 5 min | Send exact amount incl. gas; overpay = refund delay |
| Major Crypto | BTC, ETH | 10‑60 min (network) | Higher network fees; double‑check memo fields |
| Bank Wire | USD | 1–3 days | Request invoice from support; include reference code |
KYC Video Tips for a One‑Shot Pass
- Speak slowly and clearly; mumbling triggers a redo.
- Use neutral lighting (facing a window). Back‑lighting = silhouette fail.
- Hold phone steady; shaky cams blur facial points.
- If in a noisy café, plug in earbuds — microphone matters.
- Dress casual‑neutral; brand logos sometimes confuse OCR.
Next Steps
Bookmark your RNS dashboard to watch the status change from “Verification in progress” → “Government Review” → “Approved”. Once DHL tracking arrives, set shipping alerts so the driver doesn’t miss you.
Need extra help? Jump into the RNS Discord or email [email protected] — live agents respond within 24 hours.
