Does digital residency give me citizenship?

No. Digital residency is not citizenship and does not provide voting rights, a passport, or the right to live in the issuing country.

Can I travel with a digital residency ID?

A digital residency ID is not a travel document. You still need your passport for international travel.

Which countries offer digital residency?

Several countries offer digital residency programs, including Palau, Estonia (e-Residency), and others with varying benefits and requirements.

Digital Identity

Digital Residency

Understanding digital residency programs, benefits, and how they compare to traditional residency and citizenship.

What is Digital Residency?

Digital residency is a government-issued digital identity status that provides certain benefits and services without requiring physical relocation. Unlike traditional residency, which requires you to live in a country, digital residency exists entirely online.

The concept gained prominence with Estonia's e-Residency program (launched 2014), which allows anyone to start and manage an EU-based company remotely. Since then, other countries have launched their own programs, including the Republic of Palau (2022), which focuses on digital identity and crypto applications.

What Digital Residency Is Not

Not citizenship: You don't become a citizen or get voting rights
Not physical residency: You don't have the right to live there
Not a passport: You can't use it for international travel
Not a tax loophole: You remain tax resident in your home country

What Digital Residency Can Provide

Government-issued identification document
Digital identity for online services and verification
Business formation capabilities (varies by program)
Banking access (varies by program)
Tax benefits on income from the issuing country (not your home country)