Estonian authorities announced on Wednesday that they were suspending the e-residence scheme for Russians and Belarusians amid fears that the program could be used to circumvent sanctions. The decision will be valid until further notice, Estonian media reported, citing his government.
The Baltic country has stressed that it will no longer consider applications from tourists from both countries because of its flagship scheme, which allows owners to open companies and bank accounts, as well as gain access to Estonian public services.
“Consideration of applications for an electronic residence permit from citizens of Belarus or Russia has been suspended, and no decision on the issuance of an electronic residence permit will be made until further notice,” the statement said.
The e-residency program allows citizens of other countries to access several services in Estonia, including banking, business start-ups, payment processing and taxation, but does not grant their owners the right to reside or travel to Estonia.
The former Soviet Estonia is one of the countries that insists on a tough line on both Russia and Belarus in connection with the start of Russia’s war in Ukraine. In this regard, Interior Minister Christian Jaani said that Russians who had previously been granted e-residency would be under increased control.
Following the example of other European countries, the Estonian government also offered its support to Ukrainian citizens. In support, Social Affairs Minister Signe Riisalo said the country could accept 10,000 refugees from Ukraine. To date, the minister said 806 people needed support from the Estonian government, including housing.
The Estonian authorities have announced that a total of 12,488 Ukrainian citizens have arrived in the Baltics so far, including about 4,000 children. According to a report published by the ERR, a total of 3,002 people entered the country in transit to other European countries.
The war in Ukraine has led EU and non-bloc countries to impose sanctions and ban Russian airlines from entering their airspace. In this regard, the Baltic states unanimously banned Russian airlines from flying over their territory, while calling on other countries to take similar measures. In this regard, the Prime Minister of Estonia Kaya Kallas said that Russian aircraft “have no place in the democratic sky.”
For those who care about a healthy lifestyle, we recommend reading: “One banana a day works wonders for eyesight and skin.”