Estonia´s Eesti app is rewriting the rules of digital living. As Europe’s digital pioneer, this small Baltic nation is taking another bold leap into the future. Imagine a place where bureaucracy fits in your pocket — where your identity, your access and your connection to the state all live securely on your phone. Now, the Eesti app — the country’s official government application — is making that vision a reality.
Already used by more than 150,000 citizens, it allows people to conveniently manage their identity, healthcare data and even their children’s school-related information — all in one place.
“With solutions like the Eesti app, we’ve shown how technology can bring government closer to people — right into their pockets, anytime, anywhere.”
Priit Kongo, CEO & Founder at Net Group
The app was developed by Net Group, one of the leading providers of digital transformation solutions in the Baltics, on behalf of the Estonian Information System Authority (RIA). The first phase of development was completed in just four months. The official launch took place at the end of 2024, and the new digital ID feature became available in July 2025.
This is a strictly voluntary solution, meaning it is not mandatory for either service providers or individuals to verify their identity via the mobile app. Citizens can use the solution wherever the service provider enables it.
Eesti app has become a symbol of human-centered digitalization — technology that builds trust, brings government closer to citizens, and makes everyday life easier. Photo: Net Group
Eesti app combines services into a single platform
With the Eesti app (Eesti = Estonia), the country has taken a major step toward a fully digital society: citizens can now use their ID card data securely on their smartphones — quickly, easily, and around the clock.
Since July 2025, the app has held almost the same legal status as the physical ID card. It complements the physical document rather than replacing it entirely, as the digital ID is currently valid only within Estonia.
“We’re bringing this experience to Germany, where we’re currently expanding and acquiring new clients. No digitalization project is too complex for us — in fact, the German drive for precision and engineering excellence fits perfectly with our way of working.”
Priit Kongo, CEO & Founder at Net Group
The challenge was not only technical but also social: citizens had to feel as safe using the digital ID as when presenting a physical card. Within just four months, a 20-member development team created the first national mobile application of its kind — a project that gained international attention.
Technically, the app is based on the national eesti.ee platform, developed with the cross-platform framework Flutter, and uses two-factor authentication, end-to-end encryption, and a direct connection to X-Road, Estonia’s trusted data backbone. Personal data is not stored centrally but processed decentrally through encrypted interfaces — a model that now serves as a reference for many EU countries.
Use of the app is voluntary: citizens and service providers can decide whether to use it for identity verification. Within just a few months of its launch, the app was downloaded more than 150,000 times, reaching around 12% of Estonia’s adult population.
Relevance for Germany & Europe
Net Group is widely recognized for its ability to implement complex systems that are both secure and intuitive for users. Driven by the growing demand for intelligent e-government solutions, Net Group’s 2024 revenue rose to €14.26 million (+11%), with a profit of €900,000. Exports account for around 40% of total turnover, with clients in Finland, Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, and Switzerland. New acquisitions in AI and cybersecurity reflect the company’s ambitious growth strategy — particularly with Germany positioned as a key future market.
Germany is a strategic focus market for Net Group — and serves as a gateway to the wider DACH region. The company brings its experience in e-government, digital identity, healthtech, and AI-driven user platforms to support Germany’s ongoing digital modernization.
Net Group designs tailor-made digital solutions for public institutions and private companies with the aim of translating technology into measurable economic results and social progress.
In light of the upcoming EU Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI), Net Group actively advocates for the integration of such systems into existing solutions like the Eesti app — and shares this expertise with other EU member states.
Eesti app. Photo: Net Group
“Our mission at Net Group is simple: to achieve more together. For 25 years, we’ve been helping build one of the most digital societies in the world — e-Estonia. This experience has shaped our entrepreneurial mindset, efficiency, and bold approach,” said said Priit Kongo, CEO & Founder at Net Group.
“With solutions like the Eesti app, we’ve shown how technology can bring government closer to people — right into their pockets, anytime, anywhere,” added Kongo.
“We’re bringing this experience to Germany, where we’re currently expanding and acquiring new clients. No digitalization project is too complex for us — in fact, the German drive for precision and engineering excellence fits perfectly with our way of working. Together, we can create digital services that don’t just solve problems but deliver lasting change for businesses, administrations, and societies.”
FACTS
The Eesti app combines numerous services into a single, user-friendly platform that has quickly become part of daily life in Estonia:
- Digital ID card data
- Receive national hazard alerts
- View personal information and that of minor children
- Report issues to local authorities
- View and manage prescriptions
- Access map layers from the Land Board
- Receive national mailbox notifications
- Use the data tracker
GOOD TO KNOW
Net Group
Founded: 1999, Tallinn, Estonia
Employees: 120+ (Estonia, Germany, Finland, Luxembourg)
Core expertise: e-government, healthtech, fintech, AI & cybersecurity
Revenue 2024: €14.26 million (+11%)
Profit 2024: €0.9 million
Export share 2024: 40%
Other Net Group projects:
E-Government: Bürokratt (state chatbot), e-Notary, e-Land Register, SAIS school enrollment, e-Court, and MIRKO (National Library platform)
Fintech: Mandatum Life, Inbank, Iutecredit, Creditinfo
Healthtech: Digital transformation of the North Estonia Medical Center, EHR Roadmap, and preventive health platforms such as Elsavie (including ownership stake) and Mentastic
netgroup.com
This content is funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU.
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