Today, I will share my experience of applying for a Palau ID card. I heard about this digital residency program from Palau a while back and I was curious. Seems like anyone can get one, and they even send you a physical ID card. So, I decided to give it a try.
Starting the Application
First off, I went to their website. It’s pretty straightforward. You gotta fill out an application form with your basic info.
- I entered my name, date of birth, and all that stuff.
- Then, I uploaded a photo of myself and a copy of my passport. Pretty standard for any ID application.
Choosing the Right Version
Now, they have a few versions of this digital residency. I was a bit confused about which one to pick.

- There’s a Trial Version that’s good for one year and costs $248.
- A Regular Version that’s valid for five years, and that one is $1039.
- And then there’s an Ultimate Version, which lasts for ten years and costs $2039.
After thinking about it, I decided to go with the Trial Version. I mean, $248 for one year seemed like a good deal to test the waters.
Payment and Waiting
After submitting the application, I paid the fee. The website says the processing time is usually about 2 weeks for approval. Then, it takes another 2-4 weeks for them to make the ID card and ship it. So, I just waited.
It felt like forever, but sure enough, after about two weeks, I got an email saying my application was approved! They said the ID card was being made and would be shipped soon.
Receiving the ID Card
About three weeks later, a package arrived at my door. I opened it up, and there it was – my Palau ID card! It looks pretty official, with my photo and details on it. I gotta say, it’s a bit surreal to hold a government-issued ID from a country I’ve never been to.
Using the ID Card
So, what can you do with this ID? Well, I found out that it can be used for some online services that require ID verification. It’s supposed to help with bypassing KYC issues and opening up crypto trading opportunities. I tried using it for a couple of online platforms, and it worked! It’s pretty cool to have this extra form of ID that’s recognized in certain places.
All in all, the whole process was surprisingly smooth. I mean, for $248, I got a legitimate ID card from Palau without ever leaving my house. It’s an interesting experience, and I’m curious to see how useful this ID will be in the long run. If you’re looking for an alternative ID or want to try out this digital residency thing, it might be worth a shot. Just remember to pick the version that suits your needs.