FAQs
What is RNS?
RNS (Root Name System) is the digital identity platform developed to support the application and issuance of sovereignty-backed digital IDs.
What is Palau ID?
The Palau ID (Sovereignty-Backed ID) is a government-issued identification card that can be used for any purpose that requires legal proof of identity.
What is Legal Decentralize ID (L-DID) and Palau DID?
RNS offers users a blockchain-based ID solution: by using your existing legal ID, you can generate an LDID (Existing Jurisdiction) and mint its corresponding LDID on multi-chain (currently supported on ETH and will be soon launched in Solana). This LDID (Existing Jurisdiction) serves as a verification document, allowing you to complete third-party KYC verification (zero knowledge verification).
Palau DID is a digitalized legal ID that enables individuals to self-control their identification settings by enabling them to choose various levels of identification disclosure.
What are the available solutions now?
The Palau ID is a legal proof of identity that is now supported by several exchanges. Our members have been using their own POA and 2FA methods for verification if those are required. A lot of organizations only need the ID to verify. Our team is currently working on the regulations required to make Palau addresses and numbers feasible, as certain solutions are subject to third-party offerings and/or development, and may not be available immediately or at all.
What are RNS Points?
RNS Points are a special rewards system tailored for our members, allowing them to earn points through various activities within our community. These points can be redeemed for exclusive benefits with our partner services, such as discounts on hotels, flights, and car rentals.
Here's how you can earn RNS Points:
1. Referrals:
Primary Referral: Earn 100 RNS Points for each primary referral when someone joins our project using your referral link.
Secondary Referral: Earn 20 RNS Points for each secondary referral.
Referee Bonus: Every referee using a referral link to subscribe to the Palau ID will receive 50 RNS Points.
Once accumulated, RNS Points can be used for special offers on the Palau ID, along with discounts on hotels, flights, and car rentals with our partner services. It's our way of thanking you for your active participation and loyalty to our community. *Terms and conditions are subject to change
What is a “Sovereignty-Backed Identification Card”?
A legally valid identification card issued by a sovereign nation - The Republic of Palau. We issue both a digital identification on the blockchain and a physical ID card for customers who have passed our screening process.
ID Utility Questions
Does the ID work for KYC in exchanges? What can the ID be used for?
We have reported use cases from our members that they're able to use the Palau ID for identity verification (payment processor, peer-to-peer marketplace, trading platform, pharmacy, DMV, BNB short rental, mobile service provider, bars, hospital, railways, flight, and hotel check-in) and KYC purposes (most of the crypto exchanges, banks/neobanks, and non-bank payment provider).
Can I use the ID for hotel check-ins? Is there any discount if I do?
Palau ID is accepted and supported by hotels around the world. Palau ID holders and Voyager Pass holders can get up to 20% off hotel rates in different cities, with more to come in the near future.
Does the ID have a time limit?
The Palau ID has 1 year, 5 years, and 10 years then it can then be renewed.
Does Palau allow futures trading?
Yes.
Can I open a business as a Digital Resident?
Yes, coming soon.
Can I buy property using my ID?
Yes, crypto homes are being built now.
Are there any taxes for Palau Digital Residents? Can I apply for a temporary residence and buy crypto without paying taxes?
There is a 0% tax from Palau on non-Palauan income.
What are the planned uses for the Palau ID?
The Digital Residency ID program legislated in Palau in December 2021 covers all of the following: § 1051. Certificate of Legal Name Change. § 1052. Digital Banking Services. § 1053. Verification. § 1054. Mailing Address. § 1055. Digital Voice and Text. § 1056. Adopt a Meter Program. (Utility billing) Some benefits come in sooner than others. The first upcoming benefits are: Physical address with a US zip code Adopt a Meter - Utility bill proof of address Digital signature/certificate The next batch of benefits are: Registering e-Corporations, Join a Palau telecommunications network, e.g. phone number, Internet services, Purchase a private network (VPN) in Palau, Purchase and sell assets/property, Purchase insurance, Access to digital brokerage, Digital nomad accounting, Digital notarization, Address rerouting from Palau to home country.
Will the mailing and utility bill address be in Palau?
Yes. These products will be available in the digital resident portal as add-ons.
Can I use my Palau ID to open a bank account?
We've received reports from some members who claim to have opened a bank account, but we haven't confirmed it. You can try to present your Palau ID and see if it's deemed acceptable.
When will the physical address be released?
The lease agreement for the RNS Digital Residency Program is currently under government review, a critical step in advancing the initiative. However, progress has been slower than anticipated, prompting the team to explore alternative options to ensure timely implementation. We await further updates to finalize the contract and begin offering address services, which are vital for enhancing the program’s infrastructure.
Can I have the Palau address that I can use to KYC?
We have received reports from our members that using Palau addresses for identity verification and KYC is effective. However, we do not have details on whether they found a random address on Google Maps or rented a place in Palau.
ID Pricing + Payment Questions
What are my payment options?
We accept major international credit cards including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. For added convenience, you can also check out using Google Pay or Apple Pay.
We accept payments through a variety of cryptocurrencies across multiple blockchains and wallets, including: Blockchains: Solana, Polygon, BNB Smart Chain, Ethereum, Gnosis, Base, and more. Wallets: MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet, Binance DeFi Wallet, Trust Wallet, Uniswap Wallet, and others. Tokens: ETH, POL, BNB, WETH, USDC, USDT, BUSD, SOL, and more.
DePay's comparison of Ethereum, BNB Smart Chain, and Polygon for payments.
Ethereum
Payments on Ethereum typically take 18 seconds in average to process and validate. We currently supports 3200+ tokens on Ethereum. A payment transaction on Ethereum costs users between $1-$50.
BNB Smart Chain
Payments on BNB Smart Chain typically take 10 seconds in average to process and validate. We currently supports 4500+ tokens on BNB Smart Chain. A payment transaction on BNB Smart Chain costs users between $0.05-$0.50.
Polygon
Payments on Polygon typically take 5 seconds on average to process and validate. We currently support 380+ tokens on Polygon. A payment transaction on Polygon costs users below $0.01.
Reference: https://depay.com/docs/payments/supported/blockchains/
Can I use mainnet to pay in USDT, USDC?
Yes
Can I use ETH network to pay in USDT, USDC, or WBTC?
Yes
Can I use BSC network to pay in USDT, USDC or WBTC?
Yes
Can I use Polygon Network to pay in POL, USDT, USDC or WBTC?
Yes
How can I use the top-up feature?
You can utilize the top-up feature to conveniently make payments for various services such as applying for or renewing a Palau ID, reprinting or reshipping, and upcoming Palau Land activities.
The minimum recharge amount is $50, and you have the flexibility to add in increments of $10. There is no upper limit to the recharge amount.
How much is the application fee?
The Palau Digital Residency has Regular Version $1039 (5 years), Ultimate Version $2039 (10 years) and Trial Version $248 (1 year).
Do you have option for installment payments?
We are currently planning to make this option available. Please stay tuned for updates!
Is the application fee one-time or annual?
The Palau ID has 1 year, 5 years, and 10 years validity, similar to renewing your other state-issued forms of documentation. The RNS ID doesn't have a time limit. The affiliated Palau ID has sanction checks and renewal.
Refund policy?
How can I get a replacement if I lost my Palau physical ID?
If you want to apply for replacement due to a lost card, you can go to your RNS account and click on "Apply for Reprint/ Reship" which would cost $49.
Could you explain your pricing?
This is the first time this service has ever been provided by a Sovereign government with a seat at the UN and has full legal recognition as any other government-issued ID. There is a 0% tax from Palau on digital residents. Getting an equivalent identification from another nation would take months of complex documentation, possible travel, and embassy visit requirements, and may cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Not to mention any taxes they may have. This solution is way more affordable than almost all other country identity programs. Even a US EB2 visa (which is not even an ID) is 700, in which case you have to travel to the consulate to take biometrics (travel cost and time cost), not to mention hundreds of thousands for "golden visas" etc of a lot of other countries. Your other alternative is to form an offshore trust or international company, where you are looking at thousands of dollars in registration and legal fees. Our solution offers you the ability to apply for and receive a valid legal second ID, from the comfort of your home, shipped globally.
Will pricing change in the future?
Yes, there is a possibility that pricing may change in the future. However, the change will only happen under specific circumstances such as a legislative change or if the company decides to adopt a regional agent sale mechanism.
ID Processing
What are the accepted IDs/Documents for KYC verification?
Applicants can use official government documents like ID cards, passports, driving licenses, and Resident permits. The provided ID must have a validity period of one month before expiration.
How to check my application status?
How long will it take to get my application approved?
Application as a Digital Resident of Palau normally takes 7-10 days to be approved, depending on the additional information needed to approve your application.
How to update the photo ID?
Rejected Verification
Make sure to provide clear photos during the verification and do not upload scanned documents. For further assistance, contact chat@rns.id.
Printing and Packaging time
A none security features card takes 4 weeks, ones with multiple security features like ours usually take 8 weeks but we will do it in around 7-14 business days. This is already an expedition.
When will I receive my ID?
The shipping times will vary depending on the destination country and also might be affected by several factors like custom clearance and courier availability. Don't worry, once shipped you'll be receiving an email with the tracking number to track your package.
Can I extend or renew my ID on the website?
Yes, as a member, you can now extend or renew your ID on the website. Simply log in to your account and go to ID tab, then click "Extend ID Validity".
What country do you ship from?
We are shipping from multiple locations worldwide to ensure every customer can securely receive their package. Shipping times will vary depending on the destination country.
Citizenship Questions
Can Digital Residents apply for Palau passports?
Digital residency does not support pathways to citizenship or future Palau passports. By Palau's Constitution, only Palauans may hold citizenship.
Does this allow me to fly into Palau like a passport?
One still needs to bring their passport. Being able to stay in Palau beyond the initial trip varies largely by the person’s citizenship. Some, like US citizens, can stay for 1 year. Others must show proof of departure and leave within that timeframe. As non-Palauans becoming citizens is prohibited by their Constitution. But they are very welcoming to international visitors and business and there are plenty of opportunities outside of actual citizenship that will be made available via digital residency and they are committed to making this a great product for all citizens of the world.
Kindly be advised that an additional 180 days of stay in Palau is now possible for digital residents. The new regulations allowing digital residents to extend their tourist visas for up to two consecutive 90-day periods each entry, after the initial visa expires. To be eligible, you need to present your Palau ID card when applying for the extension.
Privacy
How does RNS privacy work?
All documents are end-to-end encrypted with separate private keys.
Additional FAQs
Can I use the digital copy of my ID to KYC?
Only the physical copy of your ID can be used for KYC. The sole purpose of downloading the image of your ID is to allow us to verify that the information on your ID is correct. Please be aware that the use of downloaded image of the ID for KYC is strictly prohibited and may result in your account being added to a blacklist by the third parties.
How will I know if I am included in the Astronaut program?
You should have received an email, kindly please check your spam or junk folder.
Can I apply for a temporary residence and buy a cryptocurrency without paying taxes?
No worries about taxes. There is a 0% tax from Palau on non-Palauran income for digital residents.
How will I be able to receive my Palau DID?
Palau DIDs are non-transferable. Our team is getting the UI ready to give you the option to mint your Palau DID.
What physical address will be offered in the future?
Yes, you can 1) adopt a meter and pay for a local household's utility bill so the bill will be sent to you and 2) pay for a local physical address provider.
For collaboration, partnership or being an ambassador
Send an email to collabs@rns.id with your proposal and company website.
RNS team is based in what city?
We are decentralized and based in five different countries.
Application accepted country?
Currently, all global citizens with the exception of North Korea, Iran, Syria, Cuba, Crimea and Sudan.
Are you shipping worldwide?
We ship anywhere in the world except to North Korea, Iran, Syria, Cuba, Crimea and Sudan.
Why do we need to have a Palau ID card?
• KYC on major exchanges
• 0% income tax, 0% cap gains
• Open accounts
• Identification purposes, such as hotel check-in, registration, membership sign-up, etc.
• Flat-fee, no appointments, done in minutes using the internet
• Pay with Apple Pay, Visa, Mastercard, or crypto
• +6 months residency in Palau
How to mint the Voyager Pass?
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