Electronic digital signature (EDS)

Electronic digital signature: legality and application

According to the eIDAS regulation, an electronic digital signature in Poland has the same legal force as a handwritten signature. This means that electronically signed documents are fully legally valid and can be used in court proceedings. Thanks to this, businesses and citizens can safely and efficiently conclude agreements, submit applications, and perform other legal actions remotely.

How to obtain a qualified electronic signature in Poland?

The process of obtaining a qualified electronic signature in Poland includes several stages. First, it is necessary to choose a certified trust service provider authorized to issue qualified certificates. After that, the applicant must undergo an identification procedure, which may include in-person presence or remote verification. After successful identity verification, the signer receives an electronic certificate that allows creating qualified electronic signatures.

The process includes several steps:

1. Choosing a trust service provider: it is necessary to select a certified provider authorized to issue qualified certificates.
   It is important to compare the terms, types of signatures (physical, mobile, cloud), issuance times, and costs.
2. Application submission and document preparation: the signer provides a passport or another identity document, as well as PESEL/NIP for Polish residents. For company representatives, proof of authority or a power of attorney may be required. A lawyer or legal specialist can prepare and verify all documents before submission.
3. Identity verification: it can be carried out in person at the provider’s office or remotely via video verification. At this stage, the authenticity of the documents and the correspondence of the person to the applicant are checked.
4. Certificate issuance: after successful verification, the signer receives a qualified electronic signature certificate. The certificate contains the keys necessary to create the signature and has a limited validity period (usually 1–3 years).
5. Activation and signature setup: the signature is installed on a computer, smart card, or mobile device depending on the type of signature. It is recommended to conduct a test signing of a document to ensure functionality.

Advantages of using an electronic digital signature

• Legal force: an electronic signature has the same legal force as a handwritten signature, ensuring its acceptance in courts and administrative bodies.
• Time and resource savings: using an electronic signature eliminates the need for physical presence to sign documents, significantly speeding up processes and reducing costs.
• Security: modern encryption and authentication technologies provide a high level of data protection and prevent unauthorized access.
• Eco-friendliness: reducing paper usage contributes to environmental protection and reduces printing and document storage costs.

How CONSULTANT can help you obtain an electronic digital signature

The Consultant Legal Marketplace offers comprehensive support in the process of obtaining an electronic digital signature in Poland. Our services include:

Consultations: we provide detailed information about the process of obtaining a signature and help choose the most suitable option for your business or personal needs.

Document preparation: we assist in collecting and preparing all necessary documents for submitting an application to obtain a signature.

Support: we accompany you at all stages of the process, ensuring timely and correct execution of all procedures.

After-sales service: we provide support after receiving the signature, including consultations on its use and renewal.