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Electronic signature QSign

• What is an electronic signature?

• What is a qualified electronic signature (QES)?

• Advantages of using a QES

• How a QES can be used?

• Where a QES can be used?

• What is needed to sign a electronic document with QES?

• What do I need to verify a QES-signed electronic document?

• How to get tools to create and verify a QES?

• What are the Commercial Register’s electronic services?

What is an electronic signature?

An electronic signature is the technical equivalent of a handwritten signature. This is electronic data attached to a signed electronic document that identifies its author (the signatory). Based on the above properties, electronically signed documents can be placed at the level of paper documents.

What is a qualified electronic signature (QES)?

A qualified electronic signature is an electronic signature where its author’s (the signatory’s) identity can be easily and provably identified.
To communicate with the civil service, the only necessary condition is the use of a qualified electronic signature.

Advantages of using a QES

The Commercial Code provides for an electronic signature to have the same force as a handwritten signature. Drafted amendments to Slovak Republic legislation have led to provisions, by virtue of which a QES is equivalent to an authentic official signature.

The advantages of using a QES reflect the advantages of electronic communication:

• time effective
• cuts costs
• simplifies procedures
• authenticity, integrity and indisputability of signatures

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How a QES can be used?

• signing an electronic document with a QES: a document signed with a QES is ready to be sent electronically for further action in accordance with legislation in force;
• verifying a QES-signed electronic document: the authenticity of a QES-signed electronic document can be verified against its signatory.

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Where a QES can be used?

With the advent of electronic communication in ordinary business relations, as well as the gradual introduction of electronic services in government and public administration, a handwritten signature can be substituted with a QES.

Examples where using a QES is appropriate:

• commercial contracts
• employment documents
• invoices
• court applications
• electronic services of the Commpanies Register

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What is needed to sign a electronic document with QES?

To sign an electronic document, the following must be obtained:

• a qualified certificate (see How to get a qualified certificate)
• a certified application to create a QES (see How to get tools to create and verify a QES)

Both items, i.e. a qualified certificate and a certified application, can be arranged by ARDACO (I am interested in ARDACO’s services).

What do I need to verify a QES-signed electronic document?

To verify an electronic document’s QES, all you need is:

• a certified application to verify a ZEP (see How to get tools to create and verify a QES)

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How to get tools to create and verify a QES?

In the event you want to begin using a QES, Ardaco can provide you with all the necessary tools and technical advice (I am interested in ARDACO’s services).

What are the Companies Register’s electronic services?

Gradually more and more legal statutes allow use of a QES in the area of government administration. One such service for citizens where an electronic signature needs to be used is the electronic registry in the Companies Register of the Slovak Republic.

By means of this registry, the following services can be electronically performed:

1. applying for an extract from the Companies Register in electronic form;
2. applying to have confirmation provided in electronic form that a document has not been deposited in the Collection of Documents;
3. applying to have a document deposited in the Collection of Documents provided in electronic form;
4. applying to have documents deposited in the Collection of Documents in electronic form;
5. petitioning for an entry into the Companies Register.

In the case of services 1-3 and at personal request, a document in electronic form signed with a qualified electronic signature will be provided in a CMS – CAdES format QES. This signature can be verified, displayed and moreover prepared using QSign with a license for verification. The application can be downloaded and installed at no cost. A reference to the QSign installation package is shown below..

Services 4 and 5 can be utilized by filling in electronic forms, that need to be signed with a qualified electronic signature. The electronic registry in the Commercial Register accepts submissions in a CMS – CadES format QES. QSign with a license for verification allows this type of signature to be made.

The electronic registry in the Commercial Register is available through the Central Public Administration Portal. A description and function of individual services are available to nationals after they register and log on.