Federal Act on Electronic Signatures: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how to use qualified electronic signatures in Switzerland to ensure your digital documents are as legally binding as a handwritten signature.
This law provides the framework for using digital signatures in Switzerland, ensuring they are legally recognized for official business and personal matters.
Who it's for
This is for anyone who needs to sign documents digitally and requires those signatures to be legally binding.
What you get
You can use a qualified electronic signature (QES) to sign documents online. This specific type of digital signature is legally equivalent to a traditional signature written by hand on paper.
What it costs you
To use this service, you must use a certified provider. Because you are working with a private company to issue the signature, you will need to pay their specific service fees.
The catch to know
Not all digital signatures are created equal under this law. Only a "qualified electronic signature" carries the same legal weight as a handwritten signature; other types of electronic signatures may not be sufficient for all legal requirements.
How to apply
- Identify the documents that require a legally binding signature.
- Choose a certified service provider to act as your signature issuer.
- Follow the provider's specific steps to verify your identity.
- Use the provider's platform to apply your digital signature to your documents.