To create a qualified electronic signature, you will need an electronic ID card (eID) with a chip and a compatible card reader. Your eID card must have valid certificates stored on it. You can apply for these certificates in person at a document office or online via the eID application.
You will also need to install the D.Suite/eIDAS signing application on your computer if you use Windows. If you use Mac or Linux, you will need the D.Launcher application. Finally, have your six-digit BOK (personal security code) ready.
Imagine you want to send a document to a public authority that does not have a prescribed format. In this case, log in to the Slovensko.sk portal and navigate to the General Agenda section.
Select the public authority you want to send the document to and open the relevant service. An electronic submission form will then appear, where you simply need to fill in the text and subject fields. The Sender's Reference and Recipient's Reference fields are optional.
In addition to general submissions, there are also specialised submissions.
Think of these as predefined forms that you can find in the catalogues of individual institutions. Examples include a tax return form or a notification of a tax return filing extension. However, the signing process is the same as for general submissions.
After completing the general or specialised electronic submission, click the Sign button. A notification will appear indicating that the signing application is being launched. The system may also prompt you to open the D.Launcher application. The D.Signer/XAdES application window will then open, displaying a message that the document has not been signed. Click the Sign icon again.
You will then be redirected to the certificate selection screen. The system will automatically offer you the qualified certificate used to create an electronic signature. Click OK.
Next, the software will prompt you to enter your six-digit BOK code, followed by your KEP PIN. A confirmation that the document has been signed will appear in the top-left corner of the application window and directly in the electronic submission form.
You can add attachments to your submission in PDF, TXT or PNG format. Use the Add attachment function to upload a document, then click Sign. The D.Signer/XAdES application window will appear again, displaying a message that the document has not been signed. Click the Sign icon once more.
After the attachment has been successfully signed, the Signatures section will display “Yes”. Next to it, you will find options to download the signature, remove it or verify it.
Signing the submission is not the final step. Finally, verify that the signature is valid and then send the document. Only then will it be delivered to the institution you addressed it to.
There are several service providers on the market that allow you to sign documents electronically or verify documents signed with an electronic signature.
Electronic signatures can be used not only when communicating with public authorities, but also when signing contracts, issuing electronic invoices and carrying out legal acts. An electronic signature can serve as a legally valid alternative to a handwritten signature and has the same legal effect.
After selecting a provider, follow their instructions. They will direct you to the relevant website or application. In most cases, you will need to register before signing.
There are several ways to sign a document electronically. Some providers will again require an eID card with a valid certificate, a card reader and eID software. Other providers allow you to sign documents electronically using biometric data or an authorisation code sent to you by SMS.
You may also encounter services that ask you to sign by hand using your finger on your phone’s touchscreen, a stylus on a tablet or a mouse on a computer. In such cases, you can usually amend your signature multiple times.
These services are highly reliable, as they create signatures accepted in EU Member States and by the information systems of the Slovak Republic.
