The regulation and oversight of the Digital Signature in Egypt fall under the authority of the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), as outlined in Law No. 15 of 2004. This law regulates digital signature and electronic transactions, aiming to facilitate digital transformation by providing the latest necessary IT tools and applications.
Through the digital signature ecosystem, a “natural” or “legal” person can obtain any of the following services:
The “digital signature” is what is placed on an electronic document/data and takes the form of letters, numbers, symbols, signs or others. It has unique characteristics that allow the signatory [person signing] to be identified and distinguish him/her from others.
An “electronic seal” is an electronic signature that allows the legal person to identify the creator
of the seal and distinguish him/her from others.
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You can obtain digital signature and electronic seal services from one of the Service Providers licensed by ITIDA. Please check the list of the
Licensed Service Providers.
- A copy of a valid national ID card or a valid passport of the applicant, with the original submitted for review..
(b) Documents required from companies to obtain the electronic seal tool
- A copy of a recent commercial registry, no more than three (3) months old since its issuance. The articles of incorporation or declaration may be an alternative, with the original submitted for review.
- A valid tax card. The taxpayer’s basic data card approved by the Egyptian Tax Authority (ETA) can be an alternative, with the original provided for review.
- The investment gazette (the company’s gazette). A contract can be an alternative, with the original provided for review.
- A copy of a valid national ID card or a valid passport of the legal representative, with the original presented for review. There is no alternative to this document.
- The company's legal representative must present the originals of all documents and papers for review.
(c) Documents required from the individual establishment to obtain the
electronic seal tool
- A copy of a recent commercial registry, no more than three (3) months old since its issuance. The articles of incorporation or declaration may be an alternative, with the original submitted for review.
- A valid tax card. The taxpayer’s basic data card approved by the Egyptian Tax Authority (ETA) can be an alternative, with the original provided for review.
- A copy of a valid national ID card or a valid passport of the legal representative, with the original presented for review. There is no alternative to this document.
Download Full Details of ITIDA Licensees Branches
- The only entity responsible for issuing digital signature/electronic seal certificates to government establishments and agencies is
Government Digital Certification Authority at the Ministry of Finance (GOV-CA), the authority responsible for issuing the digital signature certificates to government employees and its administrative agencies.
- Immediately upon completion of all necessary procedures to obtain the service. The applicant does not need another visit to receive the application.
- Ease-of-use: performance of digital signature processes is easy and quick, and above all, electronic. You do not have to be present in person.
- Time and effort saving: save time and effort of traditional documents signage. You can now electronically sign and send documents promptly..
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Cut costs: lower costs of printing and paper distribution. Electronic signage saves money while contributing to the greener environment.
- Secure and trustworthy: high levels of security and reliability are provided. Digital certificates and cutting-edge encryption technologies authenticate both “identity” and “signature”.
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Legality and legitimacy: the Egyptian law considers “e-signature” legally valid as ordinary signature if meeting the conditions stipulated in the law. Multiple countries also legalize the digital signature, which makes it recognizable and acceptable in both official and legal transactions.
- The customer must keep the pin code or password and give it to no other person in any circumstances.
- If your digital signature or electronic seal tool is lost, immediately contact the company issued the certificate to deactivate the certificate.
- When signing the contract for the service, the customer must carefully read the contract terms. She/he should inquire about any incomprehensible clause.
- The certificate service provider is committed not to disclose any information about user data provided or obtained during the license implementation.
- The certificate service provider prioritizes confidentiality of information obtained during the provision of digital signature/electronic seal services to users and setting the necessary rules to ensure this..
- If you encounter any problems related to usage, immediately contact the company where the issuance process took place.
- If the customer experiences any problem with any digital signature company, please contact this email
Info.dsss@itida.gov.eg or call the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) hotline 16248.
- Finally, users must be aware of the legal requirements and procedures necessary to use the digital signature/electronic seal service correctly and effectively.
Q1: Is it possible to get a digital signature under a general official power of attorney, a special power of attorney for government transactions, or an authorization?
The “digital signature” may not be generated except by the person requesting the service, as the entities licensed to provide digital signature services must verify the person to whom the signature is issued and his distinguishing properties.
Q2: Is it possible to issue an electronic seal for a sole proprietorship (individual firm) that does not have a commercial registry, establishment decision, or declaration, but has a tax card?
The point of obtaining an “electronic seal” is the existence of a legal personality. If this legal personality does not exist, there is no place to obtain an electronic seal. Accordingly, the law does not permit the issuance of an “electronic seal” for a sole proprietorship with no commercial registry, establishment decision, or declaration, but has a tax card.
Q3: In the case of issuing a digital signature for foreigners residing in Egypt, must the passport and residence permit be valid, or is it sufficient for one of them to be valid?
Passport and residency must be valid.
Q4: Is digital signature legally recognized in Egypt?
Legislation allows adjusting, transmitting, and storing of documents by electronic means. Thus the lawmaking is protecting the users’ rights and ensuring validity and legality of electronic transactions. Before 2004 law, digital signatures did not act as an admissible evidence in Egyptian courts.
