How to Apply for an E Signature Card in UAE? Full Guide 2024
The e-signature card, also referred to as the UAE electronic card, represents a pivotal digital document to help individuals in their business operations and legal procedures. This advanced digital form facilitates various business processes while ensuring compliance with legal requirements, marking a significant step towards streamlined and legally sound transactions.
In this article, we will provide an in-depth overview of the UAE eCard, elucidating its definition, the process for acquiring an electronic signature, and the key benefits associated with its possession. So, let’s dive into the comprehensive detail!
What is an e-signature Card?
An e-signature card in the UAE is a digital tool enabling individuals and organizations to sign documents electronically, mitigating the reliance on traditional paper-based signatures.
This secure and legally recognized method of signing documents is gaining popularity across various industries in the UAE, streamlining processes and reducing the reliance on physical paperwork.
This card features an embedded electronic chip with the cardholder’s fingerprint, containing essential important information. The e-signatures can be in any form, such as symbols, images, or signatures.
Possessing this card eliminates the need for visiting the Customer Service or Customer Satisfaction Centers for fingerprint scanning, thus enhancing convenience in document authentication processes.
Also Read About UAE Labor Card
How to Apply for an E Signature Card UAE?
Residents, owners, certified signatories, and delegates in the UAE can now obtain their digital ID cards through the Ministry of Labor (MoHRE) and TASHEEL Service Centers or participating enterprises.
Documents Required
To apply for this digital eCard, applicants need to provide the following documents:
- A colored photograph with a white background of the authorized signatory
- A valid Identity Card
- A copy of a valid Passport
- Contact details, such as phone number or Email address. The applicant needs to have a private phone number for each office or project across the country. If the individual doesn’t have a private phone no. in the Ministry’s record, he must open the file as a foreigner to complete the application procedure.
Application Process for e-Signature Card
To initiate the application process for eCards in the Emirates, follow these simple steps:
- Visit TASHEEL service centers or participating establishments to apply for an electronic signature card.
- For the online application, you can access the MoHRE platform by logging in with your username and password or using the UAE Pass.
- Fill out the application form and submit it through either the Service Centers of Tasheel or the Ministry of Labor.
- The Ministry’s authorized personnel will carefully verify your application and the accompanying documents.
- After successful verification, your application for the E-Signature Card will be dually approved.
- The Ministry will provide you with a unique reference number (specific to each inhabitant) that you might use in every employment.
Key Aspects to Know About Issuance of Electronic Signature Card UAE
- Usually, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation issues UAE E-Cards in 1-2 working days.
- The fee for a digital card in the UAE is 120-200 dirhams (excluding tax and collection charges).
- You can get free digital card services through the MoHRE website and Mobile App. However, some tax and government fees will be applied.
- The authorized signatory is required to maintain a file in the Ministry for the personal identification number.
- Applicants can track their application status via the MoHRE Android App/official website or by contacting the Call Center at 600590000, available from 8 am to 8 pm.
From where can I Receive the New Digital Signature Card for Buisness?
To obtain an E-signature Card for your company in the UAE, you can visit any of the Tasheel Service Centers located nationwide. Tasheel service representatives will replace the old manual PRO card or internet card, containing the company’s number and signatures of the owner and other authorized signatories, with the advanced digital signature card.
Legal Aspects of e-Signature Card in the UAE
It is imperative to understand that, from a legal perspective, an electronic signature carries the same validity as a traditional ink signature. In the UAE, the approval for the utilization of electronic signatures is explicitly outlined in the Federal Decree under law number 46, encompassing discussions on trust services and electronic transactions.
However, you must have an electronic signature generation device along with its corresponding digital certificate. These certificates are procured through authorized service providers.
The possession of these essential documents is paramount as they substantiate the authenticity of the electronic document, underlining their significance in the electronic signature process.
What is a Digital Certificate?
A digital certificate is a digital document issued to an individual, company, or specific team, enabling them to access e-signature generation services. Consequently, possessing a digital certificate is imperative for utilizing an electronic signature generation device to produce UAE e-cards.
Digital Certifications Service Provider Companies (DCSP)
A digital validation service provider company or DCSP is a certified individual or a team that provides services and digital certificates related to electronic signatures. A person can apply for a DCSP permit license through the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). Moreover, in order to work in the UAE, the digital certificate providers are required to obtain a DCSP license from TDRA.
For the application of a DCSP license, the TRA requires the submission of the following documents:
- Ownership details and information about your business structure
- Financial information spanning two years or less if your organization is relatively new
- Evidence of insurance coverage demonstrating sufficient protection for carrying out your responsibilities as a DCSP
- Company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Comprehensive detail about your profession and employment history
- Confirmation that you will be able to undertake DCSP duties while keeping in view the legal perspectives
Key Benefits of e-Signature Digital ID Card
In the dynamic landscape of modern business operations, the United Arab Emirates is at the forefront of embracing technological advancements. E-Signature Card is a digital document solution designed to streamline and enhance both individual and corporate undertakings. This innovative electronic card not only facilitates seamless business operations but also plays a pivotal role in ensuring the legal validity of essential procedures. Let’s have a look at some of its key benefits in detail:
Cost Efficient
The shift to digital signatures results in substantial cost savings for businesses by reducing expenses associated with printing, courier services, and storage. Therefore, organizations can optimize their resources and allocate funds to other critical areas of operation.
Increases Productivity
E-signature cards help users to sign documents swiftly, reducing the time and effort spent on manual paperwork. This is especially crucial in business transactions where timely approvals and agreements are essential. Furthermore, this digital card eliminates the necessity for employees, staff, or clients to visit specific locations to sign the contract physically. Instead, it enables them to collaborate seamlessly from anywhere around the world.
More Secured Data
Security is a core tenet of the E-Signature Card, featuring advanced encryption mechanisms that protect the confidentiality and integrity of digitally signed documents. By adhering to robust security protocols, this digital solution provides users with a trusted and secure platform for their critical business transactions.
Increased Accessibility
The facility of the e-signature card offers a substantial reduction in the processing time of e-commerce transactions. Also, the signing of each document is expedited, requiring only a matter of minutes instead of days or weeks, hence allowing swift closure of deals and increased revenue for the company.
Legal Compliance
The E-Signature Card aligns with the stringent regulations set forth by the UAE government. This legal framework ensures that digitally signed documents hold the same legal weight as their paper counterparts. Additionally, the use of e-cards in the UAE reduces the risk of legal disputes and enhances confidence in the legal validity of e-signed documents.
Bottom Line
The e-signature card in the UAE emerges as a key player in the digital shift that simplifies tasks and ensures legal compliance. With its integration into business processes, it stands as a reliable way to simplify workflows, hence contributing to a more efficient and legally sound business environment.
