Hi there!
We're excited to announce the release of Zigned REST API version 3.2.3. This update introduces the ability to gather qualified signatures, in cooperation with ZealID.
About Qualified signatures
Qualified signatures hold the same legal weight as handwritten signatures, and are recognized in the EU and EEA. This makes them ideal for contracts and agreements that require a higher level of security and legal certainty. Some governments and organizations (such as Bolagsverket in Sweden) even require it for certain types of documents. By utilizing ZealID's qualified signatures, you can ensure that your agreements are legally binding and secure.
How does it work?
From a users perspective it is not that much different from signing with common digital ID:s. Below we detail the process in broad steps:
1. Creating their ZealID
The user must first create their ZealID account by downloading the app from the Apple Appstore or Google Playstore. While registering is a quick one-time process, it requires the user to have a physical ID, such as a passport, at hand.
2. Initiating the signature process
When initiating the signing process via zigned.se, the user will be prompted to authenticate with ZealID. After the authentication is completed, they are directed back to Zigned to complete their signature.
3. Signing the document
When the user is ready, they sign the document by scanning a QR-code with the ZealID app. The app will then prompt the user to confirm the signature, and the signature is processed by us.
Get started with Qualified signatures
In order to get started with qualified signatures, you need to upgrade your API client to version 3.2.3 or higher. You can do this by navigating to the client settings on zigned.se and selecting "Upgrade".
Caveats and limitations when using Qualified signatures
We embed your qualified signature as a native PDF signature. As such, it is limited to the same restrictions as any other PDF signature:
- The signing process must be sequential, as each signature builds on the previous.
- Since the signature is embedded in the PDF and the process is sequential, it is not possible to combine with detached signing methods such as BankID.
- Parallell signature workflows, such as the use of signing groups, are not supported as it goes against the PDF standard.
So why use it?
Qualified signatures hold the same legal weight as handwritten signatures, and are recognized in the EU and EEA. This makes them ideal for contracts and agreements that require a higher level of security and legal certainty. You can combine it with other signature workflows and processes and only use it to certify the process at the end.
The future of qualified signatures and Zigned
We are excited to be the first provider in Sweden to offert qualified signatures with a pay-per-use model. We have plans to further integrate it with our other signature offerings (such as advanced signatures) for smooth integrations and workflows. If you have suggestions, feedback or requests, please contact us.
About ZealID
ZealiD is a Qualified Trusted Service Provider specializing in issuing Qualified Electronic Signatures. ZealiD Qualified Electronic Signatures are recognized within the EU Member States as legally binding. In addition, ZealiD is certified as a Registration Authority, meaning that they provide remote identification services. Curious? Learn more about ZealID here
These updates are part of our commitment to providing a robust and flexible e-signing solution. We encourage you to explore these new features and see how they can improve your workflows and digital agreement management.
For detailed documentation and more information on how to implement these new features, please visit our API documentation page.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to enhance our services to better serve you!