Electronic Signature in Slovakia: How to Get One

178101/06/2025

In short

The electronic signature in Slovakia (KEP) has the same legal power as a regular signature. It is available to citizens, foreigners with a residence permit, and Ukrainians with temporary protection status. To get it, you need an ID card with an electronic chip (eID or pobytová karta), activation of certificates at the police, and installation of special software with a connected card reader.

1. What is an electronic signature (KEP)?
2. What is an electronic signature needed for?
3. How to get an electronic signature — step-by-step instructions

An electronic signature is a modern tool that allows you to sign documents electronically with the same legal force as a regular signature on paper. It gives you access to a wide range of online services, from registering your place of residence to submitting tax returns. In Slovakia, it is actively used by both citizens and foreigners, including Ukrainians who have temporary protection, a residence permit (pobyt), or permanent residency (trvalý pobyt).

What is an electronic signature (KEP)?

In Slovakia, a qualified electronic signature is used — Kvalifikovaný elektronický podpis (KEP). It is based on cryptographic protection and is recognized by all state structures in the country. You can find detailed information about KEP on the official website of the National Agency for Network and Electronic Services NASES.

Who can get an electronic signature in Slovakia?

The following people can obtain an electronic signature:

Slovak citizens;
Foreigners with a residence permit (temporary or permanent);
Foreigners with temporary protection status (odídenec).

The condition is to have a Slovak ID card with an electronic chip — eID or a pobytová karta (residence card). For Ukrainians with temporary protection status, this card (pobytová karta) is issued during registration at the police station after receiving the "odídenec" certificate. If you do not have such a card yet, you need to go to the nearest Cudzinecká polícia (foreign police) office with your passport and proof of temporary protection status. After receiving the card, you have the right to activate your electronic signature at the same office. An ID card with a chip is a personalized plastic document that contains your basic information (name, date of birth, photograph) and a special built-in microchip. This chip ensures secure storage of electronic certificates, which are needed to create and verify electronic signatures. For Slovak citizens, this is the standard eID card, and for foreigners, it is the pobytová karta, which is issued when obtaining a residence permit or permanent residency. If you have such a card, you can activate your electronic signature on it.

What is an electronic signature needed for?

An electronic signature allows you to:

Sign documents online (PDF, official forms);
Submit tax returns through Finančná správa (Financial Administration);
Register your place of residence;
Submit applications to schools, universities, and hospitals;
Apply for various government services without being present in person.

How to get an electronic signature — step-by-step instructions

1. Check if you have a chip-enabled ID card

Your ID card (eID) must have a built-in chip. If you are not sure, contact the foreign police.

2. Activate the certificates for signing

The activation of the electronic signature takes place at the police station where you received your eID card or pobytová karta. You can do this immediately when applying for the card or later if you did not do it at the beginning. To activate, you need to go to the police station in person, where you will be asked to enter your PIN code on a special terminal. You will also receive:

PIN code — needed to sign documents;
PUK code — used to unlock if you enter the PIN incorrectly three times;
Blocking code (BOK) — used to confirm your identity, for example, when accessing electronic services.

All these codes are issued on a printed document. You will need to sign a receipt form, so be sure to bring a valid passport or residence permit with you. Please note: without activated certificates, the electronic signature will not work, even if you have an ID card with a chip. It is also important to keep these codes in a safe place, as they can only be restored in person at the police station if lost.

3. Download the necessary software

Aplikácia na kvalifikovaný elektronický podpis (QES) (Application for Qualified Electronic Signature) — a program for creating and verifying signed documents.
Klient eID (eID Client): Currently, this component is integrated into the drivers for reading the eID card. It is responsible for reading data from the card and interacting with the signing program.

Both programs support Windows, macOS, and Linux. Download the appropriate version for your system, install it according to the instructions, and make sure your system recognizes the card after connecting the reader.

4. Connect a card reader (čitačka)

You need a special device to read ID cards — a so-called card reader or čitačka. You can buy one online (for example, at Alza.sk). The average cost is from 10 to 20 euros. After purchase:

Connect the reader to your computer via USB.
Insert your eID card (or pobytová karta) into the reader according to the device's instructions.
Make sure the reader is correctly recognized by the system (a message may appear or an indication in the eID klient application).

In some cases, Windows or macOS may offer to install a driver — allow this. Also, make sure the eID klient is already running — it will automatically detect the device and the card. After this, you can proceed to signing documents or using online services. 👉 The program Aplikácia na kvalifikovaný elektronický podpis (QES) is used specifically for signing documents and verifying their validity. It allows you to create an electronic signature on PDF files, verify the signatures of other users, download certificates, and check their validity. Without this program, it is impossible to legally sign documents electronically in accordance with European standards (eIDAS). An electronic signature is an effective tool that significantly simplifies life in Slovakia. If you work, study, or plan to stay long-term here, it is worth getting a signature and using government services conveniently and securely.

Sources

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Frequently asked questions

Who can get an electronic signature in Slovakia?+

Slovak citizens, foreigners with a residence permit (temporary or permanent), and foreigners with temporary protection status can get an electronic signature if they have an ID card with an electronic chip.

What is needed to activate the electronic signature?+

To activate it, you need to go in person to the police station where you received your ID card, enter your PIN code on the terminal, and receive PIN, PUK, and blocking codes.

What equipment is needed to use the electronic signature?+

You need a card reader (ID card reader) that connects to your computer via USB, and installed software Aplikácia na kvalifikovaný elektronický podpis (QES) and eID client drivers.

What can the electronic signature be used for in Slovakia?+

The electronic signature allows you to sign documents online, submit tax returns, register your residence, submit applications to schools, universities, hospitals, and access government services without being there in person.

What to do if you don't have an ID card with a chip?+

Ukrainians with temporary protection status need to go to the nearest Cudzinecká polícia (foreign police office) with their passport and proof of status to get a pobytová karta (residence card). After that, they can activate the electronic signature.

Updated 29 July 2026