You can now sign documents electronically in Czechia: Here's how

Nine major Czech banks have joined forces to introduce a new electronic signature service, allowing residents in Czechia to sign documents digitally without registration or fees, using only their bank identity and a computer or mobile phone.

The innovative service, powered by a Bankovní identita (Bank Identity, or Bank iD), enables users to electronically sign documents, such as applications, transfer protocols, declarations, and rental agreements, with ease. The participating banks include Air Bank, Creditas, Česká spořitelna, ČSOB, Fio, Komerční banka, Moneta, Raiffeisenbank, and UniCredit Bank. 

The signed document can be used in private law matters, when dealing with other individuals, companies, or entrepreneurs. This service proves who and when the document was signed and that the document was not changed after signing.

According to Marek Růžička, executive director of Bankovní identita: "More than 4 million citizens already use their bank identity for online identification with state and company services." This expansion into electronic signatures marks a significant step forward, following the successful rollout of bank identity for online verification with state administration in 2021.

The Czech Republic has had electronic signatures in place since 2000, with the law on electronic signatures taking effect on October 1, 2000. Růžička emphasized the potential benefits, citing foreign data that suggests countries where electronic signatures are widely used, such as Estonia, can save up to 2 percent of their GDP. "The expansion of electronic signing could bring similar savings to the Czech Republic," he added.

More than 6.5 million bank clients nationwide who use electronic banking have a bank identity.