Stamp or qualified signature for KSeF? The short decision

Arrange access to KSeF wisely: corporate seal (NIP) for permanent login and integration, qualified signature for named actions. Check out the ready-made examples and checklist for the CFO / COO.
Stamp or qualified signature for KSeF? The short decision.
7-minute read Updated: November 6, 2025

KSeF without secrets - what is it and why do we need it?

KSeF (National e-Invoice System) is the state „intermediary” between the invoice issuer and the invoice recipient. Instead of sending PDFs to each other, companies send unified data file (XML). The KSeF gives it a number, confirms delivery and... keeps order.
The result? Fewer errors, fewer emails with attachments, easier automation in accounting.

KSeF - National e-Invoice System - is a state-owned platform for issuing, receiving and storing structured invoices (XML in a specific structure). Once an invoice is sent to KSeF, the system assigns it a unique number and stores it as the „only source of truth.” This results in a consistent format, fewer errors and automation of circulation between companies and accounting. It's also part of the broader digitization of VAT accounting in the EU. 

Structured data - what is it all about?

Imagine an invoice like a cardboard box with compartments. Each item (NIP, date, VAT rate, total) has a specific compartment. The accounting software doesn't „read the picture,” it just immediately takes data from the right places. This is what „structured data”.

What problems does the KSeF solve?

  • Authenticity and integrity - guaranteed by the system itself (number KSeF + storage on the MF side), not by „sent PDFs”. (Gov.pl)
  • Fewer disputes about „whether it happened / in what version” - statuses and UPOs from KSeF confirm delivery and processing. (Gov.pl)
  • Automation of accounting - A unified structure (currently FA, and with mandatory implementation - FA(3)) facilitates ERP integrations. (National e-Invoicing System)

 

What is the mysterious „FA(3)”?

 

It's scheme version This „partitioned” invoice. That is, the form issue number, not the new document type. When you hear FA(3), think: „OK, current data box design.”.
You don't have to „do anything with FA(3)” manually - this support systems (ERP, integrations), it is only important that they are updated.

Who will KSeF cover and from when?

 

The obligation enters in stages:

  • As of February 1, 2026. - entrepreneurs, whose Gross sales value in 2024 exceeded PLN 200 million, they must exhibit KSeF invoices. As of this date All VAT payers (including exempt) must be ready answer invoices via KSeF. (Gov.pl)
  • As of April 1, 2026. – other entrepreneurs must exhibit invoices in KSeF. (Gov.pl)
  • As of January 1, 2027. - There is a provision for a shift for the smallest entities (sales of up to about PLN 10,000 - announcement on KSeF). (National e-Invoicing System)

Until these dates, KSeF can be used voluntarily. The key is to prepare the system, people and authorizations so that the launch does not surprise the company. 

Important! Invoices for consumers (B2C) remain outside the obligation to issue in KSeF (you can voluntarily), but if you conduct B2B sales - the obligation will cover you according to the thresholds/dates. Foreign entities without a permanent place of business in Poland are excluded from mandatory issuance. (Interpretations)

 

Do you have to sign every e-invoice with a qualified signature?

Don't. IN KSeF you don't affix a signature to every invoice. Authenticity and integrity takes on the system itself (KSeF number, delivery path and storage).
Signature/qualified electronic seal is used for login and authorization and granting of rights - and not for signing the invoice file itself.

Which is better for KSeF work: a stamp or a signature?

Briefly

  • Qualified Electronic Seal (QSeal) - best as a „corporate identity”: stable login on behalf of the organization, convenient for ERP integrations, does not tie the process to a specific person.
  • Qualified Signature (QES) - essential for people: granting/revoking authorizations, named actions, ad-hoc situations (deputy's vacation, one-time actions).

Why does the seal often win out over the KSeF in day-to-day operations?

  • Constancy and automation: the seal „belongs to the company,” so you don't have to rewrite certificates when someone changes positions.
  • Integrations: it is easier to hook it up to external systems (ERP/finance) that run 24/7 without a person.
  • Less paperwork: at the seal with NIP needless to say to assemble ZAW-FA; you have what are known as owner permissions in KSeF. Form ZAW-FA consists of only if company no qualified seal with NIP and must designate a person authorized to act in KSeF. 
  • If you have qualified electronic seal with NIP, you use original ownership rights i you don't have to file ZAW-FA. When changing the accountant usually just revoke and give new powers In the system - without paper proxies.

So why the signature (QES)?

  • Named activities: someone “flesh and blood” must add a user, revoke access, confirm role changes.
  • Flexibility: when the process is sporadic (owner, CFO), QES is enough to go in and do a specific action.
  • Note on names: „personal” vs. „business” are mainly order in the papers; KSeF checks anyway powers granted.

Does „personal vs business” matter?

  • For access to KSeF alone - no. They count entitlements in the system.
  • For the sake of order and audit - yes, it is sometimes convenient: certificate with attributes companies can more easily link to a person's business role in internal documentation. This is a plus in large organizations.

When can the QES itself be a problem?

When you base dp KSeF access solely on one person, then rotation or absence of an employee - means downtime.

Recommendation podpisano.pl (practical set)

  • 1-2 QES (signature) For key people (management/finance) - for named and emergency actions.
  • 1 QSeal with NIP (stamp) for the organization - For permanent login „company” and under integrations.
  • Written down, short entitlement policy: who gives/receives access in KSeF, who uses the seal, how we operate in emergency mode.

You can read more about the differences between e-signature and business signature here.

Mini-FAQ

Is the KSeF already working „hard”?
The obligation to issue is postponed: large from 1.02.2026, others from 1.04.2026. Collection from the large - from 1.02.2026 for all VAT payers. Until the dates indicated above, you issue invoices as before (paper/PDF/EDI), and you can use KSeF voluntarily.

Do I have to sign every invoice?
No. The signature/stamp is used to login and authorization, not for „docking” to a file.

Will B2C also enter the KSeF?
As of today there is no obligation Issuing invoices to consumers in KSeF (can be done voluntarily).

Is it better to have a „business” signature than a „personal” one?
For access - blank, count powers. For order and audit in larger companies -. „Business” with company attributes is sometimes more convenient.

What if the Internet or the system „goes down”?

Then there are two modes available:

  • offline mode - you issue an invoice outside of KSeF and upload it to the system after the obstacle is over (the deadlines for uploading are based on the Laws/FAQ MF),
  • emergency - If it's a failure on the KSeF side, there are longer windows for dosł.
    Detailed dosage dates: 7 working days after the end of the KSeF failure (system failure) or next working day at the latest (other obstacles). (National e-Invoicing System)

Recommendation podpisano.pl

  • Yes, it is worth having a QES For key people (e.g. SimplySign - mobile or Certum Mini - USB card).
  • Yes, it's worth having a qualified electronic seal (QSeal) For the organization - simpler „corporate” login and preparation for automation.
  • Yes, it's worth taking care of system updates - That FA(3) and KSeF statuses are handled without surprises.

Need to select a qualified kit: signature+seal under KSeF? Let us know - at podpisano.pl we do this on a daily basis and will prepare a short checklist on how to make a kit.

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