The ePUAP Trusted Profile, also known simply as the Trusted Profile (PZ), is a service that allows Polish citizens to verify their identity in a digital environment, allowing them to use electronic public services. The Trusted Profile is part of the ePUAP (Electronic Platform for Public Administration Services) platform, which is the official channel of communication between citizens and public administration in Poland.

Here is some key information about the Trusted Profile:

1. Access to public services: The Trusted Profile allows users to securely log in to e-government systems and use online services, such as submitting applications, forms, tax returns, checking the status of documents, booking appointments at government offices, etc.
2. Security: the Trusted Profile provides a secure way to authenticate a user, using, among other things, proof of identity through electronic banking, a personal visit to a confirmation point, or through an electronic signature.
3. Free of charge: the creation and use of the Trusted Profile is free for users.
4. Ease of Use: After setting up a Trusted Profile, users can easily and quickly use many public services online without having to leave home.
5. Validity: the Trusted Profile is valid for 3 years from the date of activation and can be renewed.
6. Wide range of services: The Trusted Profile allows access to a wide range of public services, including systems such as CEIDG (Central Register and Information on Economic Activity), ZUS (Social Insurance Institution), KRUS (Agricultural Social Insurance Fund), as well as e-services offered by city and municipal offices and many other institutions.
7. Signing documents: The Trusted Profile also allows electronic signing of documents, which is accepted by authorities as a form of "remote" signature.

The Trusted Profile is often the first step for many Poles to use e-government and is an alternative to a qualified electronic signature in dealing with public administration, although it does not fully replace it in the context of all possible legal and business applications.

Qualified electronic signature is a secure, fast and convenient tool for confirming the identity and authenticity of digital documents. Due to its high level of security, it is widely used for authentication and authorization, as well as storage of digital data.

Key features of a qualified electronic signature:

• Legal equivalence with a handwritten signature: A qualified electronic signature has the same legal force as a traditional handwritten signature, which means that documents signed in this way are legally binding throughout the European Union.
• High level of security: Qualified electronic signatures use secure Qualified Signature Creation Devices (QSCDs) and certificates issued by Qualified Trust Service Providers (QTSPs), providing a high level of security and protection against forgery.
• Integrity of the document: The signature confirms that the document has not been altered after it was signed, which is key to maintaining the credibility and authenticity of the document.
• Authenticity of authorship: An electronic signature uniquely identifies the person who signed the document, which provides confidence in the identity of the signer.
• International acceptance: qualified electronic signatures are widely accepted in international transactions, especially within EU countries, making it easier to do business internationally.
• Time and cost savings: Processes that require a signature can be completed electronically, eliminating the need for physical document transfer and allowing transactions to close faster.
• Risk reduction: The use of qualified electronic signatures reduces the risk of fraud and errors associated with traditional document signing methods.
• Ease of storage: Documents signed with a qualified electronic signature are easy to store and archive electronically, reducing the need for physical paper storage and associated costs.
• Ease of verification: Qualified electronic signatures can be easily verified for validity, allowing documents to be authenticated quickly and efficiently.
• Universality of application: Qualified electronic signatures can be used in many different contexts, including government, banking, insurance, health and many other sectors.

A qualified electronic signature is therefore a powerful tool that enables secure and efficient business in the digital environment, while ensuring regulatory compliance and building trust between the parties to a transaction.

Trusted Profile (PZ) and Qualified Electronic Signature (KPE) are two different tools for verifying the identity of users and authorizing documents in a digital environment. Both are used in Poland and have their own specific features and applications. Here are the main differences between them:

1. Legal status:
   • The Trusted Profile is a service that allows you to confirm your identity when dealing with the public administration and electronically sign documents in a way that is accepted by Polish offices. It is primarily recognized in Poland.
   • A qualified electronic signature complies with the eIDAS regulation and has the legal force equivalent to a handwritten signature throughout the European Union. It is an international solution.
2. Security and technology:
   • The Trusted Profile relies on security features such as a login and password, as well as one-time access codes sent by SMS or generated by the application.
   • Qualified electronic sign atures use secure signature creation devices (QSCDs) and certificates issued by qualified trust service providers (QTSPs), providing a higher level of security.
3. Cost:
   • The Trusted Profile is available free of charge to citizens and residents of Poland.
   • Qualified electronic signatures come with a fee, and the price depends on the trust service provider and the scope of services.
4. Application:
   • The Trusted Profile is primarily used in dealing with the public administration in Poland, such as for logging in to the ePUAP platform, submitting PITs online, booking appointments in offices, etc.
   • Qualified electronic signatures have broader applications, including business, international trade, banking, and dealing with government.
5. Acceptance:
   • The Trusted Profile is mainly accepted by Polish institutions and has limited acceptance outside the country.
   • Qualified electronic signatures are accepted throughout the European Union and often in other countries as well, making them more universal internationally.
6. Sustainability and renewability:
   • The Trusted Profile is usually valid for a certain period of time (currently 3 years) and must be renewed.
   • Qualified electronic signatures usually have a specific validity period (e.g. 1-3 years) depending on the provider's policy, after which they also require renewal.

In summary, the Trusted Profile is a simpler and free tool for basic electronic authorization, mainly in the context of public services in Poland, while the qualified electronic signature is a much more advanced and secure tool that provides a higher level of security and is widely accepted in legal, business and international transactions.

A qualified electronic signature offers a number of advantages that make it an attractive solution for both individuals and businesses. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Legal power: A qualified electronic signature is considered equivalent to a handwritten signature and has full legal force in European Union countries, allowing it to be used in a wide range of official documents and transactions.
2. Security: Through the use of advanced cryptographic technologies and certificates issued by trusted certification centers, a qualified electronic signature provides a high level of security. It guarantees that documents have not been altered after they have been signed and that the signer's identity is verifiable.
3. Data integrity: An electronic signature protects the integrity of a document by ensuring that its contents have not been altered since it was signed.
4. Authentication: a qualified electronic signature uniquely identifies the person signing the document, which is crucial for legal and business processes.
5. International Acceptance: qualified electronic signatures are widely accepted in international transactions, making it easier to do business globally.
6. Time and cost savings: Processes that would traditionally require physical signatures and document transmission can be completed electronically in less time, resulting in savings.
7. Risk reduction: Electronic means of authentication reduce the risk of fraud and errors associated with traditional methods of signing documents.
8. Ease of storage: Electronic documents signed with a qualified electronic signature are easier to archive and manage than their paper counterparts.
9. Verifiability: Qualified electronic signatures can be easily verified for validity, allowing documents to be authenticated quickly and efficiently.
10. Versatility: Qualified electronic signatures can be used in a variety of sectors and industries, from government, finance and banking to health and education.
11. Environmental friendliness: Reducing the need to print documents contributes to environmental protection by reducing paper consumption and emissions associated with document transportation.

In summary, a qualified electronic signature is an investment in the future that enables you to operate safely, efficiently and legally in a digital environment. If you care about the reliability, security and international recognition of your documents, this is a solution worth considering. It not only provides convenience, but also opens the door to new opportunities in the digital age, where borders are becoming less visible and trust and security are at a premium.

Choose the type of qualified signature that suits you best: