Choosing an electronic signature: What to look for?

4-minute read Updated: August 18, 2026

Electronic signatures have become an integral part of doing business and handling official matters in the digital age. However, the multitude of available solutions can be overwhelming. What should we follow when choosing an electronic signature to meet our needs and comply with the law?

Types of electronic signatures - know your needs

There are three types of electronic signatures on the market, differing in security level and application:

  • Plain Signature: The simplest type of signature, which can be made, for example, by entering a name in the appropriate field of an online form. It does not require a special device or software, but its legal force is limited.

 

  • Advanced Signature: A more advanced type of signature that must meet certain technical requirements, such as being linked to the signer in a unique way and being able to detect any changes to the document after it has been signed. It can be submitted using special software or a device. In addition, it is often necessary to enter a code that is sent to either a phone or email address.

 

  • Qualified signature: The most advanced and secure type of electronic signature, which has the same legal force as a handwritten signature. Requires a special qualified certificate issued by a trust service provider.

 

Before choosing an electronic signature, it is worth considering for what purposes it will be used. If we only need to sign internal company documents, an ordinary signature may be sufficient. However, for signing contracts, invoices or official documents, an advanced or qualified signature is usually required.

Trust service provider - check its credibility

Electronic signatures are issued by trust service providers who must meet certain requirements and be included in a list maintained by the Ministry of Digitization https://www.nccert.pl/  Before choosing a supplier, it is worth checking its credibility, experience in the market and the opinions of other users.

Functionality and ease of use - convenience first and foremost

When choosing an electronic signature, pay attention to its functionality and ease of use. Is the software intuitive? Does it allow signing of different file formats? Does it offer additional features, such as integration with other systems?

Selection of the device on which you sign

The signature is always associated with a certificate, which can be stored on a cryptographic card or in the cloud. This determines the device on which you can make signatures. And so: 

  • only on computer you can sign documents if you have the certificate stored on the card (you must insert the reader with the card into the USB port),

  • on a computer and on a mobile device (tablet, smartphone) if your certificate is stored in the cloud. 

Choose the solution that is most convenient for you.  However, it is always worth considering the possibility in terms of mobility.

Compatibility

Make sure the signature you choose is compatible with the operating systems and programs you use, e.g., payer, e-declarations, e-KRS If you have an Apple computer, then check the feedback on how the signature works with its operating systems.

Customer service

Check to see if the signature provider offers technical support and assistance in case of problems.

Price - match it to your needs

Prices for electronic signatures vary depending on the type of signature, the provider and the length of time for which the signature is issued. Remember that, as a rule, signature issuers on their sites quote a price for the signature itself, that is, for an “empty tool.” To activate the signature you need to get a certificate, which is issued after confirming your identity, and this service is charged extra. It is worth comparing the offers of different providers and choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.

Security - a key aspect

Data security is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing an electronic signature. Make sure the provider uses appropriate security measures, such as data encryption and two-factor authentication. Also check whether the provider has the necessary certifications and complies with the EU regulation eIDAS.

And most importantly. Choose consciously!

Choosing an electronic signature is an important decision that can affect the efficiency of our work and the security of our data. By following the above tips, we can make an informed choice and enjoy the benefits of digital document signing.



Qualified signatures SimplySign and Certum Mini

If you have any concerns or questions, please contact us

+48 22 417 05 55

We'll answer your questions, find a time that works for you, and match you with an advisor at one of our locations throughout Poland.

You can also write an email from us [email protected]. 

SimplySign podpisano
from 299,00 PLN
SimplySign It is an innovative, mobile electronic signature, which eliminates the need for physical cards and readers. With compatibility with systems Android, iOS, Windows and Mac OS, you can sign documents from anywhere and at any time. The installation and activation process is simple and quick, and the it can take as little as 30 minutes to obtain the certificate With online verification. Sign with full legal power, increasing the efficiency and security of your company's enterprise. Invest in SimplySign today And take your business to the next level of digital mobility!
Certum Mini - qualified electronic signature
from 282,00 PLN
Certum Mini that equipped with a reader and a cryptographic card, Qualified signature, compliant with eIDAS certification, Certum Mini is compatible with a wide range of business software and operating systems MacOS, Windows and Linux. The package includes 5000 time stamps per month, which further guarantees the authenticity and integrity of the documents. It provides the highest level of security offering full legal power and reliability. When you invest in Certum Mini, you gain security, convenience and time savings.
SimplySign renewal podpisano.pl
from 149,00 PLN
SimplySign digital signature renewal is a key process that ensures the continued validity and full legal force of your digital signature. With simple and quick renewal process, which can be carried out online, you can extend the validity of your qualified electronic signature by 1, 2 or 3 years. The renewal process is tailored to your needs and guarantees to save you time and resources, eliminating the need to go through the paid identity confirmation procedure again.
from 149,00 PLN
Once every one, two or three years, depending on how long your Certum Mini qualified signature was previously issued for, it is necessary to renew it. If you don't do it in time, your signature will stop working. In this case it will be necessary not only to buy a new certificate, but also to go through the whole paid procedure of confirming identity. If there is some time left before the deadline, indicate that you want the renewal period to start when the previous purchase expires.
Certum Mini Qualified Stamp Podpisano
The Certum Mini qualified electronic seal is a modern solution for authentication of digital documents, dedicated to both companies and institutions. Thanks to compliance with the eIDAS regulation, the seal provides full legal force, authenticity and integrity of documents, so it is Ideal for signing contracts, invoices and official correspondence. It is available in the form of Cryptographic card with USB-A or USB-C reader, which provides flexibility and convenience of use. When you invest in Certum Mini, you gain security and save time.
SimplySign qualified seal podpisano
Select SimplySign Qualified Electronic Seal to. automate business processes and ensure the security and authenticity of your electronic documents. Thanks to its compliance with eIDAS and Polish law, SimplySign offers the full legal force and modern cloud solutions, ideal for companies of all sizes, enabling the signing of contracts, invoices and other company documents. No card readers required and is compatible with a wide range of office programs and computer operating systems.
Switching from Certum Mini to SimplySign - podpisano.pl
Switching from Certum Mini to SimplySign allows for greater efficiency and convenience in managing signatures. SimplySign eliminates the need for physical cards and readers, allowing you to sign documents from anywhere. The process of swapping signatures is simple and follows the same process as SimplySign signature renewal, ensuring a quick and seamless migration to the new system.
Transitioning from the Sapphire sub-route to SimplySign - podpisano.pl
Whatever qualified signature provider you currently use, you can easily replace it with SimplySign. Switching to SimplySign increases mobility, convenience and efficiency In managing electronic signatures. SimplySign offers a modern approach to document signing, eliminating the need for physical cards and readers. The signature swap process is simple and follows the same process as SimplySign signature renewal, ensuring a quick and seamless transition.  

Check also:

Do you need help?

Find what you're looking for