Greece is advancing in digital governance with Law 4727/2020, making it mandatory for public authorities to accept electronic documents bearing an approved electronic signature or electronic stamp. This means citizens and businesses no longer need to submit paper forms or collect physical signatures for documents to be legally recognized.
What are approved electronic signatures and stamps?
Approved signatures and stamps confirm the authenticity and legal validity of documents. Certificates, applications, or contracts with these digital markers are recognized by all public and judicial authorities, as well as by private entities, without additional procedures.
Easy verification and security
Documents issued through the Unified Digital Government Portal (gov.gr) carry a unique verification code and can be checked online using either the verification code or QR code. This provides added security and transparency while reducing the risk of fraudulent documents.
Practical benefits for citizens and businesses
Digital documents simplify administrative processes and save time, enabling citizens and businesses to focus on essential tasks instead of bureaucratic procedures. At the same time, the reliability and legal validity of documents are preserved across public and private sectors.
The new reality
Mandatory acceptance of electronic documents marks another step toward a modern, user-friendly, and transparent administration, where citizens can trust that their documents are recognized, whether digital or printed. The digitalization of documents also promotes efficiency, security, and accessibility, enhancing daily interactions with public authorities.
The adoption of electronic documents is a major step toward a paperless, fast, and secure workflow. It ensures compliance with national laws while making government services more approachable and easier to navigate for everyone.
Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3