E Signature Card | Digitalize your Business Transactions
Are you tired of printing, signing, and scanning documents for your business in the UAE? From handling official submissions to using a gratuity calculator UAE for end-of-service benefits, the endless paperwork can be frustrating. It’s a common problem for many business owners and employees who just want to get things done quickly without the traditional signatures.
I came up with a solution that can save your time and effort, and it is the e signature card UAE. With a small fee of around AED 200 only, this digital card is your key to handling official business online, from signing MOHRE documents to managing employee contracts, all with a few clicks. In this guide, I will explain exactly what an e-signature card is, why you must have it, and how to get it easily.
What is an E Signature Card?
An e-signature card is your official digital ID for your business, introduced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). It’s a physical smart card that holds your unique electronic signature. It completely replaces the need for handwritten signatures on official government documents.
The best thing about this card is that it has a small built-in electronic chip inside. This chip stores your personal details and fingerprint data and acts as a digital passkey to prove your identity.
In the UAE, an electronic signature has the same legal power as a wet-ink signature on paper. This means any document you sign with your e card is legally valid and accepted by government departments in all ways.
Ultimately, the e-signature card (also known as a signature card or electronic card) is designed to save you hours from visiting Tasheel or Amer centres just to sign a document. UAE’s e signature card helps you to approve new employment contracts as per UAE labour law and handle other MOHRE related tasks securely from your office or home.
How to apply for an E Signature Card?
Getting an e card in the UAE is a straightforward process. The UAE authorities responsible for issuing these digital cards are the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and their approved service centers such as Tasheel and Amer.
The application process is simple for company owners, authorized signatories, and PROs. You just need to visit a Tasheel or Amer centre with the required documents. A representative will guide you through the application, take your fingerprints and photograph, and process your request. Once your application is approved, you will receive your e-signature card.
Required Documents
Just like you need your passport and UAE labour card for most official matters, you also need a specific set of documents for the e-signature card. To ensure your e-signature card application is processed smoothly, you need to make your documents ready!
The requirements are simple and designed to verify the identity of the authorized signatory. For a hassle-free experience at the Tasheel or Amer centre, make sure you have the following documents.
For the Authorized Signatory (Owner/Manager/PRO):
Pro-Tip: Before visiting the service centre, double-check that your Emirates ID is not expired and that all your personal details are up-to-date in the system. This simple step can prevent unnecessary delays in your application.
Application Procedure
Here’s a step-by-step guide to get your UAE digital card without any hassle.
Step 1: Visit an Authorized Service Centre
The easiest way to apply is by visiting your nearest MOHRE approved service centre, which is usually a Tasheel or Amer office.
Step 2: Submit Your Application and Documents
Inform the representative that you need to apply for a new e card. They will provide you with the application form. Fill it out carefully and submit it along with all the required documents that I listed above.
Step 3: Biometric Data Collection
The representative will take your digital photograph and scan your fingerprints. This biometric data is securely linked to your card and is used to verify your identity when you sign documents digitally.
Step 4: Verification and Approval
Once you submit everything, the MOHRE officials will verify your application and documents. This is an internal process to ensure all the information is correct. After successful verification, your application will be approved.
Step 5: Receive Your E Card
After approval, you will be notified by the MOHRE officials, and you can collect your new e-signature card from the service centre. With this card, you are all set to handle your official transactions online with ease and security.
How to Activate E Signature Card?
Once you have your new e card, the final step is to activate it. The good news is that the activation process is incredibly simple. In most cases, there is nothing you need to do at all!
When the representative at the Tasheel or Amer centre hands you the card, they have already completed the activation process in their system. The card is linked to your biometric data (fingerprints) and is ready to use immediately for any online MOHRE transactions.
You don’t need to install any software or manage any special passwords. Just use the card at a self-service kiosk (k-machine) whenever you need to sign a document, and it will work perfectly!
Terms and Conditions for UAE E Signature Card
When you get an e signature card, there are a few important terms and conditions to keep in mind. These are not official rules but knowing them will help you use the card correctly and stay updated.
Issuance Time
After your application is approved, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) usually issues the e card within 1 to 2 working days.
Card Fees
The fee for a new e card is typically between AED 120 and AED 200. This amount does not include any additional tax or service centre charges that may apply.
Application Tracking
You can easily track the status of your application. You can use the official MOHRE mobile app or contact their call centre at 600590000 from 8 am to 8 pm.
Maintaining a File
The person who is authorized to sign (the signatory) must have a personal identification number and an active file with the MOHRE. This is necessary to keep all records secure.
How to Renew E Signature Card?
Just like any official document, your e card has an expiry date and needs to be renewed to stay active. The good news is that renewing your card is just as simple as applying for the first time. You don’t need to go through a complicated process.
To renew your card, you simply need to visit your nearest Tasheel or Amer service centre. Let the representative know that you want to renew your e-signature card.
You will need to provide your valid Emirates ID and passport copy, and pay the renewal fee. The process is quick, and you will receive your new, updated e card.
Legal Aspects of Acquiring an E Signature Card in the UAE
When it comes to official documents, the most important question is, is it legally valid or not? For the e card in the UAE, the answer is a clear and simple, YES. Your electronic signature holds the exact same legal power and validity as your traditional handwritten signature in ink.
This is not just a guideline, it is officially under the UAE labour law rules. The Federal Decree-Law No. 46 of 2021 on Electronic Transactions and Trust Services is the specific regulation that gives e signatures their legal authority.
This means that any document you sign using your e card is legally binding and fully recognized by all government departments and courts in the UAE.
5 Key Benefits of E Signature Card in the Emirates
Switching from paper and ink to a digital e signature card offers huge advantages for any business in the UAE. This simple change helps you save money, work faster, and keep your important documents more secure than ever before!
Let’s look at the key benefits that make this card a must-have tool for modern businesses.
Cost Efficiency
One of the biggest advantages of using an e card is how much money it saves. In the past, you had to constantly pay for paper, printer ink, envelopes, and expensive courier services just to get documents signed. These costs disappear completely with a digital process.
Enhances Productivity
Time is the most valuable asset in business, and the e card helps you save a lot of it. In the past, getting a simple signature could take days. You had to print the document, send it via courier, wait for it to be signed, and then wait for it to be returned. With an e card, you can sign and send documents in just a few minutes, not days!
Secures Data and Privacy
In today’s digital world, security is everything. A paper signature can be easily copied or forged which may put your business at risk. The e card solves this problem by providing advanced security for all your documents. Each time you sign, the card uses powerful encryption to lock your signature to the document. It’s like having a unique digital key that only YOU can use.
Improves Accessibility
The biggest benefit of an e signature card is that your business doesn’t have to stop just because you are not physically present in the office. This was a huge problem for owners who travel or manage their business from abroad. Now, with the e card, you can approve official transactions and sign documents at anytime, anywhere in the world.
Improves Collaboration
Teamwork is a dream work! The e signature card makes working together much smoother. You can send a document to multiple people for their digital signatures instantly. Everyone can sign quickly and securely, no matter where they are in the world. This speeds up agreements, partnerships, and approvals.
What is a Digital Certificate?
You can think of the e signature card as a special key. But how does anyone know that the key belongs to you? That’s where the Digital Certificate comes in. It’s an electronic file that acts like a digital passport or ID card.
When you get your e card, an official service provider issues this certificate to you. Every time you sign a document with your card, this digital certificate is used in the background to verify your signature.
Digital Certifications Service Provider Companies (DCSP)
So, who gives you the Digital Certificate for your e card? You don’t get it directly from a government office you get it from special, government-approved companies called Digital Certification Service Providers (DCSPs). These companies are licensed by the UAE’s Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) to issue secure digital certificates.
When you apply for your card at a Tasheel or Amer centre, they are working with one of these licensed DCSPs behind the scenes to create and manage your digital identity securely.
For businesses interested in becoming a licensed DCSP, the process is quite detailed. The TDRA requires several documents to ensure the company is qualified, including:
Importance of E Signature Cards in Banking
In the past, when you opened a bank account in the UAE, you had to sign a physical “signature card.” The bank would keep this card to match your signature every time you signed a cheque or a document. This was an important security step, but it was slow and based on old paper methods.
Now, with the move towards digital services, the e-signature card is taking over this role.
E-Signature Card vs UAE Pass vs Digital Signature
It’s easy to get confused between an E-Signature Card, the UAE Pass app, and a general digital signature. While they all help in signing documents online, they have very different purposes.
Here’s a simple table to clear up the confusion and help you understand which one you need.
Feature | E Signature Card | UAE Pass | Digital Signature (General) |
|---|---|---|---|
What is it? | A physical smart card for business owners and PROs. | A secure mobile app for all UAE residents. | A secure, encrypted method to sign any electronic document. |
Main Purpose | Signing official company documents for MOHRE and other government entities. | Signing official company documents for MOHRE and other government entities. | To prove the authenticity and integrity of any digital file or message. |
Best For | Business owners, managers, and PROs for their company’s legal transactions. | All residents for accessing government services, paying bills, and signing personal documents. | Professionals and businesses that need high security for contracts, agreements, etc. |
Legal Power | High. Legally binding for all official business and labour-related documents. | High. Legally binding for government and official service transactions. | High. Legally binding under UAE’s Electronic Transactions Law. |
Issuing Body | Issued via Tasheel or Amer centres under MOHRE regulations. | Managed by TDRA and the UAE Digital Government. | Can be provided by various licensed Digital Certification Service Providers (DCSP). |
Conclusion
In short, the e signature card is no longer just an option; it’s an essential tool for any business operating in the UAE. It simplifies how you handle official documents, saving you from the old hassles of paperwork and queues at government service centres. For a small fee, you get a secure, legally recognized digital identity that saves you time and money.
By moving to a digital-first approach, the UAE government has made business faster, more efficient, and more secure. Getting your e card is a simple step that shows you are ready to embrace this modern way of working. It’s a small card that makes a big difference in your daily business operations. Must grab it!
