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- GovTech
Ukrainian Electronic Signatures Gain Full Legal Validity in Latvia
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- 2 min
Latvia has become the first country in the world with which Ukraine has established full mutual recognition of electronic signatures. Beginning in 2026, Ukrainian qualified electronic signatures (QES) included in the European Commission’s Trusted List of third countries will be recognized in Latvia as legally equivalent to handwritten signatures.
Latvia is currently the first country in the world to legally recognize Ukrainian e-signatures, establishing them as equivalent to handwritten signatures. This will significantly facilitate communication and cooperation between Ukrainian citizens in Latvia (currently more than 31,000), as well as Latvian and Ukrainian businesses, state and local government institutions. We appreciate Ukraine’s achievements in digitization and the implementation of solutions that comply with EU standards — this is a significant step towards Ukraine’s digital integration into Europe, and we are grateful to our Ukrainian colleagues for their close cooperation, as well as to our colleagues at LVRTC for the rapid implementation of the e-signature solution
What does this mean for individuals and businesses?
Ukrainian citizens and representatives of Ukrainian companies can now access Latvian digital services as easily and seamlessly as they do in Ukraine. No in-person visits or paper-based procedures are required to:
- Interact with banks, including signing electronic documents — contracts, certificates and invoices — with full legal force;
- Submit applications for Latvian state and municipal services;
- Conduct business, including signing contracts online with Latvian partners.
Recognition of our electronic signatures in Latvia represents a case of the highest level of digital trust. This is not merely a technical decision but true digital accessibility without barriers achieved through the close cooperation of both countries. It demonstrates how digitalization genuinely integrates Ukraine into the European space, creating new opportunities and a comfortable life for every Ukrainian. We are building a common digital market with Europe, where borders do not hinder work or growth
How does it work?
To interact with Latvian institutions and businesses, users may apply Diia.Signature-EU or other electronic signatures issued by Ukrainian conformity assessment bodies that meet EU standards. This became possible following amendments to Latvia’s Law on Electronic Documents, which entered into force this year.
Ukraine recognized EU qualified electronic signatures in 2023. Latvia has now taken a reciprocal step, creating a unique example of full international digital trust.
The reform is being implemented by the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine in cooperation with the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development of Latvia (VARAM).
