What Is a Digital Signature? Should You Buy One?
Th3
1. What is a Digital Signature?
A digital signature is an electronic tool used to sign documents online instead of signing by hand on paper.
Once a document is signed with a digital signature, it has legal validity similar to a handwritten signature and company seal.
Digital signatures are widely used by businesses to complete online administrative procedures and transactions.
2. What Is a Digital Signature Used For?
Businesses commonly use digital signatures for:
-
Submitting electronic tax declarations
-
Issuing electronic invoices
-
Filing social insurance declarations
-
Submitting business registration documents
-
Signing electronic contracts
-
Completing banking and accounting transactions
-
Authenticating official documents and emails
Example:
-
When a company issues an e-invoice to a customer, it must be signed with a digital signature.
-
When the accountant submits tax reports to the tax authority, a digital signature is required.
3. When Is a Digital Signature Required?
In Vietnam, most businesses must have a digital signature because it is required for:
-
Online tax submission
-
Electronic invoice issuance
-
Social insurance declarations
Without a digital signature, these systems will not accept submissions.
4. Should You Buy a Digital Signature?
✔ You SHOULD buy one if:
-
You own a company or business
-
You need to issue electronic invoices
-
Your accountant needs to submit tax declarations
-
You handle online administrative procedures
A digital signature is almost mandatory for operating a business online.
❌ You DO NOT need one if:
-
You are an individual without a registered business
-
You do not issue invoices
-
You do not submit corporate tax declarations
5. Digital Signature Cost
Typical prices in Vietnam:
-
1 year: about 1,000,000 – 1,800,000 VND
-
2–3 years: about 2,000,000 – 3,500,000 VND
Popular providers include:
-
Viettel-CA
-
VNPT-CA
-
FPT-CA
-
MISA-CA
