The evolution of the Digital Signature in Spain

Do you know the origins of the digital signature in Spain? Since the first Certification Authority (CA) was established in 1995, the sector has undergone continuous evolution. Viafirma began its journey in 2000 and has spent these years adapting to the latest regulations and market changes. Of course, it has not been without innovation and challenges in equal measure. Thus, we arrive at the present day, a time when security and digital transformation are advancing at an unprecedented pace.

1995 – 2006: The beginnings of digital signatures in Spain

To find the origins of the digital signature sector, we must go back to 1995, when the first Certification Authority (CA) appeared and, with it, the sector was born in Spain. The European Union, aware of the importance they would have in the consolidation of e-government, issued the first regulations to govern them: Directive 1999/93 EC on electronic signatures.

For years, regulation on the subject was common to all European countries, which acted on the basis of Directive 1999/93. A year later, the company that would become Viafirma was born, with the mission of offering authentication, digital signature, and digitized signature (biometric) solutions.

First legislation on digital signatures in Spain

European guidelines focus on digital transformation, giving rise to the Digital Single Market (DSM). In this context, member countries are beginning to legislate in favor of converting their public administrations into digitized entities.

Despite the common regulations that existed, in 2003 the sector took a new direction by promoting the first legislation specific to a particular country in Spain. Thus, Law 59/2003 was a pioneer and began to regulate “electronic signatures, their legal effectiveness, and the provision of certification services.”

Three years later, the electronic ID card was created to offer citizens the possibility of carrying out consultations and operations digitally.

2006 – 2013: It’s time to promote digitization

In line with our business premise, which advocates for constantly evolving customized solutions and products, in 2007 we created the first Linux support for electronic ID cards, thus helping users comply with the Law on Citizens’ Access to Public Services.

Following technological advances, the first electronic signatures were hosted in the cloud. Viafirma achieved the first MAC support for electronic ID cards and became the first mobile signature client for iOS and Android.

In 2011, Spain had more than 25 million electronic ID cards, and Viafirma established itself as a benchmark for digital signatures in Spain: In 2012, we achieved the first mobile signature on iOS with electronic ID cards, generated Advanced Digital Signatures, and created Viafirma Documents, a mobility solution for generating signatures on mobile devices.

2014 – 2016: The eIDAS Regulation and ID 3.0 arrive

In 2014, a key event in digital history took place and the main legal framework on the subject throughout the European Union was established: the eIDAS Regulation.

Its importance lies in the fact that it establishes a legal framework for electronic identification and trust services (including electronic signatures, electronic seals, and time stamps), enabling secure and reliable cross-border transactions and reducing barriers. With this regulation, electronic identification systems and trust services are recognized and accepted throughout the EU, with significant advantages for businesses and citizens.

A year later, the Ministry of the Interior introduced the DNI 3.0 with NFC connection, compatible with the Viafirma Platform.

2016 – 2023: Consolidation of the Digital Single Market (DSM)

In the following years, Europe reinforced its Digital Single Market (DSM) strategy, promoting the digital transformation of public administrations and businesses. It is this wave of digitization that has propelled Viafirma to become a national and international benchmark with cloud solutions, advanced biometrics, and qualified digital signatures, always ensuring compliance with eIDAS.

Thanks to these solutions, numerous companies and public organisms in Spain, such as RTVE and SERGAS, have incorporated digital signatures into their systems, seeing significant growth in the services and operations provided as a result of COVID-19.

Viafirma’s impact is recognized internationally, having won awards such as the European Commission’s Seal of Excellence with Invoice Cloud Market and the SME Award from the Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Competitiveness. But if there is one milestone that endorsed us as a company, it was being accredited as a Qualified Trusted Electronic Services Provider in 2019.

2024–2025: eIDAS 2 and European digital identity

In response to growing challenges in interoperability and digital security, the European Union amended the eIDAS Regulation and proposed eIDAS 2 in 2021, which will come into force in May 2024. This reform introduces the European Digital Identity Wallet (e-ID), a kind of digital wallet that we can carry on our mobile phones and use to store digital credentials, driver’s licenses, and other personal data. It also allows us to access online and offline services and carry out transactions securely.

Although a large number of the population is still unaware of the existence of the European digital wallet, the European Union has set a target of 80% of the population having this system by 2030.

In this commitment to achieving a digital society, the relevant authorities and entities are digitizing their own processes and documents, as is the case in Spain with the Digital ID Card in 2025 through the miDNI application.

The future of digital signatures in Spain

Without a doubt, Viafirma will continue to adapt to new guidelines and evolve to offer solutions that are compatible with market demands. We hope you have enjoyed this overview of the electronic signature sector and found our infographic interesting. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.