E-signatures, e-documents simplify legal services in Georgia

The Government of Georgia yesterday approved a package of amendments that granted legal status to electronic signatures and documents. 

The amendments also included the creation of a special archive for electronic documents and provided a right for legal entities to use electronic stamps. 

Georgia’s Minister of Justice Thea Tsulukiani said the amendments would make it possible to receive a range of legal services remotely and would advance Georgia’s e-governance to a higher level. 

Now the amendments presented by the Ministry of Justice and approved by the Government must be confirmed by Parliament of Georgia,” Tsulukiani stated. 

If the changes are approved in the legislative body electronic signatures and electronic documents will have the same status as their material equivalents,” the Minister added. 

Georgia's Minister of Justice (C) said use of e-signatures and documents would be possible in Georgia and abroad. Photo by Ministry of Justice's press office.  

Tsulukiani said the use of e-documents and signatures would be possible both in Georgia and abroad. 

The opportunity will significantly simplify citizens’ and businesses’ relations with administrative structures,” she noted. 

When it comes to using electronic stamps, the innovation will make it possible for legal entities, especially for banks, insurance companies and the healthcare sector, to carry out various services remotely."

The Minister said the amendments would support the creation of electronic documents that had no paper equivalents and to save these types of documents, a special archive would be created.  

Georgia’s National Archive has already begun working on the project of the e-archive,” said Tsulukiani. 

She noted the amendments would gradually come into effect in early 2018 after the process was finalised.