Clifford Chance

The Coronavirus lock-down: are electronic signatures a possible solution under Slovak law?

26 March 2020

In response to the coronavirus pandemic the Slovak Republic has introduced tough measures restricting social contact. Schools and many retail outlets have been closed. People coming from abroad must be quarantined. As a result, many employees have had to stay at home and work remotely, which has significantly limited the possibility to meet and sign documents in person.

This has raised the question whether the traditional process of document execution may be replaced by electronic means. Despite the fact that legislation governing electronic signatures has been around for quite some time already, the answer is unfortunately still not a straightforward one. This briefing considers the position on electronic signatures under Slovak law and discusses the possibility of having a contract signing executed remotely during these "working-from-home" times.

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