Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is a trusted digital tool for saving important data and signing digital documents. The usability and key capabilities of DSC have been relied upon by numerous government agencies and other service sectors to sign electronic documents and forms. It offers several levels of cyber security help to the numerous online transactions carried out and the sharing of sensitive data.

DSC Certifying Authorities / Vendors in India

According to Section 24, CA’s in India have the authority to issue digital signature certificates. You can easily obtain a Class 3 certificate from one of the organizations that issues them.

National Informatics Center (NIC)
IDRBT Certifying Authority
SafeScrypt CA Services, Sify Communications Ltd.
(n) Code Solutions CA
E-MUDHRA
CDAC
NSDL
Capricorn
Verasys

Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is an electronic form of a handwritten signature for authenticating the identity of a signer, preserving the integrity of digital transactions, and making them secure. As foreign nationals have different requirements than Indian citizens, specific criteria exist for obtaining a Foreign National Digital Signature Certificate (DSC).

These certificates are used in a variety of online and digital deals that need a secure signature, like filing tax, e-tendering, signing agreements among others just like the Indian citizens do with their DSC.

Foreign nationals can obtain the same Digital Signature Certificates (DSCs) as Indian citizens, with a few distinctions.

• Class 2 DSC: This certificate is usually used for submitting documents to the government agencies like; Income Tax returns or GST filings. It is validation of the identity of the individual or organization without a physical process of verification like Class 3.

• Class 3 DSC:  It is the strongest digital signature and used in certain transactions that require a strong legal agreement. This method involves checking a foreign national’s identity in person. It is commonly required for all online tenders, e-auctions and other must-have online transactions.

Step 1: Choose a Certifying Authority (CA)

In India, Certifying Authorities (CAs) are authorized organizations that issue Digital Signature Certificates. Some of the recognized CAs that issue DSCs to foreign nationals include:

1. eMudhra

2. Sify

3. VSign

4. National Informatics Centre (NIC)

Ensure that the given CA was checked and verified by the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) of India.

Step 2: Application Process

In order to apply for a Foreign National DSC, do the following:

• Complete the DSC Application Form:

  • Put accurate personal or organizational details into the online application form. 

1. Full name and contact details.
2. Passport or other identification proof.
3. Country of residence and accompanying tax identification number (where applicable).
4. All relevant documents relating to your organization (if positions are being held by representatives of foreign entities).
   
   

• Document Submission:

1. Passport (for identity verification).
2. Proof of Address (e.g., utility bill or bank statement from the country of residence).
3. PAN Card (if the applicant is an Indian resident or has an Indian PAN).
4. Authorised Signatory Proof (if the DSC is being applied for a company or organisation).
5. Duplicate of the Incorporation Certificate (if applicable to foreign companies).
   
   

• Verify Identity:

1. For Class 3 DSCs: The certifying authority may request the physical checking of the foreign national’s identity, which may be done personally or via video call. It is also possible that you will have to send notarised copies of documents for identity verification.

Step 3: Issuance of the DSC

1. After checking the documents and identity by the CA, the Digital Signature Certificate is provided. In case of foreign nationals, the certificate is usually provided via a USB token or a soft copy, which could be mounted for signing documents.

Step 4: Install and Use the DSC

1. After getting the DSC, you can configure the certificate on your desktop or use it with the help of the USB token. Then, it can be used for signing different digital documents, submitting forms, paying taxes, and so on.

A Foreign National DSC has various important functions.

• Verification of Identity: It helps to verify the identity of foreign nationals in transactions with the Indian authorities, companies, and other entities that are done online.

• Compliance with Legal Regulations: Foreigners involved in business transactions, legal contracts, or financial transactions with Indian organizations often have to use DSCs as a mandate to meet the Indian regulations.

• Online Tax Filing and Legal Documents: Foreigners who wish to invest in India or operate a business (such as filing tax returns, submitting documents with governmental bodies or signing agreements) need a DSC for the authentication of documents and checking one’s identity.

• Secure Communication: DSCs are used to establish a secure line of communication in online portals, such as government portals, such as Income Tax Department, GST portal, and e-tendering platforms.

• Esign & Email verification : The Applicant will receive a mail from E-mudra with a link for verification of email. Applicant will be required to click on the link where he will be forwarded to the verification page, the default PIN to be entered is 123456, post which he shall receive a One Time Password on his registered number as shared and he has to enter the password in the field as provided.
• Video Verification : Another email with a Video link will be sent by email, Open the link and the applicant shall be required to read the statement as displayed on its screen which will involve stating of Name, 4 digit Code and that he has applied for Digital Signature through e-mudra. 

It is mandatory to display original documents ie. ID proof and Address proof during video recording. (It is mandatory to show photo page of passport as ID proof, front and back page of address proof in video) - Request to show the attached original documents (Passport Original and Utility Bill Original) while recording video

A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for Foreign Nationals is required for individuals, business owners, or company directors from outside India participating in:

• E-Tendering: Submitting bids for government or corporate tenders in India.

• E-Procurement: Participating in online procurement processes.

• Tax Filing: Filing Indian taxes (Income Tax returns or GST filings).

• Online Contracts: Signing contracts, agreements, or memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with Indian entities.

• Company Registrations: Foreign directors or shareholders who need to digitally sign documents related to company incorporation or updates with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).

• Tax Filing: Foreigners who have investments in Indian companies may be required to file income tax returns or GST returns in India. A Class 2 DSC or Class 3 DSC is needed to sign and submit these returns electronically.

• Corporate Filings: Foreign nationals who are directors or shareholders of companies in India must use a DSC to sign documents filed with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), such as annual returns or financial statements.

• E-Tendering and Bidding: Foreign businesses participating in government tenders or private-sector procurement processes in India need to use a Class 3 DSC to submit their bids or proposals.

• Signing Agreements and Contracts: Foreign nationals involved in business dealings, M&As, or joint ventures with Indian firms often use DSCs to sign and authenticate legal documents or contracts online.

• E-Voting: Foreign directors or shareholders can use a DSC to cast electronic votes in corporate meetings, especially for matters like Annual General Meetings (AGMs).

Uses of Digital Signature

• In the majority of the cases, a Foreign National DSC is generally valid (for a period of 1-2 years, depending on DSC that is being issued (Class 2 or Class 3)).

• Renewal: Renewing a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for foreign nationals involves a process similar to obtaining a new DSC. This requires completing a renewal application and submitting the necessary documents for verification.

• Cryptographic Security: The DSC applies cryptographic ways to sign and encrypt documents to protect the integrity of the data and keep it secret.

• Dual Key System: Every DSC is holding two keys – private (confidential) and public (shared with the recipient). The combination of these two keys would not only lead to authentication but validation as well.

• Tamper-Proofing: After signing a document with DSC, it cannot be edited, without distorting the signature, thus supporting the document integrity.

• Document Verification: The verification for foreign nationals could be more complicated as the process of authentication of foreign documents such as passport or proof of address is involved in the process.

• Installation and Compatibility: Foreign nationals might encounter difficulties installing the DSC on computers in the case of a lack of compatibility of the needed software or hardware (e.g. USB-token) for the system. It is important to make sure that one is compatible before applying for a DSC.

• Compliance with Indian Laws: Foreign nationals need to understand the legal procedures in India, that includes the need to use DSCs for certain filings and signatures. The defiance may lead to either delays or difficulties in transactions.

• Time Zone and Physical Verification: In the case of Certifying Authority, foreign nationals may be required to follow certain time zones / schedules for the physical verification process (like video call / physical verification).

• Passport – Colour Photo
• Utility Bill (Electricity / Property Tax) Latest Copy  – Colour Photo
• Passport Size Photo of Applicant – Colour Photo

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