SPID or CIE: which is better to have?

Both are free and give access to the same services. CIE requires no separate activation (you already have it if you have an electronic identity card). SPID is more convenient if you do not have an NFC smartphone or want to access from a computer without a reader. The recommendation is to have both: if one has problems, the other is the backup.

Can I use the digital signature to sign an employment contract?

Yes, provided it is a qualified digital signature (not a simple electronic signature). Many companies use platforms such as DocuSign, Adobe Sign or Yousign that manage the entire process. Check that the contract explicitly states acceptance of the qualified digital signature.

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Digital signature, SPID and CIE: differences and how to use them

In Italy there are three main digital tools for your online identity and document signing: SPID (Public Digital Identity System), CIE (Electronic Identity Card) and digital signature. SPID and CIE are mainly used to authenticate on Public Administration portals. The digital signature is used to sign documents with legal value equivalent to a handwritten signature.

Authority

AgID — Agenzia per l'Italia Digitale

Time

20 min

Updated

May 2026

What you need

✓For SPID: identity document, health card, email and phone number
✓For CIE: the Electronic Identity Card received from the Municipality + PIN
✓For digital signature: device (USB key, smart card or app) + contract with provider

Step-by-step procedure

SPID: digital identity to access public administration services

SPID allows access to INPS, Tax Agency, healthcare dossier, government bonuses, Municipality and thousands of other online services with a single username and password + second factor (OTP SMS or app). There are 8 official providers (Poste Italiane, Aruba, TIM, Infocert, Intesa, Lepida, Namirial, TeamSystem). Each provider has different costs and recognition methods (in person, video, CIE/bank card). Levels: L1 (password only), L2 (password + OTP), L3 (physical token — rare).

SPID is free with most providers. Check promotions: Poste Italiane and TIM issue it free of charge.

CIE: electronic identity card with NFC

The CIE (Electronic Identity Card) has an NFC chip that allows online authentication via smartphone or NFC reader. It is used with the 'CieID' app to access the same services accessible with SPID. The CIE is issued by the Municipality when renewing your identity card. With the CIE and PIN you can access all CIE/SPID-enabled services and also sign documents (Firma con CIE). It is the free and always-available alternative to SPID.

If you already have a CIE, you do not need SPID to access public services: they do the same thing.

Digital signature: for signing contracts and documents with legal value

The qualified or advanced digital signature allows you to sign contracts, notarial deeds, invoices, business documents with full legal value (equivalent to a handwritten signature). The main providers are Aruba, Infocert, Namirial, Intesa (part of Teamsystem). Available in three formats: USB key with integrated smart card (~€25-60/year), app on smartphone (OTP + pin), hardware token. For businesses it is practically mandatory (electronic invoicing, filings with the Companies Register). For private individuals it is useful for rental contracts, various deeds, PEC.

Do not confuse digital signature with simple electronic signature (e.g. mouse signature): the qualified digital signature is the one with full legal value.

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AgID — Identità Digitale

AgID — Agenzia per l'Italia Digitale

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Frequently asked questions

Responsible authority

Authority

AgID — Agenzia per l'Italia Digitale

Phone

Certified email

Website

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The information in this guide is for orientation only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Always verify on the official portal of the responsible authority.