Does every entrepreneur need to have a digital certificate? This is a very common question and the truth is that whether or not you have to have the document will depend on the type of company you own.
In the case of MEI, for example, it is not mandatory to have the document, but it is highly recommended. After all, he is an important tool for business and makes the day to day of entrepreneurs much easier. Continue reading to find out more about it!
What is digital certificate for entrepreneur?
The digital certificate is a document that serves as the electronic identity of a company or person. I.e, it works like an electronic RGallowing the identification of the entrepreneur in a secure way in the virtual environment.
Instituted in 2021, the digital certificate is present in Provisional Measure n.º 2.200-2, which regulates and determines its use in the activities of ICP Brasil – Infrastructure of Brazilian Public Keys. It can be stored in the cloud, computer, tablet or in a tokenoffering greater protection in online transactions.
In addition to allowing the identification of the entrepreneur, it also guarantees that the documents can be signed with the same legal value as a paper signature, which can be used from anywhere, as long as there is internet access.
What is the importance of digital certificate for entrepreneur?
According to the law, the document is mandatory for all companies classified in the Presumed Profit category and in some Brazilian cities for Simples Nacional. And every company that has more than five employees in its staff is also required to have a digital certificate.
In this way, know how to make digital certificate and, above all, knowing its importance is essential for entrepreneurs. Much more than allowing digital signatures with the same value as physical signatures, the document speeds up and guarantees greater security in the company’s transactions and flows.
Even though it is not mandatory for all types of entrepreneurs, such as the MEI, having the document guarantees some of the following benefits:
remote subscription
The digital certificate means that you do not need to be physically present somewhere to sign official documents. That’s because all subscriptions can be done remotely. As it is stored in the cloud or on a device, document access is much easier and allows it to be used anywhere in a 100% digital way.
Security
Another significant advantage of the digital certificate is that the data exchange that takes place in virtual transactions is all encrypted. That is, in addition to having signatures with the same legal value as handwritten, you keep your information protected, making it difficult for third parties to access it.
cost reduction
When obtaining a digital certificate, you will not need to spend more on notarization at the notary, invoicing invoices or printing documents, for example. All of them are issued, stored and signed virtually. It is also worth mentioning the reduction of costs with paper and ink in printing, in addition to the electricity used in this process.
Greater agility
The digital certificate provides much more agility in the company’s day-to-day life by facilitating the signing of important contracts and documents that cannot wait for a face-to-face meeting to be effective.
Credibility
Finally, it is worth highlighting the credibility that the digital certificate offers to the business. This is because you show that you are prepared to sign a contract from anywhere and, more than that, you demonstrate concern with transparency in transactions.
How does it work to acquire the digital certificate for entrepreneur?
To issue the digital certificate, you must make a request on the website of one of the certifying authorities, known by the acronym AC (Certifying Authorities), of ICP-Brasil, linked to the National Institute of Information Technology and approved by the Federal Revenue Service.
After choosing the certification authority, you must access the website and choose the type of digital certificate that will be issued. For MEI, there are mainly three types:
- A1 digital certificate: it’s like a digital file, which can be installed and stored on your computer, cell phone or tablet. Generally, it is valid for one year and can be requested by both individuals and companies that issue the electronic invoice.
- digital certificate A3: in this case, the digital certificate is stored in physical structures, the most common being tokens and cards. The validity varies according to the storage location, and can be up to five years, as it is a portable model, it ends up having a slightly higher value than the A1.
- cloud certified: It is a newer model when compared to the other two. It is stored in the cloud of the company contracted to issue the digital certificate and can be installed on several cell phones and computers, and for each use, an authorization request will be sent on the registered cell phone.
All models basically have the same functions to validate and offer greater security in virtual transactions. The differences are in the one that best suits the services and needs of the entrepreneur.
It is important to point out that, before actually using the digital certificate in transactions, the data must be validated in a registration authority, known by the acronym AR, which are part of the CA.
According to ICP-Brasil, for this validation to take place, the entrepreneur needs to go to the location in person, with a scheduled date and time. Finally, after all these steps, entrepreneurs are advised by the certification or registration authority itself on how to download and use the document.
The values vary according to the type and model of digital certificate chosen and the certifying authority, but it is possible to find options from R$ 215.00. When choosing the company that will help you at this time, do not forget to check the available certification authorities on the ICP-Brasil website, to avoid possible scams.
Another important detail to be mentioned is that you can only request the digital certificate if your registration status is up to date.
Ensure efficiency in your business with the digital certificate
Digital certification is a very important document and, even if it is not mandatory in some cases, it offers many advantages to entrepreneurs. In addition, it can become a strategic differential since it guarantees much more security to the company’s transactions with third parties. Thus, in addition to facilitating signatures and ensuring greater security, you will gain greater credibility and transparency for your business. With the Omi, for example, you can register or renew your certificate, in addition to having unique solutions for entrepreneurs to make their routine even easier and ensure optimized and productive processes. Log in to find out more!