When the Other Party Doesn't Have MitID
When the Other Party Doesn't Have MitID
"But I don't have MitID?" The voice on the phone belonged to an experienced German businesswoman who needed to sign a distribution agreement with a Danish company. She'd heard Denmark was digital, but not that it could become a barrier.
Welcome to one of the most overlooked challenges in Danish digitalization: What do we do when the other party can't keep up?
The Problem Nobody Talks About
Denmark is world champion in digital infrastructure. MitID, NemID, Digital Post - we've built a system that works perfectly... for Danes. But the reality is that Danish business is international. And the rest of the world doesn't have MitID.
The typical scenarios:
- International investors
- Foreign suppliers
- Expats without Danish CPR numbers
- Danish companies with foreign board members
- Freelancers from around the world
Every time they hit the same wall: "Just log in with MitID." Yeah, except they can't.
The Analog Solution (That Nobody Wants)
The traditional solution? Print, sign with pen, scan, send. In 2025. It's like asking people to send a telegram.
But the worst part isn't the inefficiency. It's the signal it sends: "We're only digital if you fit our system." Not exactly the welcome international partners expect from a modern Danish company.
Digital Solutions That Actually Work
At ePact, we've solved this with multiple methods:
Handwritten digital signature: The other party draws their signature directly on screen. Legally binding, internationally accepted, no MitID required.
Email verification: Combined with IP tracking and timestamping provides sufficient documentation for most commercial agreements.
Two-factor via SMS: Phone number + one-time code adds an extra security layer without requiring Danish digital infrastructure.
The point isn't to lower security, but to offer alternatives that match reality.
Legally, It's Actually OK
Here's the surprise: Danish law doesn't require MitID for valid agreements. A signature is a signature, whether it comes via MitID, handwriting, or carrier pigeon (okay, maybe not the last one).
What matters is:
- Clear identification of parties
- Proof of consent
- Documentation of the agreement
MitID is fantastic for this, but not the only way.
Practical Tips from the Trenches
Expect the unexpected: Always ask international parties if they have access to MitID before sending documents.
Have Plan B ready: Use a platform offering alternative signature methods. Discovering the problem after sending the contract is too late.
Communicate clearly: "We use digital signatures that also work without Danish MitID" calms many nerves.
Document extra: Without MitID's built-in verification, ensure extra documentation. Email correspondence, meeting minutes, whatever it takes.
The Future is Inclusive
Denmark's digital leadership is fantastic. But true digitalization is about including everyone - not just those with the right passport.
Companies that master being both digital and flexible win in the long run. Because the best solution adapts to the user, not the other way around.
So next time an international partner says "I don't have MitID," respond: "Fortunately, there's a solution for that."
Because good business knows no borders - not even digital ones.
