What will change with the revision
With the reform, Zurich is laying the foundation for administrative processes to be handled completely digitally – for citizens and companies alike.
Here’s an overview of the most important changes:
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Companies and the general public can communicate digitally with any administrative authority.
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Each administrative authority must provide at least one suitable digital channel for submissions.
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Everything that’s submitted or delivered digitally must be verified and on time. Decisions taken via digital processes can still be challenged.
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From 1 January 2027, administrative authorities will only work together digitally.
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Submissions requiring a signature must be signed with a qualified electronic signature.
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Administrative authorities must keep their files primarily in digital form.
These changes will see administration become less paper-based and instead focus on flexible, transparent and modern processes.
New expectations in terms of transparency and process security
This change means more than simply introducing a new means of communication for authorities. Digital submissions change the way processes are carried out. Traceability is important: deadlines need to be digitally verifiable, files must be complete and consistent, and communication has to run smoothly. The public’s expectations are rising. Citizens want to be able to submit documents and track progress online, and don’t want to depend on physical processes. Digital administration can enable this if processes are secure, understandable and reliable.
Why secure communication is key
The digitization of administrative processes is more than just an organizational issue. Sensitive data must be exchanged securely and all legal requirements met. The Ordinance on Electronic Communication in Administrative Proceedings (ECAPO) was adopted for this purpose. It sets out what an “appropriate electronic channel” must do. This includes being sure who the involved parties are, that the data is protected against unauthorized access and that there is traceability regarding what has been submitted and what it contains. Normal e-mails don’t meet these requirements. Digital administrative processes need communication solutions that are secure, verifiable and suitable for everyday use.
The benefits of secure electronic processes – for public authorities and citizens
There’s clear added value for both parties:
For public authorities
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Legally secure delivery of sensitive documents without media disruption
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Reliable proof of mailing, access and opening
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Simple integration into existing e-mail clients or specialist applications
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Digital processes that function without additional complex systems
For citizens
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No portals, additional logins or technical barriers to entry
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Personal data protection thanks to strong encryption
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Everyday, straightforward digital communication with the administration
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Clear recording of documents received and relevant deadlines
Why taking action early is advisable
Even though the VRG reform will not come into force until 2027, it’s still advisable to get to grips with digital communication processes in administration today. It’s clear that Zurich marks the beginning, not the end. It can be assumed that other cantons will follow suit and that supra-regional harmonization steps with them will be essential. Administrations have the opportunity to methodically structure digital processes, simplify procedures and design their own communication infrastructure so that it strengthens efficiency, transparency and reliability in the long term. This calls for stable and secure digital communication channels that meet both the legal requirements and expectations of citizens.
