Portuguese Citizen Card Middleware platform

The Middleware of the Portuguese Citizen Card is a software suite that plays a vital role in using the Citizen ID Card in Portugal. It acts as an intermediary layer between the card and the applications that want to access the information contained in it:

Management of Digital Certificates: The Citizen Card contains digital certificates used for authentication and electronic signature. The Middleware handles the management of these certificates, ensuring they are up-to-date and ready for use.

Access to Personal Data: Allowing authorized applications to access personal data stored on the Citizen Card, such as name, identification number, photograph, and official citizen's address, among others, according to the cardholder's permissions.

Electronic/Digital Signature: It facilitates the use of the Citizen Card for electronically signing documents and transactions, ensuring the authenticity and integrity of the signatures. This is crucial for legally binding documents, contracts, and transactions conducted online.

Authentication: Allowing individuals to use their Citizen Card for secure online authentication. It confirms the identity of the cardholder when accessing digital services or conducting online transactions.

Security: Plays a fundamental role in security, ensuring that operations performed with the Citizen Card are secure and that the cardholder's personal information is protected.

Integration: It allows the integration of the Citizen Card with various government and commercial applications, making it a versatile tool for accessing digital services, including tax filing, healthcare, and online banking.

The physical Portuguese Citizen ID Card has an integrated smart card chip, which is accessed with a small and inexpensive reader connected via a USB port to a PC or Mac desktop/laptop. The new version of the Portuguese Citizen ID Card will be equipped with a contactless chip thus facilitating the use of an Android or iOS device to interact.

As an alternative to users not equipped with a smart card reader Chave Móvel Digital can be used, via a mobile to get a code or even just get an SMS in the Mobile Phone number associated with the platform, users can get validated to access and sign documents using the platform.

Components: 

Desktop application - Enables citizens to access and manage their data and to digitally sign documents as individuals, as company managers binding the organizations, or as professionals ensuring they have adequate credentials.

Minidriver and PKCS#11 modules.

Website - Information and access to software

SDK programming languages. C++, Java and C# SDKs.

Promoters:

AMA  "Agency for Administrative Modernization" is a government agency responsible for promoting and implementing administrative modernization and digital transformation initiatives within the public sector. Its mission is to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and accessibility of public services in Portugal through the use of technology. AMA works to streamline administrative processes, enhance digital services, and promote innovation to benefit both citizens and businesses interacting with the government.

Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado (IRN) is a public institute, within the scope of the Ministry of Justice. It is responsible for providing services to citizens and companies in the areas of civil identification (citizen card), civil, property, commercial registration, movable property, legal persons and nationality.

INCM "Imprensa Nacional Casa da Moeda" a government entity responsible for several functions, including printing official publications, national mints, and providing security printing services. INCM plays a crucial role in producing legal documents, such as passports, identity cards, and driver's licenses, as well as various publications and official gazettes. Additionally, INCM is responsible for issuing and controlling the circulation of currency in Portugal.

Caixa Mágica Software is a company based in Portugal, specializing in the development of cutting-edge open-source solutions. With a track record spanning over two decades, it is a trusted partner to businesses and government agencies, seeking robust software. The project is on GitHub.