{
  "title": "E-signature laws by country",
  "publisher": "eSignSimple",
  "license": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/",
  "citation": "eSignSimple, “E-signature laws by country”, https://esignsimple.com/legality",
  "lastReviewed": "2026-09-26",
  "notice": "General information, not legal advice. Each row links to the official sources it was checked against.",
  "countries": [
    {
      "country": "Australia",
      "slug": "australia",
      "url": "https://esignsimple.com/legality/australia",
      "iso": "036",
      "status": "yes",
      "shortAnswer": "Yes, for most contracts",
      "laws": [
        "Electronic Transactions Act 1999 (Cth)",
        "Electronic Transactions Regulations 2020",
        "Corporations Act 2001, sections 110A and 127",
        "State and territory Electronic Transactions Acts"
      ],
      "exceptions": [
        "Laws exempted by Schedule 1 of the Electronic Transactions Regulations 2020, such as the Bills of Exchange Act 1909, Cheques Act 1986 and Migration Act 1958",
        "Corporations Act 2001 documents, which follow the Act's own rules (sections 110A and 127)",
        "Commonwealth statutory declarations, which follow the Statutory Declarations Act 1959 as amended in 2023",
        "Wills, powers of attorney and land dealings, which are governed by state and territory law"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "label": "Electronic Transactions Act 1999 (Cth) – Federal Register of Legislation",
          "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2004A00553/latest/text"
        },
        {
          "label": "Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) – Federal Register of Legislation",
          "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2004A00818/latest/text"
        },
        {
          "label": "Electronic Transactions Regulations 2020 – Federal Register of Legislation",
          "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2020L00956/latest/text"
        },
        {
          "label": "Statutory Declarations Amendment Act 2023 – Federal Register of Legislation",
          "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2023A00092/asmade/text"
        }
      ],
      "lastReviewed": "2026-09-24"
    },
    {
      "country": "Azerbaijan",
      "slug": "azerbaijan",
      "url": "https://esignsimple.com/legality/azerbaijan",
      "iso": "031",
      "status": "conditions",
      "shortAnswer": "Yes, but only enhanced signatures equal handwritten ones",
      "laws": [
        "Law on Electronic Signature and Electronic Document (No. 602-IIQ, 9 March 2004)"
      ],
      "exceptions": [
        "Documents requiring notarial certification",
        "Documents requiring state registration",
        "Cases where other legislation requires a handwritten or specific signature"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "label": "Law on Electronic Signature and Electronic Document (State Tax Service, taxes.gov.az)",
          "url": "https://www.taxes.gov.az/az/post/316"
        },
        {
          "label": "Law amending the Law on Electronic Signature and Electronic Document (Milli Məclis)",
          "url": "https://meclis.gov.az/news-qanun.php?id=2939&lang=az"
        }
      ],
      "lastReviewed": "2026-09-24"
    },
    {
      "country": "Brazil",
      "slug": "brazil",
      "url": "https://esignsimple.com/legality/brazil",
      "iso": "076",
      "status": "yes",
      "shortAnswer": "Yes, for most contracts",
      "laws": [
        "Medida Provisória nº 2.200-2, de 24 de agosto de 2001",
        "Lei nº 14.063, de 23 de setembro de 2020"
      ],
      "exceptions": [
        "Transfer and registration of real estate: qualified (ICP-Brasil) signature required (Lei 14.063/2020, art. 5 §2 IV)",
        "Acts signed by heads of branches of government and ministers: qualified signature required",
        "Most electronic invoices (notas fiscais eletrônicas): qualified signature required, optional for individuals and MEIs",
        "Other cases where a law requires a specific signature level"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "label": "Medida Provisória nº 2.200-2/2001 (Planalto)",
          "url": "https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/mpv/antigas_2001/2200-2.htm"
        },
        {
          "label": "Lei nº 14.063/2020 (Planalto)",
          "url": "https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/_ato2019-2022/2020/lei/l14063.htm"
        }
      ],
      "lastReviewed": "2026-09-24"
    },
    {
      "country": "Canada",
      "slug": "canada",
      "url": "https://esignsimple.com/legality/canada",
      "iso": "124",
      "status": "yes",
      "shortAnswer": "Yes, for most contracts",
      "laws": [
        "PIPEDA, Part 2 (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act)",
        "Provincial electronic commerce acts",
        "Quebec: Act to establish a legal framework for information technology (CQLR c C-1.1)"
      ],
      "exceptions": [
        "Wills and codicils in most provinces (British Columbia permits electronic wills since December 2021 under its Wills, Estates and Succession Act)",
        "Powers of attorney for property or personal care in several provinces, including Ontario",
        "Transfers of interests in land, which usually go through the provincial land registry's own electronic or paper system",
        "Negotiable instruments such as bills of exchange and promissory notes under several provincial acts",
        "Documents requiring a notary or commissioner for oaths, unless a permitted remote process is used",
        "Federal documents requiring a \"secure electronic signature\" under PIPEDA Part 2 and its regulations"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "label": "Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (S.C. 2000, c. 5) – Justice Laws",
          "url": "https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/P-8.6/"
        },
        {
          "label": "Secure Electronic Signature Regulations (SOR/2005-30) – Justice Laws",
          "url": "https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2005-30/"
        },
        {
          "label": "Ontario Electronic Commerce Act, 2000 – ontario.ca",
          "url": "https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/00e17"
        },
        {
          "label": "Quebec: Act to establish a legal framework for information technology – LégisQuébec",
          "url": "https://www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/document/cs/C-1.1"
        }
      ],
      "lastReviewed": "2026-09-24"
    },
    {
      "country": "European Union",
      "slug": "european-union",
      "url": "https://esignsimple.com/legality/european-union",
      "iso": null,
      "status": "yes",
      "shortAnswer": "Yes, for most contracts",
      "laws": [
        "eIDAS Regulation (EU) No 910/2014",
        "eIDAS 2.0 – Regulation (EU) 2024/1183",
        "National civil and procedural law"
      ],
      "exceptions": [
        "Contracts that national law requires to be notarised, such as many real estate transfers and certain company formation or share transfer deeds",
        "Family-law and succession documents, such as wills, in most member states",
        "Contracts subject to a statutory written form, which generally require a QES (e.g. Germany §126a BGB)",
        "Consumer credit and suretyship (guarantee) agreements in member states that require a handwritten or qualified signature",
        "Employment termination notices in some member states (e.g. Germany, where electronic form is excluded)",
        "Filings with public authorities that specify their own signature method or level"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "label": "Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 (eIDAS) – EUR-Lex",
          "url": "https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2014/910/oj"
        },
        {
          "label": "Regulation (EU) 2024/1183 (eIDAS 2.0) – EUR-Lex",
          "url": "https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1183/oj"
        },
        {
          "label": "EU Trusted Lists of qualified trust service providers – European Commission",
          "url": "https://eidas.ec.europa.eu/efda/trust-services/browse/eidas/tls"
        }
      ],
      "lastReviewed": "2026-09-24"
    },
    {
      "country": "France",
      "slug": "france",
      "url": "https://esignsimple.com/legality/france",
      "iso": "250",
      "status": "yes",
      "shortAnswer": "Yes, for most contracts",
      "laws": [
        "eIDAS Regulation (EU) No 910/2014, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2024/1183",
        "Code civil, articles 1366 and 1367",
        "Décret n° 2017-1416 du 28 septembre 2017",
        "Code civil, articles 1174 and 1175"
      ],
      "exceptions": [
        "Private deeds relating to family law and succession (article 1175 Code civil)",
        "Private deeds relating to personal or real securities (sûretés), subject to limited exceptions (article 1175)",
        "Holographic wills, which must be entirely handwritten, dated and signed (article 970)",
        "Deeds that must be executed before a notary or other public officer"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "label": "Code civil, article 1366 – Légifrance",
          "url": "https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/codes/id/LEGIARTI000032042461/2016-10-01"
        },
        {
          "label": "Code civil, articles 1174–1177 (contract form) – Légifrance",
          "url": "https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/codes/id/LEGISCTA000032040928/2016-10-01"
        },
        {
          "label": "Décret n° 2017-1416 du 28 septembre 2017 – Légifrance",
          "url": "https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/jorf/id/JORFTEXT000035676246"
        },
        {
          "label": "Code civil, article 970 – Légifrance",
          "url": "https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/codes/article_lc/LEGIARTI000006434066"
        },
        {
          "label": "Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 (eIDAS) – EUR-Lex",
          "url": "https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2014/910/oj"
        },
        {
          "label": "Regulation (EU) 2024/1183 (eIDAS 2.0) – EUR-Lex",
          "url": "https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1183/oj"
        }
      ],
      "lastReviewed": "2026-09-24"
    },
    {
      "country": "Germany",
      "slug": "germany",
      "url": "https://esignsimple.com/legality/germany",
      "iso": "276",
      "status": "yes",
      "shortAnswer": "Yes, for contracts without a form requirement",
      "laws": [
        "eIDAS Regulation (EU) No 910/2014, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2024/1183",
        "Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§126, 126a, 126b",
        "Vertrauensdienstegesetz (VDG)",
        "Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) §371a"
      ],
      "exceptions": [
        "Termination of employment and termination agreements (§623 BGB) – electronic form excluded",
        "Guarantees (Bürgschaft, §766 BGB) – electronic form excluded",
        "Debt promises and acknowledgments (§§780, 781 BGB) – electronic form excluded",
        "Contracts to transfer land (§311b(1) BGB) – notarial recording required",
        "GmbH share transfers (§15 GmbHG) – notarial contract required",
        "Holographic wills (§2247 BGB) – must be handwritten",
        "Any contract subject to statutory written form (§126 BGB) – requires a QES under §126a BGB if electronic"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "label": "BGB §126 Schriftliche Form – gesetze-im-internet.de",
          "url": "https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgb/__126.html"
        },
        {
          "label": "BGB §126a Elektronische Form – gesetze-im-internet.de",
          "url": "https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgb/__126a.html"
        },
        {
          "label": "BGB §126b Textform – gesetze-im-internet.de",
          "url": "https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgb/__126b.html"
        },
        {
          "label": "BGB §623 – gesetze-im-internet.de",
          "url": "https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgb/__623.html"
        },
        {
          "label": "BGB §766 – gesetze-im-internet.de",
          "url": "https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgb/__766.html"
        },
        {
          "label": "BGB §550 – gesetze-im-internet.de",
          "url": "https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgb/__550.html"
        },
        {
          "label": "BGB §578 – gesetze-im-internet.de",
          "url": "https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgb/__578.html"
        },
        {
          "label": "BGB §311b – gesetze-im-internet.de",
          "url": "https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgb/__311b.html"
        },
        {
          "label": "BGB §2247 – gesetze-im-internet.de",
          "url": "https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgb/__2247.html"
        },
        {
          "label": "Nachweisgesetz §2 – gesetze-im-internet.de",
          "url": "https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/nachwg/__2.html"
        },
        {
          "label": "ZPO §371a – gesetze-im-internet.de",
          "url": "https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/zpo/__371a.html"
        },
        {
          "label": "Vertrauensdienstegesetz (VDG) – gesetze-im-internet.de",
          "url": "https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/vdg/"
        },
        {
          "label": "GmbHG §15 – gesetze-im-internet.de",
          "url": "https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/gmbhg/__15.html"
        },
        {
          "label": "Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 (eIDAS) – EUR-Lex",
          "url": "https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2014/910/oj"
        },
        {
          "label": "Regulation (EU) 2024/1183 (eIDAS 2.0) – EUR-Lex",
          "url": "https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1183/oj"
        }
      ],
      "lastReviewed": "2026-09-24"
    },
    {
      "country": "India",
      "slug": "india",
      "url": "https://esignsimple.com/legality/india",
      "iso": "356",
      "status": "conditions",
      "shortAnswer": "Yes, with conditions",
      "laws": [
        "Information Technology Act, 2000 (Act 21 of 2000)",
        "Information Technology (Amendment) Act, 2008 – section 3A",
        "Section 10A – validity of contracts formed through electronic means"
      ],
      "exceptions": [
        "Negotiable instruments other than cheques (Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, s.13)",
        "Powers of attorney (Powers-of-Attorney Act, 1882, s.1A)",
        "Trusts (Indian Trusts Act, 1882, s.3)",
        "Wills and other testamentary dispositions (Indian Succession Act, 1925)",
        "Contracts for the sale or conveyance of immovable property or any interest in it",
        "Any other documents added to the First Schedule by Central Government notification"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "label": "Information Technology Act, 2000 (MeitY)",
          "url": "https://www.meity.gov.in/static/uploads/2024/03/ITbill_2000.pdf"
        },
        {
          "label": "Information Technology (Amendment) Act, 2008 (MeitY)",
          "url": "https://www.meity.gov.in/static/uploads/2024/03/IT_amendment_act2008-1_0.pdf"
        },
        {
          "label": "Notification bringing the IT Act into force, 17 October 2000 (MeitY)",
          "url": "https://www.meity.gov.in/static/uploads/2024/03/Notification-of-IT-Act2000.pdf"
        }
      ],
      "lastReviewed": "2026-09-24"
    },
    {
      "country": "Indonesia",
      "slug": "indonesia",
      "url": "https://esignsimple.com/legality/indonesia",
      "iso": "360",
      "status": "yes",
      "shortAnswer": "Yes, for most contracts",
      "laws": [
        "Law 11 of 2008 on Electronic Information and Transactions (UU ITE), amended by Law 19 of 2016 and Law 1 of 2024",
        "Law 1 of 2024 (second amendment to the ITE Law)",
        "Government Regulation 71 of 2019 on Electronic Systems and Transactions (PP PSTE)",
        "Law 10 of 2020 on Stamp Duty (Bea Meterai)"
      ],
      "exceptions": [
        "Documents another law requires in a specific form (ITE Law Article 5(4), as amended in 2024)",
        "Deeds that must be made before a notary or land deed official (PPAT), such as land transfers",
        "High-risk electronic transactions, such as financial transactions not made face to face, which need a certificate-secured signature (Article 17(2a))"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "label": "Law 1 of 2024 (second amendment to the ITE Law) – JDIH BPK",
          "url": "https://peraturan.bpk.go.id/Download/332870/UU%20Nomor%201%20Tahun%202024.pdf"
        },
        {
          "label": "Law 1 of 2024 – JDIH Komdigi",
          "url": "https://jdih.komdigi.go.id/produk_hukum/view/id/884/t/undangundang+nomor+1+tahun+2024"
        },
        {
          "label": "Law 11 of 2008 (ITE Law) – JDIH Komdigi",
          "url": "https://jdih.komdigi.go.id/index.php/produk_hukum/view/id/167/t/undangundang+nomor+11+tahun+2008"
        },
        {
          "label": "Government Regulation 71 of 2019 – JDIH BPK",
          "url": "https://peraturan.bpk.go.id/Details/122030/pp-no-71-tahun-2019"
        },
        {
          "label": "Government Regulation 71 of 2019 – JDIH Komdigi",
          "url": "https://jdih.komdigi.go.id/produk_hukum/view/id/695/t/peraturan+pemerintah+nomor+71+tahun+2019"
        },
        {
          "label": "Law 10 of 2020 on Stamp Duty – Directorate General of Taxes",
          "url": "https://www.pajak.go.id/sites/default/files/2020-11/UU%20Nomor%2010%20Tahun%202020%20tentang%20Bea%20Materai.pdf"
        }
      ],
      "lastReviewed": "2026-09-26"
    },
    {
      "country": "Ireland",
      "slug": "ireland",
      "url": "https://esignsimple.com/legality/ireland",
      "iso": "372",
      "status": "yes",
      "shortAnswer": "Yes, for most contracts",
      "laws": [
        "eIDAS Regulation (EU) No 910/2014, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2024/1183",
        "Electronic Commerce Act 2000 (No. 27 of 2000)"
      ],
      "exceptions": [
        "Wills, codicils and other testamentary instruments",
        "Trusts",
        "Enduring powers of attorney",
        "Creation, acquisition or transfer of interests in real property (contracts for such interests remain covered)",
        "Affidavits and statutory or sworn declarations",
        "Rules, practices and procedures of the courts",
        "Documents requiring witnessing or a seal – only advanced signatures based on qualified certificates qualify (sections 14 and 16)"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "label": "Electronic Commerce Act 2000 (revised) – Law Reform Commission",
          "url": "https://revisedacts.lawreform.ie/eli/2000/act/27/revised/en/html"
        },
        {
          "label": "Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 (eIDAS) – EUR-Lex",
          "url": "https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2014/910/oj"
        },
        {
          "label": "Regulation (EU) 2024/1183 (eIDAS 2.0) – EUR-Lex",
          "url": "https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1183/oj"
        }
      ],
      "lastReviewed": "2026-09-24"
    },
    {
      "country": "Italy",
      "slug": "italy",
      "url": "https://esignsimple.com/legality/italy",
      "iso": "380",
      "status": "conditions",
      "shortAnswer": "Yes, but written form needs an advanced or qualified signature",
      "laws": [
        "eIDAS Regulation (EU) No 910/2014, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2024/1183",
        "Codice dell'amministrazione digitale (D.Lgs. 7 marzo 2005, n. 82), article 20",
        "CAD article 21"
      ],
      "exceptions": [
        "Acts listed in article 1350 nn. 1–12 of the Codice civile, such as real estate transfers – qualified or digital signature required (CAD art. 21(2-bis))",
        "Documents that must satisfy written form – advanced, qualified or digital signature required (CAD art. 20(1-bis))",
        "Public acts, where the public official must use a qualified or digital signature (CAD art. 21(2-ter))"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "label": "CAD article 20 (D.Lgs. 82/2005) – Normattiva",
          "url": "https://www.normattiva.it/uri-res/N2Ls?urn:nir:stato:decreto.legislativo:2005-03-07;82~art20"
        },
        {
          "label": "CAD article 21 (D.Lgs. 82/2005) – Normattiva",
          "url": "https://www.normattiva.it/uri-res/N2Ls?urn:nir:stato:decreto.legislativo:2005-03-07;82~art21"
        },
        {
          "label": "Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 (eIDAS) – EUR-Lex",
          "url": "https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2014/910/oj"
        },
        {
          "label": "Regulation (EU) 2024/1183 (eIDAS 2.0) – EUR-Lex",
          "url": "https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1183/oj"
        }
      ],
      "lastReviewed": "2026-09-24"
    },
    {
      "country": "Japan",
      "slug": "japan",
      "url": "https://esignsimple.com/legality/japan",
      "iso": "392",
      "status": "yes",
      "shortAnswer": "Yes, for most contracts",
      "laws": [
        "Act on Electronic Signatures and Certification Business (Act No. 102 of 2000)"
      ],
      "exceptions": [
        "Documents that other laws require to be in a specific form",
        "Government filings that require a certificate-based signature"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "label": "Act on Electronic Signatures and Certification Business (Japanese Law Translation)",
          "url": "https://www.japaneselawtranslation.go.jp/en/laws/view/3821/en"
        },
        {
          "label": "Act on Electronic Signatures and Certification Business (Digital Agency)",
          "url": "https://www.digital.go.jp/en/policies/digitalsign/digitalsign_law"
        },
        {
          "label": "電子署名及び認証業務に関する法律, official Japanese text (e-Gov Laws)",
          "url": "https://laws.e-gov.go.jp/law/412AC0000000102"
        },
        {
          "label": "Electronic signature law and accredited certification businesses (Ministry of Justice)",
          "url": "https://www.moj.go.jp/MINJI/minji32.html"
        }
      ],
      "lastReviewed": "2026-09-24"
    },
    {
      "country": "Mexico",
      "slug": "mexico",
      "url": "https://esignsimple.com/legality/mexico",
      "iso": "484",
      "status": "yes",
      "shortAnswer": "Yes, for most contracts",
      "laws": [
        "Código de Comercio, Title II (electronic commerce, from art. 89)",
        "Ley de Firma Electrónica Avanzada (DOF 11 January 2012)"
      ],
      "exceptions": [
        "Acts that must be executed before a notary (fedatario público) under the applicable law",
        "Acts with the federal public administration that require an advanced electronic signature (FEA)",
        "Documents where a specific law requires a particular signature form"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "label": "Código de Comercio (Cámara de Diputados text, via gob.mx)",
          "url": "https://www.gob.mx/cms/uploads/attachment/file/184360/CODIGO_DE_COMERCIO_261216.pdf"
        },
        {
          "label": "Ley de Firma Electrónica Avanzada (Cámara de Diputados text, via IMPI)",
          "url": "https://eservicios.impi.gob.mx/seimpi/ayudaSEIMPI/LFEA.pdf"
        },
        {
          "label": "NOM-151-SCFI-2016 on conservation of data messages (Diario Oficial de la Federación)",
          "url": "https://dof.gob.mx/nota_detalle.php?codigo=5478024&fecha=30/03/2017"
        }
      ],
      "lastReviewed": "2026-09-24"
    },
    {
      "country": "Netherlands",
      "slug": "netherlands",
      "url": "https://esignsimple.com/legality/netherlands",
      "iso": "528",
      "status": "yes",
      "shortAnswer": "Yes, for most contracts",
      "laws": [
        "eIDAS Regulation (EU) No 910/2014, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2024/1183",
        "Burgerlijk Wetboek Boek 3, article 3:15a"
      ],
      "exceptions": [
        "Real estate transfers, which have their own notarial requirements",
        "Wills, which have their own formal requirements",
        "Any document where the chosen method is not sufficiently reliable for its purpose (article 3:15a BW)"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "label": "Burgerlijk Wetboek Boek 3, artikel 15a – wetten.overheid.nl",
          "url": "https://wetten.overheid.nl/jci1.3:c:BWBR0005291&boek=3&titeldeel=1&artikel=15a"
        },
        {
          "label": "Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 (eIDAS) – EUR-Lex",
          "url": "https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2014/910/oj"
        },
        {
          "label": "Regulation (EU) 2024/1183 (eIDAS 2.0) – EUR-Lex",
          "url": "https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1183/oj"
        }
      ],
      "lastReviewed": "2026-09-24"
    },
    {
      "country": "New Zealand",
      "slug": "new-zealand",
      "url": "https://esignsimple.com/legality/new-zealand",
      "iso": "554",
      "status": "yes",
      "shortAnswer": "Yes, for most contracts",
      "laws": [
        "Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017, Part 4 (electronic transactions)"
      ],
      "exceptions": [
        "Wills, codicils and other testamentary instruments",
        "Affidavits, statutory declarations and other documents on oath or affirmation",
        "Powers of attorney and enduring powers of attorney (except deeds creating a power of attorney in connection with a security interest)",
        "Negotiable instruments",
        "Bills of lading",
        "Public notices and notices that must be attached or displayed",
        "Information that must be given in writing in person or by registered post",
        "Warrants authorising entry, search or seizure"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "label": "Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017 (New Zealand Legislation)",
          "url": "https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2017/0005/latest/DLM6844474.html"
        },
        {
          "label": "Section 228, presumption about reliability of electronic signatures (New Zealand Legislation)",
          "url": "https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2017/0005/latest/DLM6844476.html"
        },
        {
          "label": "Electronic signatures for A&I forms and other documents (LINZ)",
          "url": "https://www.linz.govt.nz/guidance/land-registration/land-registration-guide/authority-and-identity/electronic-signatures-ai-forms-and-other-documents"
        }
      ],
      "lastReviewed": "2026-09-24"
    },
    {
      "country": "Poland",
      "slug": "poland",
      "url": "https://esignsimple.com/legality/poland",
      "iso": "616",
      "status": "yes",
      "shortAnswer": "Yes, for most contracts",
      "laws": [
        "eIDAS Regulation (EU) No 910/2014, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2024/1183",
        "Kodeks cywilny (Civil Code of 23 April 1964)",
        "Act of 5 September 2016 on trust services and electronic identification"
      ],
      "exceptions": [
        "Real estate transfers – notarial deed required (article 158 Civil Code)",
        "Holographic wills – must be handwritten, signed and dated (article 949 §1)",
        "Contracts requiring written form – need a qualified electronic signature if signed electronically (article 78(1))",
        "Employment contracts and termination notices, which the Labour Code requires in writing (articles 29 §2 and 30 §3)"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "label": "Kodeks cywilny (Civil Code), consolidated text Dz.U. 2026 poz. 795 – Sejm ELI",
          "url": "https://api.sejm.gov.pl/eli/acts/DU/2026/795/text.pdf"
        },
        {
          "label": "Kodeks pracy (Labour Code), consolidated text Dz.U. 2025 poz. 277 – Sejm ELI",
          "url": "https://api.sejm.gov.pl/eli/acts/DU/2025/277/text.pdf"
        },
        {
          "label": "Act on trust services and electronic identification, Dz.U. 2016 poz. 1579 – Sejm ELI",
          "url": "https://api.sejm.gov.pl/eli/acts/DU/2016/1579"
        },
        {
          "label": "Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 (eIDAS) – EUR-Lex",
          "url": "https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2014/910/oj"
        },
        {
          "label": "Regulation (EU) 2024/1183 (eIDAS 2.0) – EUR-Lex",
          "url": "https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1183/oj"
        }
      ],
      "lastReviewed": "2026-09-24"
    },
    {
      "country": "Saudi Arabia",
      "slug": "saudi-arabia",
      "url": "https://esignsimple.com/legality/saudi-arabia",
      "iso": "682",
      "status": "yes",
      "shortAnswer": "Yes, for most contracts",
      "laws": [
        "Electronic Transactions Law (Royal Decree, 1428H / March 2007)",
        "Articles 8 and 9 – evidence"
      ],
      "exceptions": [
        "Transactions relating to personal status law, e.g. marriage, divorce, inheritance (unless the responsible authority allows electronic handling)",
        "Issuance of deeds of legal actions relating to real property (unless the responsible authority allows electronic handling)"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "label": "Electronic Transactions Law (Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers)",
          "url": "https://laws.boe.gov.sa/BoeLaws/Laws/LawDetails/6f509360-2c39-4358-ae2a-a9a700f2ed16/2"
        },
        {
          "label": "Electronic Transactions Law (Digital Government Authority)",
          "url": "https://dga.gov.sa/en/Electronic-Transactions-Law"
        },
        {
          "label": "Implementing Regulations of the Electronic Transactions Law (Digital Government Authority)",
          "url": "https://dga.gov.sa/en/Implementing-Regulations-of-Electronic-Transactions-Law"
        },
        {
          "label": "1445H amendment of the Electronic Transactions Law (Umm Al-Qura official gazette)",
          "url": "https://www.uqn.gov.sa/details?p=23989"
        }
      ],
      "lastReviewed": "2026-09-26"
    },
    {
      "country": "Singapore",
      "slug": "singapore",
      "url": "https://esignsimple.com/legality/singapore",
      "iso": "702",
      "status": "yes",
      "shortAnswer": "Yes, for most contracts",
      "laws": [
        "Electronic Transactions Act 2010",
        "Electronic Transactions (Amendment) Act 2021"
      ],
      "exceptions": [
        "Creation or execution of a will",
        "Indentures, declarations of trust and powers of attorney (except implied, constructive and resulting trusts and lasting powers of attorney)",
        "Contracts for the sale or other disposition of immovable property or any interest in it",
        "Conveyance of immovable property or transfer of any interest in it"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "label": "Electronic Transactions Act 2010 (Singapore Statutes Online)",
          "url": "https://sso.agc.gov.sg/Act/ETA2010"
        },
        {
          "label": "Electronic Transactions Act and Regulations (IMDA)",
          "url": "https://www.imda.gov.sg/regulations-and-licensing-listing/electronic-transactions-act-and-regulations"
        }
      ],
      "lastReviewed": "2026-09-24"
    },
    {
      "country": "South Africa",
      "slug": "south-africa",
      "url": "https://esignsimple.com/legality/south-africa",
      "iso": "710",
      "status": "yes",
      "shortAnswer": "Yes, for most contracts",
      "laws": [
        "Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002 (ECTA)"
      ],
      "exceptions": [
        "Agreements for the alienation of immovable property (Alienation of Land Act 1981)",
        "Long-term leases of immovable property exceeding 20 years",
        "Execution, retention and presentation of wills and codicils (Wills Act 1953)",
        "Execution of bills of exchange (Bills of Exchange Act 1964)",
        "Documents where a statute requires a signature: an advanced electronic signature is needed"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "label": "Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002 (gov.za)",
          "url": "https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/201409/a25-02.pdf"
        },
        {
          "label": "Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002 (gov.za document page)",
          "url": "https://www.gov.za/documents/electronic-communications-and-transactions-act"
        },
        {
          "label": "South African Accreditation Authority (accredits advanced electronic signatures)",
          "url": "https://www.saaa.gov.za/"
        }
      ],
      "lastReviewed": "2026-09-24"
    },
    {
      "country": "Spain",
      "slug": "spain",
      "url": "https://esignsimple.com/legality/spain",
      "iso": "724",
      "status": "yes",
      "shortAnswer": "Yes, for most contracts",
      "laws": [
        "eIDAS Regulation (EU) No 910/2014, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2024/1183",
        "Ley 6/2020, de 11 de noviembre (electronic trust services)",
        "Ley 34/2002 (LSSI), article 23"
      ],
      "exceptions": [
        "Family law contracts (LSSI article 23)",
        "Succession law contracts (LSSI article 23)",
        "Contracts that require a public document or the intervention of a notary, registry or public authority, which follow their own specific rules"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "label": "Ley 6/2020, de 11 de noviembre – BOE",
          "url": "https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2020-14046"
        },
        {
          "label": "Ley 34/2002 (LSSI) – BOE",
          "url": "https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2002-13758"
        },
        {
          "label": "Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 (eIDAS) – EUR-Lex",
          "url": "https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2014/910/oj"
        },
        {
          "label": "Regulation (EU) 2024/1183 (eIDAS 2.0) – EUR-Lex",
          "url": "https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1183/oj"
        }
      ],
      "lastReviewed": "2026-09-24"
    },
    {
      "country": "Sweden",
      "slug": "sweden",
      "url": "https://esignsimple.com/legality/sweden",
      "iso": "752",
      "status": "yes",
      "shortAnswer": "Yes, for most contracts",
      "laws": [
        "eIDAS Regulation (EU) No 910/2014, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2024/1183",
        "Lag (2016:561) med kompletterande bestämmelser till EU:s förordning om elektronisk identifiering",
        "Jordabalken (1970:994), 4 kap. 1 §",
        "Ärvdabalken (1958:637), 10 kap. 1 §"
      ],
      "exceptions": [
        "Purchases of real property, which require a purchase document signed by seller and buyer (Jordabalken 4 kap. 1 §)",
        "Wills, which must be in writing with two simultaneously present witnesses (Ärvdabalken 10 kap. 1 §)"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "label": "Jordabalk (1970:994) – Sveriges riksdag",
          "url": "https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-och-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/jordabalk-1970994_sfs-1970-994/"
        },
        {
          "label": "Ärvdabalk (1958:637) – Sveriges riksdag",
          "url": "https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-och-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/arvdabalk-1958637_sfs-1958-637/"
        },
        {
          "label": "Lag (2016:561) – Sveriges riksdag",
          "url": "https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-och-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/lag-2016561-med-kompletterande-bestammelser-till_sfs-2016-561/"
        },
        {
          "label": "Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 (eIDAS) – EUR-Lex",
          "url": "https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2014/910/oj"
        },
        {
          "label": "Regulation (EU) 2024/1183 (eIDAS 2.0) – EUR-Lex",
          "url": "https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1183/oj"
        }
      ],
      "lastReviewed": "2026-09-24"
    },
    {
      "country": "Switzerland",
      "slug": "switzerland",
      "url": "https://esignsimple.com/legality/switzerland",
      "iso": "756",
      "status": "yes",
      "shortAnswer": "Yes, for contracts without a form requirement",
      "laws": [
        "Code of Obligations (OR), articles 11, 13 and 14",
        "ZertES – Federal Act of 18 March 2016 on Electronic Signatures (SR 943.03)"
      ],
      "exceptions": [
        "Contracts subject to statutory written form – need a qualified e-signature with qualified time stamp (OR art. 14(2bis))",
        "Purchases and transfers of land – public deed required (OR art. 216, ZGB art. 657)",
        "Suretyships – written declaration with maximum amount, and a public deed for natural persons above CHF 2,000 (OR art. 493)",
        "Holographic wills – entirely handwritten, dated and signed (ZGB art. 505)"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "label": "Swiss Code of Obligations (OR, SR 220) – Fedlex",
          "url": "https://www.fedlex.admin.ch/eli/cc/27/317_321_377/de"
        },
        {
          "label": "Swiss Civil Code (ZGB, SR 210) – Fedlex",
          "url": "https://www.fedlex.admin.ch/eli/cc/24/233_245_233/de"
        },
        {
          "label": "ZertES (SR 943.03) – Fedlex",
          "url": "https://www.fedlex.admin.ch/eli/cc/2016/752/de"
        }
      ],
      "lastReviewed": "2026-09-24"
    },
    {
      "country": "Turkey",
      "slug": "turkey",
      "url": "https://esignsimple.com/legality/turkey",
      "iso": "792",
      "status": "yes",
      "shortAnswer": "Yes, for contracts with no form requirement",
      "laws": [
        "Electronic Signature Law No. 5070 (Elektronik İmza Kanunu)",
        "Code of Civil Procedure No. 6100 (Hukuk Muhakemeleri Kanunu, HMK)",
        "Turkish Code of Obligations No. 6098 (Türk Borçlar Kanunu)",
        "Registered Electronic Mail (KEP) framework"
      ],
      "exceptions": [
        "Transactions requiring an official form (resmî şekil), such as real estate sales and transfers at the land registry (tapu)",
        "Transactions that must be executed before a notary, such as notarised real estate promise-to-sell agreements",
        "Transactions requiring a special ceremony, such as marriage",
        "Guarantee contracts (teminat sözleşmeleri) such as personal suretyship (kefalet), except bank letters of guarantee and surety bonds issued by insurance companies established in Turkey",
        "Contracts subject to a statutory or agreed written form, which require a secure electronic signature rather than a simple one",
        "Wills, which require an official or handwritten form under the Turkish Civil Code"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "label": "Electronic Signature Law No. 5070 – mevzuat.gov.tr",
          "url": "https://www.mevzuat.gov.tr/mevzuat?MevzuatNo=5070&MevzuatTur=1&MevzuatTertip=5"
        },
        {
          "label": "Code of Civil Procedure No. 6100 (HMK) – mevzuat.gov.tr",
          "url": "https://www.mevzuat.gov.tr/mevzuat?MevzuatNo=6100&MevzuatTur=1&MevzuatTertip=5"
        },
        {
          "label": "Turkish Code of Obligations No. 6098 – mevzuat.gov.tr",
          "url": "https://www.mevzuat.gov.tr/mevzuat?MevzuatNo=6098&MevzuatTur=1&MevzuatTertip=5"
        },
        {
          "label": "Turkish Commercial Code No. 6102 – mevzuat.gov.tr",
          "url": "https://www.mevzuat.gov.tr/mevzuat?MevzuatNo=6102&MevzuatTur=1&MevzuatTertip=5"
        },
        {
          "label": "Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK)",
          "url": "https://www.btk.gov.tr/"
        }
      ],
      "lastReviewed": "2026-09-24"
    },
    {
      "country": "United Arab Emirates",
      "slug": "united-arab-emirates",
      "url": "https://esignsimple.com/legality/united-arab-emirates",
      "iso": "784",
      "status": "yes",
      "shortAnswer": "Yes, for most contracts",
      "laws": [
        "Federal Decree-Law No. 46 of 2021 on Electronic Transactions and Trust Services",
        "Article 18 – evidence and legal effect"
      ],
      "exceptions": [
        "Transactions, documents or procedures excluded by Cabinet decision under Article 2(2)",
        "Documents where the relevant authority or law requires a qualified electronic signature",
        "Documents that must be notarised or registered with a government authority under their own rules"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "label": "Federal Decree-Law No. 46 of 2021 on Electronic Transactions and Trust Services (u.ae)",
          "url": "https://assets.u.ae/api/public/content/83039e37384242afaf63c2e4bc05d7a1?v=3ce37943"
        },
        {
          "label": "Electronic Transactions and Trust Services Law overview (u.ae)",
          "url": "https://u.ae/en/about-the-uae/digital-uae/regulatory-framework/electronic-transactions-and-trust-services-law"
        },
        {
          "label": "TDRA announcement of the Electronic Transactions and Trust Services Law",
          "url": "https://tdra.gov.ae/en/media/press-release/2021/the-electronic-transactions-and-trust-services-law"
        }
      ],
      "lastReviewed": "2026-09-24"
    },
    {
      "country": "United Kingdom",
      "slug": "united-kingdom",
      "url": "https://esignsimple.com/legality/united-kingdom",
      "iso": "826",
      "status": "yes",
      "shortAnswer": "Yes, for most contracts",
      "laws": [
        "Electronic Communications Act 2000, section 7",
        "UK eIDAS Regulation (retained Regulation (EU) No 910/2014)",
        "Law Commission report \"Electronic execution of documents\" (2019)"
      ],
      "exceptions": [
        "Wills in England and Wales (Wills Act 1837 requires signing in the physical presence of two witnesses; the temporary video-witnessing rule ended on 31 January 2024)",
        "Deeds that require a witness, unless the witness is physically present when the signer signs",
        "Registrable land transactions, unless signed using a method accepted in HM Land Registry Practice Guide 82",
        "Lasting powers of attorney signed outside the Office of the Public Guardian's approved process",
        "Documents that must be \"probative\" or \"self-proving\" in Scotland, which require an advanced or qualified signature",
        "Some documents for government filings where the receiving body specifies its own signing method"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "label": "Electronic Communications Act 2000 – legislation.gov.uk",
          "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/7/contents"
        },
        {
          "label": "UK eIDAS: Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 as retained – legislation.gov.uk",
          "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/eur/2014/910/contents"
        },
        {
          "label": "Law Commission: Electronic execution of documents",
          "url": "https://lawcom.gov.uk/project/electronic-execution-of-documents/"
        },
        {
          "label": "HM Land Registry Practice Guide 82: electronic signatures accepted – GOV.UK",
          "url": "https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/electronic-signatures-accepted-by-hm-land-registry-pg82"
        },
        {
          "label": "Electronic Documents (Scotland) Regulations 2014 – legislation.gov.uk",
          "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2014/83/contents"
        }
      ],
      "lastReviewed": "2026-09-24"
    },
    {
      "country": "United States",
      "slug": "united-states",
      "url": "https://esignsimple.com/legality/united-states",
      "iso": "840",
      "status": "yes",
      "shortAnswer": "Yes, for most contracts",
      "laws": [
        "ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. §7001 et seq.)",
        "Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA)",
        "New York Electronic Signatures and Records Act (ESRA)"
      ],
      "exceptions": [
        "Wills, codicils and testamentary trusts (unless the state has an electronic wills statute)",
        "Adoption, divorce and other family-law matters",
        "Court orders, notices and official court documents such as pleadings",
        "Notices of utility service cancellation or termination",
        "Default, foreclosure, eviction or repossession notices for a primary residence",
        "Cancellation or termination of health or life insurance",
        "Product recall and material safety failure notices",
        "Documents that must accompany hazardous materials in transport",
        "UCC transactions other than sales and leases of goods (e.g. negotiable instruments under Article 3)",
        "Documents requiring notarization, unless a state-authorized remote or electronic notarization is used"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "label": "15 U.S.C. Chapter 96 – Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce (LII, Cornell Law School)",
          "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/chapter-96"
        },
        {
          "label": "Public Law 106-229 (ESIGN Act), GovInfo",
          "url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/PLAW-106publ229"
        },
        {
          "label": "New York State Technology Law §304 (ESRA) – NY State Senate",
          "url": "https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/STT/304"
        }
      ],
      "lastReviewed": "2026-09-24"
    }
  ]
}