eSignature legality summary
Law 527 establishes functional equivalence between electronic and paper documents, and between electronic and handwritten signatures: a signature requirement is met by a method that identifies the signer and reliably shows approval. Digital signatures backed by a certificate from an ONAC-accredited authority carry a presumption of authenticity and integrity, reducing the evidentiary burden.
Types of permitted electronic signature
An electronic signature is any reliable method to identify a person for a data message — PINs, usernames/passwords, biometrics, cryptographic keys, or multi-factor authentication — that identifies the signer, is under their exclusive control at signing, detects later alteration, and allows later verification. A digital signature is a certificate-based numeric value (ONAC-accredited CA) with a presumption of authenticity and integrity. There is no formal hierarchy, but digital signatures reduce disputes.
Documents that may be signed electronically
As a rule, anything signable by hand can be electronically signed where reliability and integrity standards are met; employment contracts (including remote work) are expressly covered.
Use with caution / not typically appropriate
Acts subject to special formalities — notarization, authentication, or public deeds — need more than a standard electronic signature, and specific regulators may impose additional rules.
- Acts requiring notarization, authentication, or execution through public deeds
- Matters subject to special statutory formalities
Seminal court cases
- Constitutional Court, Decision C-662 (2000)
- Supreme Court, Decision of Dec. 16, 2010, Rad. 2004-01074-01
Primary sources
- Law 527 of 1999
- Decree 1074 of 2015
- Law 2213 of 2022
Disclaimer: This guide is general information, not legal advice, and is not a guarantee that any signature will be enforceable for a particular document, transaction, or jurisdiction. E-signature and data-protection laws change frequently. Confirm the requirements for your specific document and parties, and consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant country before relying on electronic signing.
Last reviewed: June 15, 2026