eSignature legality summary
The Law gives electronic signatures the same legal effect as handwritten signatures in principle and addresses electronic transactions and data protection together. It contemplates ordinary electronic signatures and qualified signatures issued by accredited authentication service providers. In practice, the statutory presumption of reliability depends on the accreditation regime being operational, so until then a court may weigh an electronic signature’s reliability on the facts.
Types of permitted electronic signature
The Law recognizes electronic signatures generally (data used to sign that can identify the signatory and is securely associated with the document) and qualified electronic signatures issued by accredited providers, which are intended to carry a presumption of reliability once the accreditation framework is in force.
Documents that may be signed electronically
Commonly suited to e-commerce contracts, commercial agreements, NDAs, and electronic communications where no special statutory form is required.
Use with caution / not typically appropriate
Official electronic documents take effect only within the framework set by implementing decrees, and the accreditation regime for qualified providers is still maturing — so use a higher-assurance method and a strong audit trail for important matters, and confirm the current rules for documents requiring a specific form.
- Official documents whose effect depends on implementing decrees
- Matters where another law prescribes a specific form, notarization, or registration
- Personal-status and family-law matters
Seminal court cases
None reported.
Primary sources
- Law No. 81 of 2018 on Electronic Transactions and Personal Data
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