eSignature law in European Union
Electronic signatures are recognized across all EU member states under Regulation (EU) 910/2014, eIDAS.
Drop your document here and sign it now. PDF, Word and Excel all work: a .docx or .xlsx is laid out in your browser exactly as it was written, so there is nothing to convert first. Add a signature, a date, a company stamp or a watermark, then download it sealed. Free to start, no account, and the file is never uploaded to open it.
Governing law: Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 (eIDAS) (2014)
eSignature EU: the short answer
Searched as eSignature EU, electronic signature EU, or "is an e-signature legal in EU", the answer is the same: yes, for ordinary business documents, under Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 (eIDAS). What varies is which documents are carved out and which tier of signature they need, and that is the part worth reading rather than the general rule.
The eIDAS Regulation (EU 910/2014) creates a single, harmonized framework for electronic signatures across all 27 EU member states. It defines three legally recognized tiers: Simple Electronic Signature (SES), any electronic mark indicating intent; Advanced Electronic Signature (AdES), uniquely linked to and identifies the signer with tamper-evidence; and Qualified Electronic Signature (QES), AdES backed by a Qualified Certificate from a Qualified Trust Service Provider (QTSP). QES is automatically equivalent to a handwritten signature in every member state. SES and AdES are legally admissible but their weight depends on the surrounding evidence, the standard for most commercial contracts. The Regulation also covers electronic seals (for legal persons), timestamps, and electronic registered delivery.
What makes an eSignature valid in European Union
- For SES: any electronic data attached to other data with intent to sign
- For AdES: unique link to signer, signer identification, sole control of signing data, tamper-detection
- For QES: AdES + Qualified Certificate from QTSP + Qualified Signature Creation Device
- Cross-border recognition guaranteed within the EU/EEA
- Non-discrimination: an eSignature cannot be denied legal effect solely because it is electronic
Where eSignatures are not valid
- Documents requiring written form under member-state-specific law (varies by country)
- Certain notarial acts and registry filings (jurisdiction-specific)
- Family-law and inheritance documents in some member states
- Public-administration acts requiring qualified seals
FAQ
Are electronic signatures legal across the EU?
Yes. eIDAS (EU 910/2014) provides uniform legal recognition across all 27 member states, with mutual cross-border validity for QES.
When do I need QES in the EU?
For most commercial contracts SES or AdES is sufficient. QES is required when the law specifically demands qualified form, typically certain real-estate, family-law, and notarial acts.
Can I use a PDF Verified signature in any EU country?
Yes. PDF Verified SES is recognized in every member state under eIDAS Article 25(1). For AdES/QES, we partner with EU-listed QTSPs on Business Plus and Enterprise.
How does eIDAS handle cross-border recognition?
A QES generated in one member state must be recognized as equivalent to a QES in every other member state (Article 25(3)). SES and AdES are admissible but their evidentiary weight depends on member-state procedure.
What PDF Verified is, and what it is not
Electronic signature law is settled in broad terms and specific in the details. The ESIGN Act, UETA, eIDAS and their equivalents recognise electronic signatures across more than 190 countries, and what decides a particular case is intent to sign plus evidence connecting the signature to the signer, which is what the audit certificate records. Certain document types carry their own formalities wherever you are: deeds, wills, some property instruments, and anything requiring a witness or a notary. Sign only what you are authorised to sign, since applying another person signature without their authority is forgery whatever tool is used.
PDF Verified is a tool for preparing, signing, stamping and checking documents. It is not a law firm, a compliance service or a forensic examiner, and nothing here is legal, financial or compliance advice. Requirements differ by country, by document type and by the party asking, so check what applies to your document before you rely on it, and take advice where the document matters. You are responsible for the documents you create, sign and send, and for having the authority to do so: signing or stamping in somebody else name, or as an organisation you do not represent, is forgery whatever tool is used. To the extent the law allows, we accept no liability for how a document made with this tool is used or relied on. The full position is in our terms of service.