eSignature law in Singapore

Electronic signatures are legally binding in Singapore under the Electronic Transactions Act 2010, which gives electronic records and signatures the same legal effect as paper.

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: Electronic Transactions Act 2010 (ETA) (2010)

Singapore's Electronic Transactions Act 2010, modelled on the UNCITRAL Model Laws and the UN Convention on Electronic Communications, provides that a contract is not denied validity solely because it was formed electronically, and that a signature requirement is met by an electronic method that identifies the signer and indicates their intention, and is reliable for the purpose. The ETA also recognises "secure electronic signatures" and digital signatures supported by certificates from accredited certification authorities, which attract evidential presumptions of authenticity and integrity. For ordinary commercial contracts, a simple electronic signature is sufficient and widely used. The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) administers the accreditation scheme for certification authorities.

What makes an eSignature valid in Singapore

Where eSignatures are not valid

FAQ

Are electronic signatures legal in Singapore?

Yes. Under the Electronic Transactions Act 2010, electronic signatures are legally valid and enforceable for most commercial documents, with the same effect as handwritten signatures.

What documents cannot be signed electronically in Singapore?

The ETA excludes wills, negotiable instruments, powers of attorney, trusts, and conveyances of land, among others listed in its First Schedule.

Do I need a digital certificate to sign in Singapore?

No. A simple electronic signature is valid for ordinary contracts. A digital signature from an IMDA-accredited certification authority adds evidential presumptions for higher-stakes documents.

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.