Electronic Signature: The Legal Guide
Electronic signatures have been legal for years, but not all digital signatures are equal. Learn the difference between simple, advanced and qualified.
What's included:
What you'll find inside
A preview of the key points. Download to access the full content.
Simple electronic signature
A click on 'I accept', a typed name, etc. Valid for low-risk contracts (quotes, NDAs).
Advanced electronic signature
Identifies the signer and detects later changes. The B2B standard (DocuSign, DealForge).
Qualified electronic signature
Qualified certificate + secure device. Equivalent to a handwritten signature. Mortgages, notarial deeds.
Required evidence
IP, timestamp, verified email, document hash, full traceability.
Legal retention
At least 5 years (tax) and longer for civil liability. An unalterable archive.
EU-wide recognition
Thanks to eIDAS, a valid signature in one member state is valid across the EU. No extra legalizations.
💡 Companies using electronic signatures close contracts 80% faster.
Source: Docusign State of Sales
💡 Electronic signing cuts operating cost per contract by 55%.
Source: Forrester
Advanced electronic signature included in DealForge
Full traceability, legal evidence, secure retention. Sign instantly, eIDAS-compliant.