Electronic Signature Legality in Germany
Germany recognizes electronic signatures under eIDAS and the BGB. For most commercial contracts, simple electronic signatures are valid. SigPDF creates compliant signatures processed entirely in your browser — no uploads, no cloud storage.
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Legal Framework for Electronic Signatures in Germany
Germany has one of Europe's most detailed e-signature frameworks. eIDAS (EU 910/2014) applies directly, and the VDG (Vertrauensdienstegesetz) implements eIDAS in German law. The BGB (§126a) specifies when a qualified signature is required to replace handwritten form.
Key Legislation
- eIDAS (EU 910/2014) — three-tier e-signature system, directly applicable
- BGB §126a — electronic form replacing Schriftform requires QES
- VDG (Vertrauensdienstegesetz) — implements eIDAS trust services in Germany
- DSGVO (German GDPR) — personal data protection
Documents signable with simple e-signatures (EES) in Germany
- B2B service agreements and consulting contracts
- Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs / Geheimhaltungsvereinbarungen)
- Purchase orders and commercial invoices
- Freelance and contractor agreements
- Partnership and collaboration agreements
- Employment contracts (entry into employment — not termination)
Documents requiring QES or handwritten signature in Germany
- Employment terminations (Kündigung, BGB §623)
- Consumer credit agreements (Verbraucherkreditvertrag)
- Suretyship declarations (Bürgschaft, BGB §766)
- Real estate transactions requiring notarization (Beurkundung)
- Fixed-term employment contracts without prior written form
Frequently Asked Questions
Are electronic signatures legal in Germany?
Yes. Electronic signatures are fully legal in Germany under EU Regulation eIDAS (910/2014), which applies directly, and the German Civil Code (BGB, §126a). The VDG (Vertrauensdienstegesetz) implements eIDAS in German domestic law. Electronic signatures have been recognized in Germany since the Signaturgesetz of 1997.
What is the legal framework for e-signatures in Germany?
The framework consists of: eIDAS (EU 910/2014) — directly applicable since July 2016; BGB §126a — electronic form can replace written form if a qualified electronic signature (QES) is used; and VDG (Vertrauensdienstegesetz) — implements eIDAS rules for trust service providers in Germany.
What types of e-signatures are recognized in Germany?
Germany follows the eIDAS three-tier model: Einfache Elektronische Signatur (EES) — simple; Fortgeschrittene Elektronische Signatur (FES) — advanced; and Qualifizierte Elektronische Signatur (QES) — qualified, with a certificate from an accredited TSP. SigPDF creates simple electronic signatures (EES). For most commercial contracts, EES is legally valid.
Is a SigPDF signature valid for German commercial contracts?
Yes. For most commercial contracts — B2B service agreements, NDAs, consulting contracts, purchase orders, freelance agreements — a simple electronic signature (EES) from SigPDF is valid under eIDAS Article 25(1) and general BGB principles. German courts cannot reject an electronic signature solely because it is electronic.
Which German contracts require a Qualified Electronic Signature (QES)?
The BGB §126a specifies that where law requires 'written form' (Schriftform), a QES is required to replace it electronically. This includes: employment contract terminations (Kündigung); certain loan agreements (Verbraucherkreditvertrag); suretyship declarations (Bürgschaft); fixed-term employment agreements without prior written form. For standard commercial B2B contracts, EES is sufficient.
Does SigPDF comply with German GDPR (DSGVO) requirements?
SigPDF processes documents entirely in the browser — no personal data from documents is transmitted to SigPDF servers. This is highly compatible with DSGVO (German implementation of GDPR) for documents containing personal data. No data transfer to third parties occurs.
Can I terminate an employment contract electronically in Germany?
No. Under BGB §623, an employment termination (Kündigung) in Germany requires Schriftform — written form with a handwritten signature or a qualified electronic signature (QES). SigPDF creates simple electronic signatures, which are not sufficient for this specific use case.