Electronic Signature Legality in the Netherlands
The Netherlands recognizes electronic signatures under eIDAS and Article 3:15a of the Dutch Civil Code. SigPDF creates valid simple electronic signatures processed entirely in your browser — no uploads, no cloud storage.
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Legal Framework for Electronic Signatures in the Netherlands
The Netherlands framework for electronic signatures combines eIDAS (EU 910/2014) — directly applicable — with Article 3:15a of the Burgerlijk Wetboek (BW), which establishes the reliability test for simple electronic signatures.
Key Legislation
- eIDAS (EU 910/2014) — three-tier system, directly applicable since July 2016
- BW Article 3:15a — electronic signature valid if method is sufficiently reliable
- Wet elektronische handtekeningen (2003) — original domestic implementation
- AVG (Dutch GDPR) — personal data protection
Documents signable with simple e-signatures in the Netherlands
- Commercial service agreements
- Non-disclosure agreements (geheimhoudingsovereenkomsten)
- Employment contracts (arbeidsovereenkomsten)
- Purchase orders and commercial invoices
- Freelance and consulting agreements (overeenkomsten van opdracht)
- Partnership agreements
Documents requiring notarization or QES
- Notarial deeds (notariële akten) — real estate, company formation
- Government filings requiring DigiD/eHerkenning
- Court documents requiring certified identity
Frequently Asked Questions
Are electronic signatures legal in the Netherlands?
Yes. Electronic signatures are fully legal in the Netherlands under eIDAS (EU 910/2014) and the Dutch Civil Code (Burgerlijk Wetboek, Article 3:15a). The Netherlands has recognized electronic signatures since 2003, and eIDAS applies directly since July 2016.
What does Article 3:15a of the Dutch Civil Code say?
Article 3:15a BW establishes that an electronic signature has the same legal effects as a handwritten signature if the method used is sufficiently reliable — considering the purpose of the signature and all other circumstances. For most commercial contracts, a simple electronic signature is considered sufficiently reliable.
What types of e-signatures are recognized in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands follows the eIDAS three-tier model: Gewone Elektronische Handtekening (GEH) — simple; Geavanceerde Elektronische Handtekening (AEH) — advanced; Gekwalificeerde Elektronische Handtekening (KEH) — qualified, with a certificate from an accredited TSP. SigPDF creates simple electronic signatures (GEH).
Is a SigPDF signature valid for Dutch commercial contracts?
Yes. For most Dutch commercial contracts — service agreements, NDAs, purchase orders, consulting agreements, employment contracts — a simple electronic signature from SigPDF is valid under eIDAS Article 25(1) and Article 3:15a BW. Dutch courts apply the reliability test, which most commercial e-signatures pass.
Which documents require qualified e-signatures in the Netherlands?
Qualified electronic signatures (KEH) are required for specific regulated acts: certain government and tax filings; notarized deeds (notariële akten) for real estate, company formation; court submissions requiring certified identity. Standard commercial contracts between businesses can use simple signatures.
Does SigPDF comply with Dutch AVG (GDPR) requirements?
SigPDF processes documents entirely in the browser. No personal data from documents is transmitted to SigPDF servers, which is highly compatible with the AVG (Dutch implementation of GDPR) for documents containing personal data of Dutch residents.
Is DigiD or eHerkenning required for signing contracts in the Netherlands?
DigiD (for citizens) and eHerkenning (for businesses) are government digital identity systems used for interactions with Dutch government agencies. They are not required for private commercial contracts between businesses or individuals, where simple electronic signatures like those from SigPDF are valid.