Electronic Signature Legality in Singapore
Singapore has one of the most advanced electronic signature frameworks in Asia, with the Electronic Transactions Act (ETA) providing strong legal recognition. SigPDF creates valid electronic signatures processed entirely in your browser — no uploads, no cloud storage.
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Legal Framework for Electronic Signatures in Singapore
Singapore's Electronic Transactions Act (ETA, Cap. 88)establishes a clear, permissive framework for electronic signatures. Based on the UNCITRAL Model Law, it grants electronic records and signatures the same legal standing as paper equivalents for most commercial transactions.
Key Legislation
- Electronic Transactions Act (Cap. 88) — primary e-signature legislation, last updated 2021
- Evidence Act (Cap. 97) — admissibility of electronic records as evidence
- Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) — data protection for personal information
- Contract Law — general contract principles apply to electronic agreements
Documents signable with electronic signatures in Singapore
- Commercial service agreements and contracts
- Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)
- Employment contracts and offer letters
- Purchase orders and commercial invoices
- Consultancy and freelance agreements
- Lease agreements (residential and commercial, with consent)
Documents excluded from the ETA (require handwritten signature)
- Wills and codicils
- Trusts created by writing
- Powers of attorney
- Contracts for sale or disposition of immovable property
- Negotiable instruments (bills of exchange, cheques)
Frequently Asked Questions
Are electronic signatures legal in Singapore?
Yes. Electronic signatures are fully recognized in Singapore under the Electronic Transactions Act (ETA), Cap. 88. The ETA provides that electronic records and signatures have the same legal standing as paper documents and handwritten signatures for most commercial and civil transactions.
What is the Electronic Transactions Act (ETA) in Singapore?
The Electronic Transactions Act (Cap. 88) was first enacted in 1998 and has been updated several times, most recently in 2021. It is based on the UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Commerce and establishes that electronic signatures satisfy legal requirements for signatures and that electronic contracts are valid and enforceable.
What types of electronic signatures are recognized in Singapore?
The ETA recognizes both general electronic signatures and secure electronic signatures. A secure electronic signature requires additional verification to confirm the signatory's identity. SigPDF creates general electronic signatures — appropriate for most commercial agreements where parties consent to electronic contracting.
Is a SigPDF signature valid for Singapore business contracts?
Yes. For most commercial contracts — service agreements, NDAs, employment agreements, purchase orders, consultancy contracts — an electronic signature from SigPDF is valid under the ETA, provided the parties consent to using electronic means. Singapore is one of the most e-signature-friendly jurisdictions in Asia.
Which documents are excluded from the ETA in Singapore?
The ETA explicitly excludes certain documents: wills and codicils; trusts created by writing; powers of attorney; contracts for the sale or other disposition of immovable property; negotiable instruments (bills of exchange, cheques, promissory notes); and documents of title to goods. These require traditional signatures.
Does SigPDF upload my documents to any server?
No. SigPDF processes your documents entirely in your browser. Your files never leave your device, which supports compliance with Singapore's Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) for documents containing personal data.
Are electronic signatures accepted by Singapore government agencies?
Yes, Singapore government agencies widely accept electronic signatures through SingPass (the national digital identity system) and other means. For private commercial contracts, general electronic signatures like those created by SigPDF are fully valid under the ETA.