Electronic Signature Legality in Spain
Spain recognizes electronic signatures under eIDAS and Law 6/2020. SigPDF creates simple electronic signatures valid for most Spanish commercial contracts — processed entirely in your browser with no uploads.
No file uploadsValid in Spain under eIDASNo account requiredFrom €2.08/month
Loading editor...
Legal Framework for Electronic Signatures in Spain
Spain's e-signature framework combines eIDAS (EU 910/2014)— directly applicable — with Law 6/2020 on electronic trust services and the Spanish Civil Code (Art. 1278), which establishes the freedom of form principle for contracts.
Key Legislation
- eIDAS (EU 910/2014) — three-tier e-signature system, directly applicable
- Ley 6/2020 — regulates trust service providers (PSC) in Spain
- Código Civil (Art. 1278) — freedom of form principle for contracts
- LOPDGDD — Spanish personal data protection law
Documents signable with simple e-signatures in Spain
- Commercial service agreements (contratos de prestación de servicios)
- Non-disclosure agreements (acuerdos de confidencialidad)
- Employment contracts (contratos de trabajo)
- Purchase orders and commercial invoices
- Freelance and consulting agreements
- Rental agreements (with landlord/tenant consent)
Documents requiring notarization or qualified signature
- Real estate deeds (escrituras notariales)
- Company formation documents (escritura de constitución)
- Court documents requiring certified identity
- Public administration filings requiring Cl@ve or certificado digital
Frequently Asked Questions
Are electronic signatures legal in Spain?
Yes. Electronic signatures are fully legal in Spain under eIDAS (EU 910/2014) and Law 6/2020 on Certain Aspects of Electronic Trust Services (which replaced the former Ley 59/2003 de Firma Electrónica). The Spanish Civil Code principle of freedom of form (libertad de forma, Art. 1278) also supports electronic contracting.
What is Law 6/2020 on Electronic Trust Services in Spain?
Law 6/2020, of November 11, on certain aspects of electronic trust services regulates trust service providers (PSC — Prestadores de Servicios de Confianza) in Spain, implementing eIDAS domestically. It establishes that accredited TSPs in Spain must meet eIDAS requirements and that qualified electronic signatures have the same legal effect as handwritten signatures.
What types of e-signatures are recognized in Spain?
Spain follows the eIDAS three-tier model: Firma Electrónica Simple (FES) — basic; Firma Electrónica Avanzada (FAV) — uniquely linked to signatory; Firma Electrónica Cualificada (FEC/FEQ) — qualified, backed by a certificate from an accredited PSC. SigPDF creates simple electronic signatures (FES).
Is a SigPDF signature valid for Spanish commercial contracts?
Yes. For most Spanish commercial contracts — service agreements, NDAs, employment contracts, purchase orders, consulting agreements — a simple electronic signature (FES) from SigPDF is valid under eIDAS Article 25(1) and the Spanish Civil Code. Spanish courts cannot reject an electronic signature solely because it is electronic.
Does SigPDF work for Spanish employment contracts?
Yes. Most employment contracts (contratos de trabajo) in Spain can be signed with a simple electronic signature with employee consent. However, certain employment acts may require specific procedures — consult a labor law specialist for regulated employment documents.
Does SigPDF comply with Spain's LOPDGDD (GDPR)?
SigPDF processes documents entirely in the browser — no personal data is transmitted to SigPDF servers. This is highly compatible with Spain's Ley Orgánica de Protección de Datos y Garantía de los Derechos Digitales (LOPDGDD) for documents containing personal data of Spanish residents.
Is the Cl@ve system required for private contracts in Spain?
Cl@ve is Spain's electronic identification system for interactions with public administration (tax authority AEAT, Social Security, etc.). It is not required for private commercial contracts between businesses or individuals, where simple electronic signatures like those from SigPDF are valid.