Legal framework in Argentina
Digital Signature Law 25,506 and its update via Decree 182/2019 distinguish a digital signature (with a licensing-authority certificate) from an electronic signature. Both are valid; the difference lies in the burden of proof.
Legal framework
Digital Signature Law 25,506
How the legal framework evolved in Argentina
2001
Law 25,506: Argentina recognizes electronic and digital signatures.
2015
New Civil and Commercial Code (art. 288): the signature requirement is satisfied on electronic documents with a digital signature.
2019
Decree 182/2019: modernizes the regulation and enables the Remote Digital Signature Platform (PFDR).
2020s
Court and administrative files migrate massively to electronic format across the country.
Types of electronic signature in Argentina
Electronic signature
Any electronic method that identifies the signer (art. 5, Law 25,506). It is fully valid; if someone disavows it, whoever invokes it must prove authorship — that's what Firmiu's audit trail (IP, device, date and verification code) is for.
Digital signature
Uses a certificate issued by a licensed certification authority and enjoys legal presumptions of authorship and integrity (arts. 7 and 8). The Civil and Commercial Code (art. 288) equates it with a handwritten signature on electronic documents.
What makes a signature valid in Argentina?
An electronic signature is valid, but its authorship must be provable. That's why Firmiu attaches IP, location, device and verification to every signature, strengthening the document's evidentiary value.
Which documents can you sign in Argentina?
Can be signed electronically
- Service and professional-fee agreements
- Business-to-business commercial contracts
- Residential or commercial lease agreements
- Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)
- Estimates, quotes and purchase orders
- Internal and HR documentation
Usually require a notary or handwritten signature
- Real-estate sales (they require a public deed, art. 1017 CCyC)
- Holographic wills (must be in the testator's own handwriting)
- Real-estate donations
- Acts the law subjects to a public deed
These lists are indicative: the document type and applicable law determine each case.
How to sign documents in Argentina
Upload your PDF
Upload the document and enter the name and email of the person who must sign.
The signer receives a link
They get an email with a unique link and a verification code.
Signed document
The PDF is signed with its audit trail, ready to download.
Frequently asked questions
- Are electronic signatures legal in Argentina?
- Yes. Law 25,506 recognizes both electronic and digital signatures.
- How is it different from a digital signature?
- A digital signature uses a licensing-authority certificate and shifts the burden of proof; an electronic one is valid but its author must be proven by whoever invokes it.
- Can I sign employment contracts?
- Yes, most private agreements can be signed electronically.
- Can I sign a lease electronically in Argentina?
- Yes. Leases don't require a public deed, so they can be executed electronically. Keep the audit trail to prove authorship if it's ever challenged.
- What does article 288 of the Civil and Commercial Code say?
- That on electronic documents the signature requirement is met with a digital signature. A document with a simple electronic signature still counts as prima facie evidence, supported by complementary proof such as Firmiu's audit trail.
- Does an electronic signature work for procedures before ARCA (formerly AFIP)?
- Tax procedures use the agency's own fiscal-key systems. Firmiu's electronic signature is designed for private contracts and agreements, not tax filings.
- Is there a free digital signature for citizens?
- Yes, the Remote Digital Signature Platform (PFDR) issues digital signatures after an in-person registration. For everyday business, an audited electronic signature covers most cases without that procedure.
Official sources
The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. The validity of an electronic signature depends on the applicable legislation and the document type; for specific cases, consult a legal professional.
Guide reviewed and updated: July 2026.
Electronic signatures by profession
Guides for the industries that sign the most documents in Argentina.
Related guides
Are electronic signatures legal? What you need to know
Electronic signatures are legal across Latin America, Spain and the United States. Here's what makes them valid and where they're recognized.
Types of electronic signature: simple, advanced and qualified
Not all electronic signatures are the same. Here are the three levels and which one you need for each document.
What documents can you sign electronically
Electronic signatures work for far more documents than you'd think. Here are the most common ones and the exceptions.
Electronic signature in other countries
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