Legal framework in Belgium
Regulation (EU) 910/2014 (eIDAS) is directly applicable in Belgium and defines the three signature levels: simple, advanced and qualified. An electronic signature cannot be rejected as evidence solely for being electronic.
Legal framework
eIDAS Regulation (EU) 910/2014
How the legal framework evolved in Belgium
2016
Belgium's 'Digital Act' integrates eIDAS and regulates trust services in the Code of Economic Law.
2010s
The eID and the itsme app bring digital identity and signing into everyday use.
2024
eIDAS 2 prepares the European Digital Identity Wallet, rolling out during 2026.
Types of electronic signature in Belgium
Simple electronic signature
Valid under eIDAS and the Belgian Code of Economic Law. The judge weighs it freely together with its evidence — Firmiu's audit trail.
Advanced electronic signature
The usual eIDAS tier for commercial contracts, uniquely linked to the signer.
Qualified electronic signature
Automatically equals a handwritten signature. In Belgium it's very accessible thanks to the electronic identity card (eID) and the widely used itsme app.
What makes a signature valid in Belgium?
For most private agreements a simple or advanced signature is enough; the qualified one equals a handwritten signature across the EU. Firmiu accompanies every signature with its audit trail.
Which documents can you sign in Belgium?
Can be signed electronically
- Service agreements
- Lease agreements
- Employment contracts
- Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)
- Estimates and purchase orders
- Private corporate documents
Usually require a notary or handwritten signature
- Real-estate sales (they require a notarial deed)
- Wills
- Notarial acts
- Civil-status acts
These lists are indicative: the document type and applicable law determine each case.
How to sign documents in Belgium
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 Belgium?
- Yes. The eIDAS Regulation grants them full validity in Belgium and across the EU.
- What signature levels exist?
- Simple, advanced and qualified; the latter equals a handwritten signature.
- Do they work in other EU countries?
- Yes, eIDAS guarantees recognition in all member states.
- What is itsme and do I need it to sign?
- It's the Belgian digital-identity app enabling qualified-level signing. For ordinary private contracts it isn't necessary: an electronic signature with an audit trail is enough.
- Can I sign a lease electronically?
- Yes. Leases can be signed electronically; contract registration is a separate subsequent formality independent of how you sign.
- Is an online-signed contract valid before Belgian courts?
- Yes. eIDAS prevents rejecting it for being electronic; probative force depends on the evidence, such as the audit trail.
- Does it work for signing with clients in other EU countries?
- Yes. eIDAS guarantees recognition of electronic signatures in every member state.
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 Belgium.
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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