Legal framework in Chile
Law 19,799 of 2002 regulates electronic documents and signatures, giving them the same validity as a handwritten signature. The Accrediting Entity, under the Undersecretariat of Economy, accredits certification service providers.
Legal framework
Law 19,799
How the legal framework evolved in Chile
2002
Law 19,799 and its regulation (D.S. 181): Chile regulates electronic documents and signatures.
2019
Law 21,180 on Digital Transformation of the State: administrative procedures migrate to electronic form.
2020s
The gradual rollout of digital transformation extends electronic files and notifications to all State bodies.
Types of electronic signature in Chile
Simple electronic signature (FES)
Any electronic sound, symbol or process that identifies the author (art. 2, Law 19,799). Between private parties it carries the same weight as a handwritten signature, save for legal exceptions. It's what you use with Firmiu, reinforced with an audit trail.
Advanced electronic signature (FEA)
Certified by a provider accredited before the Accrediting Entity. It's required for certain instruments — such as public instruments in electronic form — and grants a reinforced presumption of authenticity.
ClaveÚnica
The State's digital identity for online public procedures. It is not a signature for private contracts: for those, a simple electronic signature with audit evidence suffices.
What makes a signature valid in Chile?
For acts between private parties a simple electronic signature is enough. Firmiu's audit trail (IP, device, location and code) backs who signed and when, reinforcing the document's validity.
Which documents can you sign in Chile?
Can be signed electronically
- Residential or commercial lease agreements
- Service and professional-fee agreements
- Employment contracts (registrable electronically with the Labor Directorate)
- Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)
- Quotes, estimates and purchase orders
- Electronic employment settlements (via the Labor Directorate portal)
Usually require a notary or handwritten signature
- Real-estate sales (they require a public deed)
- Wills
- Family-law acts, such as marriage
- Solemn acts requiring a public deed
These lists are indicative: the document type and applicable law determine each case.
How to sign documents in Chile
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 Chile?
- Yes. Law 19,799 has recognized them since 2002 with the same weight as a handwritten signature.
- Do they work for business-to-business contracts?
- Yes. They are routinely used in commercial and service contracts.
- Do I need an advanced electronic signature?
- Only for certain acts required by law; for most private agreements a simple electronic signature suffices.
- Can I sign an employment contract electronically in Chile?
- Yes. The Labor Directorate accepts electronic employment contracts and even offers online registration. An electronic signature with an audit trail evidences both parties' consent.
- When do I need an advanced electronic signature (FEA)?
- When the law expressly requires it, for instance for public instruments in electronic format or certain regulated procedures. For contracts between private parties a simple electronic signature is enough.
- Does the SII require electronic signatures for my contracts?
- No. Electronic tax documents (invoices, receipts) use digital certificates within the SII's system, but your private commercial contracts don't go through the SII.
- Is an online-signed lease valid before a Chilean court?
- Yes. A lease is not a solemn act, and Law 19,799 gives electronic signatures the same value as handwritten ones between private parties. Firmiu's audit trail provides the proof of authorship and integrity.
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 Chile.
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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