Legal framework in Colombia
Law 527 of 1999 recognizes data messages and electronic signatures, and Decree 2364 of 2012 regulates simple electronic signatures. The National Accreditation Body (ONAC) accredits digital certification entities.
Legal framework
Law 527 of 1999
How the legal framework evolved in Colombia
1999
Law 527: Colombia adopts the UNCITRAL model and recognizes data messages and digital signatures.
2012
Decree 2364: regulates the simple electronic signature and enshrines freedom of form to agree on it.
2015
Decree 1074: compiles the regulation into the Single Regulatory Decree for the Commerce Sector.
2022
Law 2213: makes digital justice and the use of electronic means in court proceedings permanent legislation.
Types of electronic signature in Colombia
Simple electronic signature
Regulated by Decree 2364 of 2012 (now compiled into Decree 1074 of 2015). It is valid when the method is reliable and appropriate for the purpose of the message — exactly what Firmiu's audit trail provides.
Digital signature
Defined in article 28 of Law 527: it uses cryptography and a certificate issued by a certification entity accredited by ONAC. It enjoys a legal presumption of authenticity, but is only mandatory for certain procedures.
What makes a signature valid in Colombia?
The law requires the signature to be reliable and appropriate for the purpose of the message. Firmiu's audit trail — IP, location, device and verification code — proves the signer's identity and the document's integrity.
Which documents can you sign in Colombia?
Can be signed electronically
- Service agreements
- Urban residential or commercial lease agreements
- Employment contracts and amendments
- Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)
- Quotes, purchase orders and minutes
- Personal-data processing authorizations
Usually require a notary or handwritten signature
- Real-estate sales (they require a public deed)
- Wills
- Prenuptial agreements
- Acts subject to notarial solemnities
These lists are indicative: the document type and applicable law determine each case.
How to sign documents in Colombia
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 Colombia?
- Yes. Law 527 of 1999 and Decree 2364 of 2012 grant them full legal validity.
- Do they work for lease agreements?
- Yes. They are widely used for leases, service contracts and commercial agreements.
- Do I need a government digital certificate?
- Not for a simple electronic signature. Certain official procedures may require a certified digital signature.
- Can employment contracts be signed electronically in Colombia?
- Yes. Employment contracts require no solemnities and can be signed electronically; the Ministry of Labor has endorsed hiring through digital means.
- What's the difference between an electronic and a digital signature in Colombia?
- A digital signature (art. 28, Law 527) uses a certificate from an ONAC-accredited entity and is presumed authentic. A simple electronic signature is equally valid if the method is reliable and appropriate — the practical difference lies in the burden of proof.
- Is an electronically signed document admissible in court?
- Yes. Article 10 of Law 527 makes data messages admissible as evidence, and Law 2213 of 2022 consolidated digital litigation. Firmiu's audit trail supplies the evidence of authorship and integrity.
- Does the DIAN require any signature type for my contracts?
- No. Electronic invoicing before the DIAN uses digital certificates specific to that system, but private contracts between companies or individuals don't involve the DIAN.
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 Colombia.
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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