Legal framework in France
The eIDAS Regulation (EU) 910/2014 and articles 1366 and 1367 of the Civil Code govern electronic signatures. Article 1366 equates the electronic document with paper when the signer is identified and integrity is guaranteed.
Legal framework
eIDAS and the Civil Code (arts. 1366-1367)
How the legal framework evolved in France
2000
Law 2000-230 adapts evidence law to information technology: the French electronic signature is born.
2016
eIDAS and the contract-law reform renumber the regime into articles 1366-1367 of the Civil Code.
2017
Decree 2017-1416: presumption of reliability for the qualified electronic signature.
2024
eIDAS 2 prepares the European Digital Identity Wallet, rolling out during 2026.
Types of electronic signature in France
Simple electronic signature
Valid under article 1366 of the Civil Code and eIDAS: an electronic document has the same evidentiary force as paper if it identifies the author and guarantees integrity — which the audit trail provides.
Advanced electronic signature
The usual eIDAS tier for commercial contracts, uniquely linked to the signer and able to detect alterations.
Qualified electronic signature
With a qualified certificate supervised by ANSSI. Decree 2017-1416 grants it a presumption of reliability — reversing the burden of proof in the signer's favor.
What makes a signature valid in France?
Reliability is presumed automatically for the qualified signature; for simple and advanced ones, the judge assesses it based on evidence. Firmiu provides the audit trail that backs authorship and integrity.
Which documents can you sign in France?
Can be signed electronically
- Service agreements
- Lease agreements (residential or commercial bail)
- Employment contracts (CDI, CDD) and annexes
- Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)
- Estimates (devis) and purchase orders
- Real-estate mandates
Usually require a notary or handwritten signature
- Holographic wills (must be handwritten)
- Private deeds in family and inheritance law (art. 1175 of the Civil Code)
- Real-estate sales (they require an authentic act before a notary)
- Acts requiring notarial intervention
These lists are indicative: the document type and applicable law determine each case.
How to sign documents in France
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 France?
- Yes. eIDAS and Civil Code articles 1366-1367 grant them full validity.
- Do they carry the same value as a handwritten signature?
- Yes, when based on a reliable process that identifies the signer.
- Do they work across the EU?
- Yes, eIDAS guarantees recognition in all member states.
- Can I sign a lease (bail) electronically?
- Yes. Residential or commercial leases can be signed electronically and it's widespread practice among French real-estate agencies.
- Can a French employment contract be signed online?
- Yes. CDIs and CDDs can be signed electronically; the audit trail proves both parties' consent.
- When is a qualified signature advisable in France?
- When you want the presumption of reliability of decree 2017-1416 or an act requires it. For everyday business, a simple or advanced signature with an audit trail suffices.
- Which documents does article 1175 of the Civil Code exclude?
- Private deeds relating to family and inheritance law. Those require paper or a notary; all other private contracts can be electronic.
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 France.
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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