Legal framework in Guatemala
Decree 47-2008, the Law for the Recognition of Electronic Communications and Signatures, equates electronic signatures with handwritten ones. The Registry of Certification Service Providers, under the Ministry of Economy, oversees certifiers.
Legal framework
Decree 47-2008
How the legal framework evolved in Guatemala
2008
Decree 47-2008: Guatemala recognizes electronic communications and signatures based on the UNCITRAL model.
2010s
The Registry of Certification Service Providers is consolidated under the Ministry of Economy.
2020s
Online electronic invoicing (FEL) and digital procedures mainstream electronic documents in the country.
Types of electronic signature in Guatemala
Electronic signature
Data in electronic form used to identify the signer and indicate approval of the information (Decree 47-2008). Valid for private communications and contracts; Firmiu's audit trail evidences its reliability.
Advanced electronic signature
Certified by a provider registered with the Registry of Certification Service Providers under the Ministry of Economy. It adds technical guarantees of identity and integrity and fully equals a handwritten signature.
What makes a signature valid in Guatemala?
Validity depends on the signature being reliable and attributable to the signer. Firmiu's audit trail backs each signature with IP, location, device and verification.
Which documents can you sign in Guatemala?
Can be signed electronically
- Service agreements
- Lease agreements
- Employment contracts and internal documents
- Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)
- Quotes and purchase orders
- Authorization letters
Usually require a notary or handwritten signature
- Real-estate sales (they require a public deed)
- Wills
- Notarized mandates and powers of attorney
- Acts subject to notarial solemnities
These lists are indicative: the document type and applicable law determine each case.
How to sign documents in Guatemala
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 Guatemala?
- Yes. Decree 47-2008 recognizes them and equates them with handwritten signatures.
- Do they work for private contracts?
- Yes, they are valid for most agreements between individuals and companies.
- Who oversees certifiers?
- The Registry of Certification Service Providers under the Ministry of Economy.
- Does Guatemala's SAT require electronic signatures for my contracts?
- No. The Online Electronic Invoice (FEL) regime uses its own certification mechanisms; private contracts between companies or individuals don't go through the SAT.
- Can I sign a lease agreement electronically?
- Yes. Leases don't require a public deed, so they can be executed electronically with full validity.
- Where do you get an advanced electronic signature?
- From certification service providers registered with the Ministry of Economy. For most private agreements an electronic signature with an audit trail is enough.
- Is an electronically signed document valid evidence in court?
- Yes. Decree 47-2008 establishes that a communication or signature cannot be denied evidentiary value solely for being 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 Guatemala.
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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