Legal framework in Equatorial Guinea
Law No. 2/2017 of January 10 on electronic signatures and documents recognizes the advanced electronic signature and the recognized one (based on a recognized certificate and a secure signature-creation device), the latter carrying the same value as a handwritten signature. It also regulates certification service providers.
Legal framework
Law No. 2/2017 on electronic signatures
How the legal framework evolved in Equatorial Guinea
2017
Law No. 2/2017 on electronic signatures: Equatorial Guinea grants legal validity to electronic signatures.
2020s
The digitization of banking and telecommunications drives electronic documents in the country.
Types of electronic signature in Equatorial Guinea
Electronic signature
Data in electronic form identifying the signer (Law No. 2/2017). Valid for private agreements with reliability evidence.
Advanced electronic signature
Uniquely linked to the signer through certificates, with reinforced guarantees of identity and integrity.
What makes a signature valid in Equatorial Guinea?
The recognized signature equals a handwritten one; the advanced one identifies the signer and detects document alterations. Firmiu accompanies every signature with its audit trail.
Which documents can you sign in Equatorial Guinea?
Can be signed electronically
- Service agreements
- Lease agreements
- Employment contracts
- Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)
- Quotes and purchase orders
Usually require a notary or handwritten signature
- Real-estate sales (they require a public 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 Equatorial Guinea
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 Equatorial Guinea?
- Yes. Law 2/2017 recognizes and regulates them.
- Are they equal to a handwritten signature?
- A recognized electronic signature is, under Law 2/2017.
- What documents are they good for?
- Contracts and private documents; certain procedures may require a recognized signature.
- Are electronic signatures legal in Equatorial Guinea?
- Yes. Law No. 2/2017 grants them legal validity, following UNCITRAL international standards.
- Can I sign service contracts with foreign companies?
- Yes. Electronic signatures make it easy to contract remotely with partners in Spain, Latin America or elsewhere.
- What backing does a signature made with Firmiu have?
- Every signature is documented with IP, device, date, verification code and the document's SHA-256 fingerprint — evidence of authorship and integrity.
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 Equatorial Guinea.
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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