Legal framework in Poland
The eIDAS Regulation (EU) 910/2014 guarantees the legal effect of electronic signatures, and the 2016 Act on Trust Services and Electronic Identification implements it in Poland, regulating qualified providers.
Legal framework
eIDAS and the Trust Services Act (2016)
How the legal framework evolved in Poland
2001
Poland's first electronic-signature act.
2016
The Trust Services Act implements eIDAS and the Civil Code recognizes the documentary form.
2024
eIDAS 2 prepares the European Digital Identity Wallet, rolling out during 2026.
Types of electronic signature in Poland
Simple electronic signature
Valid under eIDAS and the 2016 Trust Services Act. Most Polish contracts allow the 'documentary form', which an audited electronic signature satisfies.
Qualified electronic signature
Equals the written form of the Polish Civil Code (art. 78¹). Needed when the law requires written form under pain of nullity, such as non-compete agreements.
Trusted Profile (Profil Zaufany)
The state digital identity for administrative procedures. It is not a signature for private contracts.
What makes a signature valid in Poland?
The qualified signature equals a handwritten one in Poland and across the EU; for many private agreements a simple or advanced one is enough. Firmiu adds an audit trail to every signature.
Which documents can you sign in Poland?
Can be signed electronically
- Service agreements
- B2B contracts and purchase orders
- Mandate and specific-task contracts (umowa zlecenie / o dzieło)
- Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)
- Estimates and quotes
- Internal company documentation
Usually require a notary or handwritten signature
- Real-estate sales (they require a notarial deed)
- Wills
- Copyright assignments (they require written form: paper or a qualified signature)
- Contracts requiring written form under pain of nullity without a qualified signature
These lists are indicative: the document type and applicable law determine each case.
How to sign documents in Poland
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 Poland?
- Yes. eIDAS and the 2016 Trust Services Act grant them validity.
- Which signature equals a handwritten one?
- The qualified electronic signature, recognized across the EU.
- Do they work in other EU countries?
- Yes, eIDAS guarantees recognition between member states.
- What is the 'documentary form' in Polish law?
- A flexible form introduced in 2016: it's enough that the declaration is recorded on a medium identifying its author. An electronic signature with an audit trail easily meets it.
- Can I sign an employment contract electronically in Poland?
- Employment contracts call for written form, satisfied with a qualified signature; in practice written confirmation of terms is also accepted. Civil-law contracts (zlecenie, dzieło) are signed electronically without issue.
- Can copyright assignments be electronic?
- Only with a qualified signature, because the law requires written form under pain of nullity. It's an important exception for agencies and creatives.
- Is an online-signed contract valid before Polish courts?
- Yes. eIDAS prevents rejecting it for being electronic and courts weigh the audit evidence.
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 Poland.
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
Start signing in Poland
Create your free account and sign your first document in minutes.
Create free account