Legal framework in Switzerland
The Federal Act on Electronic Signatures (ZertES) recognizes four types of signature: simple, advanced, regulated and qualified. Only the qualified signature, with a certificate from a recognized provider and a timestamp, is legally equivalent to a handwritten one.
Legal framework
Federal Act on Electronic Signatures (ZertES)
How the legal framework evolved in Switzerland
2003
ZertES: Switzerland regulates the qualified electronic signature.
2017
ZertES revision: modernizes recognized certification services.
2020s
Swiss banking and services mainstream electronic signing in client processes.
Types of electronic signature in Switzerland
Simple electronic signature
Most Swiss contracts require no form at all, so an electronic signature with an audit trail is valid and enforceable.
Qualified electronic signature (Swiss QES)
Under ZertES, with a certificate from a provider recognized in Switzerland. It's the only one equivalent to a handwritten signature when the law requires written form (art. 14 para. 2bis of the Code of Obligations).
What makes a signature valid in Switzerland?
For private agreements a simple or advanced signature usually suffices; when the law requires written form, the qualified one is needed. Firmiu accompanies every signature with its audit trail.
Which documents can you sign in Switzerland?
Can be signed electronically
- Service agreements
- B2B commercial contracts
- Ordinary employment contracts
- Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)
- Estimates and purchase orders
- Lease agreements
Usually require a notary or handwritten signature
- Real-estate sales (they require a notarial deed)
- Wills (holographic or notarial)
- Apprenticeship contracts and other statutory written-form acts without a Swiss QES
- Notarial acts
These lists are indicative: the document type and applicable law determine each case.
How to sign documents in Switzerland
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 Switzerland?
- Yes. ZertES has governed them since it came into force.
- Which signature equals a handwritten one?
- The qualified signature (QES) with a timestamp, under ZertES.
- Do they work for private contracts?
- Yes, for most agreements between private parties.
- Is a European qualified signature (eIDAS) valid in Switzerland?
- Not automatically: Switzerland isn't part of eIDAS and requires the Swiss QES (ZertES) where the law demands written form. For contracts without form requirements, any well-evidenced electronic signature works.
- Can I sign a lease electronically?
- Yes. Ordinary leases carry no statutory written-form requirement; later formal notices (like rent increases) have their own rules.
- Can employment contracts be signed online?
- Yes, ordinary employment contracts are valid without special form. Specific exceptions, such as apprenticeship contracts, require written form.
- Is an electronically signed contract valid before Swiss courts?
- Yes. Free assessment of evidence applies: Firmiu's audit trail proves authorship and integrity.
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 Switzerland.
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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