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)
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.
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.
Electronic signature in other countries
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