Are electronic signatures legally valid?

Yes. Electronic signatures are legally recognised in the EU under the eIDAS regulation. A contract can't be denied legal effect just because it was signed electronically.

Available on all plans · QES under fair use

The three signature types

The simple signature is enough for the vast majority of contracts. For an overview of which method fits which case, see fynk.com/de/signaturmethoden.

How fynk secures signatures

• The advanced signature in fynk meets the requirements of Article 26 eIDAS.
• Signers are identified through their email address, name, SMS and browser.
• fynk stores a SHA256 checksum of each signed document, for both the HTML and the PDF version, so any change is detectable.
• Signed PDFs are digitally sealed and LTV-compliant with every signature type, including simple signatures, so the signature can still be verified years later.

Good to know

• Some documents, such as SEPA direct debit mandates, may not be accepted with an electronic signature by banks.
• If the law requires the written form, use a qualified signature.
• Legal requirements differ by country and contract type. If you're unsure, ask your legal advisor.
• An electronic signature is the act of agreeing to a document electronically. A digital signature is the cryptographic method that proves who signed and that the document wasn't changed. Advanced and qualified signatures use it.
• For more background, see fynk's guide at fynk.com/en/electronic-signature/.

Related articles

• Signature types: simple, advanced, qualified
• Qualified signatures (QES)
• Security at fynk