Which signature do I need?
The three levels of electronic signature in the EU, in plain words, with typical documents and short notes for six countries.
The three levels
The EU eIDAS regulation (Regulation (EU) No 910/2014) defines three levels. All three are valid: a court can’t refuse an electronic signature as evidence just because it is electronic. They differ in how much they prove.
Simple electronic signature (SES)
Any electronic way of saying yes: a typed name, a ticked box, a scanned signature or a click on Accept. It is quick, but it proves little about who signed.
Advanced electronic signature (AES)
Linked to one signer, under their sole control, and to the document, so any later change shows. Dazr Sign gives you this level: each signer confirms their email address with a one-time code, the document is sealed, and an audit trail records every step.
Qualified electronic signature (QES)
An advanced signature made with a qualified certificate from a trust service provider on the EU trusted lists. It has the same legal effect as a handwritten signature in every EU country. People make one with an electronic ID card, a signing app such as itsme, or a certificate from a provider. In Dazr Sign, choose Signs with a qualified signature for that person.
Dazr doesn’t issue certificates.
Dazr doesn’t issue certificates, but can arrange one from a qualified trust service provider for signers who have none.
Typical documents
What usually works, as a starting point. The country notes below cover the main exceptions.
| Document | Usually enough | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Employment contracts | Advanced | Fine in most countries. Belgium asks for a qualified signature, and so does Germany for a fixed-term contract. A dismissal in Germany must be on paper. |
| NDAs | Simple or advanced | No special form is needed. An advanced signature gives you better evidence of who agreed. |
| Quotes and order forms | Simple or advanced | A clear yes from your client is what counts. An audit trail shows who agreed and when. |
| Rental agreements | Advanced | Usually fine electronically. In Germany, a lease for longer than a year needs written form to keep its term, which a qualified signature meets. Italian leases must also be registered with the tax office. |
| Buying or selling property | Notary | The transfer itself goes through a notary in all six countries. Preliminary agreements can often be signed electronically, usually with an advanced or qualified signature. |
| Public tenders | Qualified | Tender platforms usually ask for a qualified signature, often from a national certificate or an eID card. The tender documents say what is required. |
Country notes
Netherlands
Dutch law accepts an electronic signature that is reliable enough for its purpose (Civil Code, article 3:15a). An advanced signature is common for employment contracts and leases. A notary is needed to transfer property or to set up a BV, and for the government and some tenders companies use eHerkenning or a PKIoverheid certificate.
Spain
Spanish law gives electronic contracts full effect, and a qualified signature counts as handwritten. Many people and companies already hold a qualified certificate, from the FNMT or on their DNIe, and use it with the public administration and for public tenders. Property is sold by public deed (escritura pública) before a notary.
Italy
The Codice dell’amministrazione digitale recognises advanced, qualified and digital signatures (the firma digitale is a qualified signature), and all three meet the written form. Contracts about property must be signed with a qualified or digital signature, and property deeds go through a notary. Public tenders use the firma digitale, which many professionals already have.
Germany
German law distinguishes text form, where a simple signature is enough, from written form (Schriftform), which a qualified signature can replace (BGB §126a) unless the law excludes it. Fixed-term employment contracts and leases longer than a year need written form. Ending an employment contract needs paper and ink (BGB §623), and property contracts need a notary.
France
The Civil Code gives electronic writing the same value as paper (articles 1366 and 1367), and only a qualified signature is presumed reliable without further proof. Advanced signatures are common for employment contracts and leases. Selling property needs a notarial deed, while the preliminary agreement (compromis de vente) is often signed electronically.
Belgium
Belgian law follows the eIDAS levels, and the eID card of an adult carries a qualified certificate, so many people can sign qualified with their card or with itsme. Employment contracts signed electronically need a qualified signature, and so do offers in public tenders. Property is sold before a notary.
Good to know
This page gives general orientation, not legal advice. Rules change, have exceptions and depend on the details of your situation. When a document matters, check with a lawyer, a notary or the other party. Last checked in October 2026.