Legal Validity of eSignatures
Are eSignatures legally valid?
Yes. Electronic signatures are legally valid in most parts of the world, including all 27 EU member states.
Skyfish enables organizations to collect Simple Electronic Signatures (SeS) through a trusted third-party provider whose services meet the requirements set out under EU eIDAS standards for security, transparency, and integrity.
eIDAS and Electronic Signatures (EU)
Skyfish itself is not a certified trust service provider under the eIDAS Regulation. However, the trusted signature service used within Skyfish is compliant with EU trust-service requirements. This allows Skyfish to support organizations in collecting Simple Electronic Signatures (SeS) in a secure and verifiable manner.
This means that:
Under eIDAS, different types of electronic signatures exist (Simple, Advanced, and Qualified). Skyfish currently supports Simple Electronic Signatures (SeS).
This means that:
- Organizations can use Skyfish to collect Simple Electronic Signatures suitable for everyday business and communication workflows.
- The signature provider generates the electronic evidence needed to demonstrate who signed, what was signed, and when the signature was created.
- Skyfish stores this evidence as part of the document package, in line with the data controller’s instructions. Skyfish does not validate or certify signatures.
Under eIDAS, different types of electronic signatures exist (Simple, Advanced, and Qualified). Skyfish currently supports Simple Electronic Signatures (SeS).
What about countries outside the EU?
Many jurisdictions recognise electronic signatures in a way broadly similar to the EU approach. For example:
While Skyfish’s signature process aligns with widely accepted principles—such as signer intent, integrity of the record, and traceability—you should check local requirements if signatures will be used outside the EU. Laws vary significantly between jurisdictions, and Skyfish cannot guarantee legal validity outside the EU.
- United States: ESIGN and UETA recognise electronic signatures if the signer consents and the signature is logically associated with the document.
- United Kingdom: The UK eIDAS framework continues to recognise electronic signatures in much the same way as the EU rules.
- Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and many countries in Asia and Latin America also have laws recognising electronic signatures.
While Skyfish’s signature process aligns with widely accepted principles—such as signer intent, integrity of the record, and traceability—you should check local requirements if signatures will be used outside the EU. Laws vary significantly between jurisdictions, and Skyfish cannot guarantee legal validity outside the EU.
Are there exceptions?
Yes. Certain document types may still require handwritten signatures, such as:
Skyfish is not intended for these types of documents.
💡 If you are unsure about legal validity for a specific use case or jurisdiction, you should consult a legal professional.
Important notice: Skyfish is not a law firm, and this article should not be relied on as legal advice.
- Real estate transactions
- Wills and testaments
- Family law and inheritance documents
- Particular government forms
- Documents requiring notarization
Skyfish is not intended for these types of documents.
💡 If you are unsure about legal validity for a specific use case or jurisdiction, you should consult a legal professional.
Important notice: Skyfish is not a law firm, and this article should not be relied on as legal advice.