Electronic signatures in France: what the Civil Code and eIDAS say

France was one of the first European countries to give electronic documents a firm legal footing. Since a law of 13 March 2000, the Civil Code has recognised electronic writing and electronic signatures, and the EU's eIDAS Regulation now applies on top. For most business agreements, a simple electronic signature is commonly used — but the Civil Code itself sets out some exceptions.

Are electronic signatures legal in France?#

Yes. Two layers of law apply.

EU law. The eIDAS Regulation (EU) No 910/2014, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2024/1183, applies directly in France. An electronic signature can't be denied legal effect or admissibility as evidence just because it is electronic, and a qualified electronic signature has the same legal effect as a handwritten one. For the EU-wide picture, see our guide to electronic signatures in the European Union.

The French Civil Code (Code civil). The key provisions, renumbered in the 2016 reform of contract law, are:

• Article 1366 — electronic writing has the same evidential value as writing on paper, provided the person it comes from can be properly identified and it is created and stored in a way that guarantees its integrity.
• Article 1367 — an electronic signature consists of a reliable identification process that guarantees its link with the document it relates to. The reliability of the process is presumed, until proven otherwise, when the conditions set by decree are met. Decree No. 2017-1416 of 28 September 2017 ties that presumption to the qualified electronic signature.
• Article 1174 — where writing is required for a contract to be valid, it can generally be made in electronic form under these conditions.

In practice, this means that a simple electronic signature is valid, but it doesn't benefit from the presumption of reliability: if it is challenged, the party relying on it will generally need to show that the process was reliable. In commercial matters, proof against merchants can generally be made by any means (article L110-3 of the Commercial Code), which gives businesses additional flexibility.

Types of electronic signature in France#

France uses the three eIDAS levels:

• Simple electronic signature (signature électronique simple) — such as a typed or drawn signature submitted through a secure link.
• Advanced electronic signature (signature électronique avancée) — uniquely linked to and capable of identifying the signer, with later changes detectable.
• Qualified electronic signature (signature électronique qualifiée) — based on a qualified certificate and a qualified signature device; it benefits from the presumption of reliability under the 2017 decree.

Signkoi provides simple electronic signatures backed by strong evidence. It does not create advanced or qualified signatures.

Documents that often need more than a simple e-signature#

• Family law and inheritance. Under article 1175 of the Civil Code, the electronic form is excluded for private deeds (actes sous signature privée) relating to family law and succession law.
• Guarantees and security interests. Article 1175 also excludes the electronic form for private deeds creating personal or real security, unless they are made by a person for the needs of their profession.
• Real estate. A property sale is generally completed by an authentic deed (acte authentique) drawn up by a notary, which is needed to publish the transfer at the land registry. Notaries can draw up authentic deeds electronically, but that is a notarial process, not a standard e-signature.
• Wills. A holographic will must be entirely handwritten, dated and signed by the testator (article 970 of the Civil Code); the alternative is a will made before a notary.

Specific rules can also apply to consumer contracts, employment documents and regulated sectors, so check the requirements for your document.

Collecting stronger evidence with simple e-signatures#

Because a simple electronic signature doesn't benefit from the legal presumption of reliability, the evidence around it carries a lot of weight. Article 1366 itself points to the two things you need: identifying the signer and guaranteeing the document's integrity.

• Identification. Send the document to the right email address and, for important agreements, add an access code shared separately or an email one-time code.
• Integrity. A tamper-evident seal on the signed PDF makes later changes detectable.
• Audit trail and timestamp. Keep a record of each step — sent, opened, signed — with time, IP address and browser, plus a trusted timestamp.
• Storage. Archive the signed PDF and its certificate of completion together for as long as you might need them.

How to send a document for signature in France with Signkoi#

1. Upload your PDF — a contract, quote (devis) or purchase order.
2. Add your signers by name and email, and set the signing order if needed.
3. Place the fields — signature, initials, date, text or checkboxes.
4. Add an identity check with an access code or email one-time code.
5. Set reminders and an expiry date, then send.

Recipients sign in their browser without creating an account, and the signing pages are available in French. The completed PDF is sealed and timestamped, and you receive a certificate of completion summarising the audit trail. Anyone holding the PDF can confirm it is unchanged at signkoi.com/verify. For other countries, see our e-signature legality overview.

FAQ#

Is an electronically signed contract admissible in a French court?#

Generally yes. Under eIDAS and the Civil Code, an electronic signature can't be rejected just because it is electronic. For a simple electronic signature, the court will assess the reliability of the process, which is why a good audit trail matters.

Do I need a qualified electronic signature in France?#

Not usually. A QES gives you a legal presumption of reliability, which can be valuable for high-stakes documents. For many everyday contracts, a simple signature with strong evidence is commonly used.

Can a personal guarantee be signed electronically in France?#

Generally not, if it is given by an individual outside their professional activity: article 1175 of the Civil Code excludes the electronic form for such private deeds. Take legal advice before using an e-signature for any guarantee.

This article is general information, not legal advice. French law and its interpretation can change, and the right signing method depends on the document and the circumstances. For an important or regulated document, talk to a qualified lawyer (avocat) or notary in France.