Electronic signatures in Singapore: the Electronic Transactions Act explained

Singapore is one of the most digitally advanced places to do business, and signing contracts electronically is routine for companies of every size. The legal basis is the Electronic Transactions Act, which has been updated over the years to keep pace with how business is done. This guide covers the essentials.

For a comparison with other countries, see our e-signature legality overview and the guide Are electronic signatures legal around the world?.

Are electronic signatures legal in Singapore?#

Yes, for most transactions. The Electronic Transactions Act 2010 (ETA), which replaced an earlier 1998 Act, is based on the UNCITRAL model laws and sets out a few key principles:

• Information and records shouldn't be denied legal effect just because they are electronic.
• Where a rule of law requires a signature, an electronic signature can meet that requirement when the method identifies the person and indicates their intention, and is as reliable as appropriate for the purpose, or is shown in fact to have done so.
• Contracts can be formed electronically, for example by exchanging data messages.

The ETA doesn't force anyone to use electronic records, and whether a person has agreed to deal electronically can often be inferred from their conduct. Government agencies can set their own requirements for documents they receive.

Amendments in 2021 extended the Act to electronic transferable records, such as electronic bills of lading, which shows how the law keeps moving.

Types of electronic signatures recognised#

• Electronic signatures in general. Any letters, characters, numbers or other symbols in digital form attached to or logically associated with an electronic record and made or adopted with the intention of authenticating it. A typed name, a drawn signature or a click on "I agree" can qualify.
• Secure electronic signatures. Signatures that meet stricter requirements, such as being unique to the signer, capable of identifying them, created in a way or using a means under their sole control, and linked to the record so that changes would invalidate the signature. Secure electronic signatures, including certain certificate-based digital signatures, benefit from presumptions in court proceedings.

Some organisations prefer or ask for certificate-based options, such as signing with Singpass, for specific processes. Signkoi provides simple electronic signatures with strong evidence; it doesn't issue secure or certificate-based digital signatures.

Documents that often still need wet ink, a notary or a certified signature#

The ETA has excluded certain documents from its main rules. At the time of writing these include:

• Wills and other testamentary dispositions.
• Trusts, including declarations of trust.
• Powers of attorney.
• Contracts for the sale or other disposition of immovable property, or any interest in it, and the conveyance of immovable property.

The list has been narrowed over time and may change again, so check the current version of the Act. Separately, documents that must be notarised, sworn, witnessed or filed with a court or government agency follow their own procedures.

Collecting good evidence with simple e-signatures#

For a simple e-signature, your position in a dispute rests on showing who signed, that they meant to, and that the document hasn't changed. With Signkoi, every completed document includes:

• A deliberate signing step. Each signer draws, types or uploads a signature and agrees to sign electronically.
• A sealed PDF. A tamper-evident seal and a trusted timestamp make later changes detectable.
• An audit trail. Sending, opening and signing events are logged with times, IP addresses and browser details, and summarised in a certificate of completion.
• Optional identity checks. Ask signers to enter an access code you share separately, or a one-time code sent to their email.
• Independent verification. Anyone holding the PDF can check it at signkoi.com/verify.

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

1. Check that the document isn't one of the ETA's excluded types.
2. Upload your PDF, or start from a template.
3. Add your signers, set a signing order if needed, and place signature and other fields.
4. Set reminders, an expiry date and, for important documents, an access code or email one-time code.
5. Send. Recipients sign in their browser with no account, and Signkoi's interface is available in English and Chinese, among 12 languages.
6. Download the sealed PDF and certificate of completion and keep them with your records.

Frequently asked questions#

Is a typed name enough as a signature in Singapore?#

It can be. The ETA is technology-neutral, so a typed name can be an electronic signature if it identifies the person and shows their intention, using a method that is reliable enough for the purpose. Good records make that easier to show.

Do I need a secure electronic signature?#

Not usually for everyday commercial contracts. Secure electronic signatures give stronger presumptions in court, and some organisations or processes ask for them.

Can I sign a tenancy agreement electronically?#

Be careful. A tenancy can involve an interest in immovable property, which may bring it within the ETA's exclusions, and stamp duty may apply. Get advice on your specific document.

Not legal advice#

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws change, and using Signkoi doesn't guarantee that a particular signature will be valid or enforceable in your situation. For important or regulated documents, talk to a qualified Singapore lawyer.