Electronic signatures in the Netherlands: eIDAS and the Dutch Civil Code

The Netherlands is one of Europe's most digital economies, and electronic signatures are a routine part of doing business there. Dutch law takes a pragmatic approach: the value of an electronic signature depends on whether the method used is reliable enough for what it is being used for.

Are electronic signatures legal in the Netherlands?#

Yes. Two main sources apply:

• The eIDAS Regulation (EU) No 910/2014, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2024/1183, applies directly. 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 framework, see our guide to electronic signatures in the European Union.
• The Dutch Civil Code (Burgerlijk Wetboek, BW). Article 3:15a BW confirms that a qualified electronic signature has the same legal effects as a handwritten signature. Any other electronic signature has those same effects if the method used is sufficiently reliable, considering the purpose for which it was used and all other circumstances.

Many contracts in the Netherlands need no particular form at all. Where the law requires a contract to be concluded "in writing", article 6:227a BW generally allows this to be done electronically, as long as the contract can be consulted by the parties, its authenticity is sufficiently guaranteed, and the time it was concluded and the identity of the parties can be established with sufficient certainty. Certain categories, described below, are excluded.

Types of electronic signature in the Netherlands#

The Netherlands uses the three eIDAS levels:

• Simple electronic signature (gewone elektronische handtekening) — for example, a typed or drawn signature submitted through a secure link.
• Advanced electronic signature (geavanceerde elektronische handtekening) — uniquely linked to and capable of identifying the signer, with later changes detectable.
• Qualified electronic signature (gekwalificeerde elektronische handtekening) — based on a qualified certificate from a qualified trust service provider and created with a qualified device.

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

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

• Real estate. Ownership of real estate is transferred by a notarial deed of transfer (akte van levering) that is registered in the public registers of the Land Registry (Kadaster). Mortgages also require a notarial deed.
• Company law. Incorporating a private limited company (BV) and transferring its shares generally require a notarial deed.
• Family law and inheritance. Prenuptial and partnership agreements (huwelijkse voorwaarden) require a notarial deed, and wills are generally made before a notary. The electronic-contract rule in article 6:227a BW doesn't apply to family law or inheritance law.
• Contracts that require a court, public authority or notary. These are also outside article 6:227a BW and follow their own rules.
• Dealings with government bodies generally use their own identification systems, such as DigiD or eHerkenning, rather than a general e-signature.

Collecting stronger evidence with simple e-signatures#

Because Dutch law asks whether a signing method is "sufficiently reliable" for its purpose, the strength of your evidence matters — especially for higher-value agreements. Good practice includes:

• Identification proportionate to the risk. For important documents, require an access code shared separately, or an email one-time code.
• Integrity. A tamper-evident seal on the signed PDF makes later changes detectable, and a trusted timestamp shows when signing took place.
• A complete audit trail. Record when the document was sent, opened and signed, with IP address and browser.
• Retention. Keep the signed PDF and its certificate of completion with your records, so the contract can be consulted later.

How to send a document for signature in the Netherlands with Signkoi#

1. Upload your PDF — a contract, quote (offerte) or order confirmation.
2. Add your signers by name and email, and set a signing order if needed.
3. Place the fields — signature, initials, date, text or checkboxes.
4. Add an access code or email one-time code for sensitive documents.
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 Dutch. The completed PDF is sealed and timestamped, and you receive a certificate of completion summarising the audit trail. Anyone holding the PDF can check that it is unchanged at signkoi.com/verify. For other countries, see our e-signature legality overview.

FAQ#

Is a simple electronic signature valid in the Netherlands?#

Generally yes. Under article 3:15a BW, it has the same legal effects as a handwritten signature if the method is sufficiently reliable for its purpose and the circumstances. That is why good identification and evidence matter.

Can I sign an employment contract electronically in the Netherlands?#

In many cases, yes. Dutch employment contracts generally don't require a specific form, although some clauses and situations have their own requirements. Check the rules for your particular case.

When do I need a notary in the Netherlands?#

Typically for transferring real estate, mortgages, incorporating a BV and transferring its shares, prenuptial agreements and wills. These are notarial deeds, not documents you can complete with a standard e-signature.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Dutch 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 (advocaat) or civil-law notary (notaris) in the Netherlands.