# Netherlands E-signature Legality Guide - Global e-signature Laws and Regulations | Jotform

# Netherlands E-signature Legality Guide

Check out the country-specific facts about electronic signature laws and regulations.

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## E-signature Legality in Netherlands

The 2003 Electronic Signature Act (Wet elektronische handtekeningen) was the first law to recognize electronic signatures in the Netherlands. Today, as a member state of the European Union, the Netherlands follows EU law governing e-signatures. Regulation (EU) No 910/2014, also known as eIDAS, regulates electronic identification and trust services and came into full force in 2016.

eIDAS provides for three types of e-signatures, with varying degrees of security:

*   Simple Electronic Signature (SES)
*   Advanced Electronic Signature (AdES)
*   Qualified Electronic Signature (QES) — this is the most secure of the three, requiring a certificate issued by a qualified signature creation device

In addition to these laws, the Dutch Civil Code (Burgerlijk Wetboek) is also relevant to e-signatures, with provisions managing electronic contracts and establishing the equivalence of handwritten and digital signatures under secure conditions.

Consult a legal professional for guidance to ensure you follow all relevant laws and requirements regarding electronic signatures.

**Resources**:

*   [wetten.nl - Regulation - Electronic Signatures Act - BWBR0015046 (overheid.nl)](https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0015046/2003-05-21)
*   [Regulation - 910/2014 - EN - e-IDAS - EUR-Lex](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv:OJ.L_.2014.257.01.0073.01.ENG)
*   [What is eSignature? - European Commission](https://ec.europa.eu/digital-building-blocks/sites/display/DIGITAL/What+is+eSignature)
*   [Dutch Civil Law](http://www.dutchcivillaw.com/civilcodegeneral.htm)