Electronic signatures are digital indicators of a person's agreement with the content of a document, serving as a legal alternative to handwritten signatures.

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Types of Electronic Signatures

O eIDAS Regulation defines three levels of electronic signatures, each offering different security standards and verification processes:

1. Simple Electronic Signature — Basic form; it includes anything as simple as a name typed in an email.

2. Advanced Electronic Signature (AdES) — Includes additional safeguards, such as a unique identifier, control by the signer, and tampering detection, generally enabled by public key infrastructure (PKI) technology.

3. Qualified Electronic Signature (QES) — The most secure; created using qualified devices (e.g., smart cards) and certified by recognized providers. Legally equivalent to handwritten signatures with legal recognition throughout the EU. The QES is ideal for highly relevant agreements, especially in a cross-border context.

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When and why to use electronic signatures

Electronic signatures simplify several applications, including contracts, transactions, and administrative tasks. There are several advantages for users:

• effectivity: Digital signatures save time by eliminating paper processes and travel.

• security: Reinforced protection against tampering, ensuring data integrity.

• Cost Reduction: Reduces operating expenses associated with printing, sending, and storing physical documents.

• Sustainability: By eliminating paper, organizations reduce their carbon footprint.

• expediency: Offers a simplified and hassle-free subscription experience for all parties involved.

In short, electronic signatures offer a secure, legally recognized solution for modernizing workflows and reducing operational burdens across the EU.

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Electronic signatures in the context of real estate

Advanced and qualified electronic signatures (ADEs and QES) are especially valuable in real estate transactions, where it is essential to guarantee the security and legal validity of documents.

The use of advanced signatures ensures that documents such as mediation or lease agreements are unadulterable, uniquely linked to the signer, and protected against unauthorized changes.

Qualified signatures offer an even higher level of security and legal certainty, and are fully equivalent to handwritten signatures with legal recognition throughout the EU.

This level of verification is especially necessary for signing documents such as the Purchase and Sale Promise Agreement or the Deed of a house, and is also very useful in cross-border contexts.

By implementing electronic signatures, real estate agencies and agents and their clients can simplify complex signature processes, reduce delays, and strengthen trust and transparency, while maintaining strict legal standards.

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