E-signature Legality in Finland
As a member state of the European Union, Finland adheres to Regulation (EU) No 910/2014, known as eIDAS, which went into full effect in 2016 and governs electronic identification and trust services. eIDAS established a framework for e-signatures, which includes three types:
- Simple Electronic Signature (SES), which includes email signatures and typed signatures
- Advanced Electronic Signature (AdES), which links to the person signing
- ualified Electronic Signature (QES), which requires a certificate issued by a qualified signature creation device
Finland also passed the Act on Strong Electronic Identification and Electronic Trust Services, which has been updated to implement eIDAS provisions.
Generally, Finland allows for freedom of contract and form, meaning most contracts don’t require specific formats or signature forms. Some documents, like those having to do with property transfers and inheritance, may still require a physical signature, however.
Speak to a legal professional for further guidance and to ensure you’re following all relevant regulations and requirements.
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