Norway: legal requirements and validity of electronic signatures

Electronic signatures are widely used in Norway, but are they legally valid?

This guide explores Norway’s electronic signature laws, when eSignatures can be used, and what businesses need to know to stay compliant.

Are electronic signatures legal in Norway?

Yes, electronic signatures are legally valid in Norway. The country follows the Act on Electronic Trust Services (2018) (in Norwegian: Lov om elektroniske tillitstenester), which implements the EU’s eIDAS Regulation (Regulation 910/2014) into Norwegian law.

While Norway is not an EU member, as part of the European Economic Area (EEA), it has fully adopted eIDAS. This means that a Qualified Electronic Signature (QES) from any EU country is legally valid in Norway, and vice versa.

Businesses in Norway can sign contracts with companies in the EU using a QES, and it will be recognized automatically without extra verification.

Under Norwegian law, contracts generally follow the freedom of form principle. This means electronic signatures are valid unless a specific law requires a handwritten signature. However, some legal documents – such as wills, marriage contracts, and certain real estate transactions – still require wet ink signatures.

The different types of electronic signatures in Norway

In alignment with the EU eIDAS Regulation, Norwegian law recognizes three types of electronic signatures:

1. Simple electronic signature (SES): The most basic type of eSignature. This includes typed names, scanned signatures, and checkbox agreements. While legally valid, SES offers minimal security and may not be suitable for important contracts.

2. Advanced electronic signature (AdES): A more secure type of signature that is created using a method only the signer controls, requires signers to verify their identity, and detects any changes made to the document after signing.

3. Qualified electronic signature (QES): The most secure type of eSignature. A QES meets all AdES requirements but is also backed by a government-approved Qualified Trust Service Provider (QTSP). It has the same legal status as a handwritten signature and is automatically valid in court.

The type of electronic signature you need depends on the risk and legal importance of the document. While SES may work for informal agreements, AdES or QES is recommended for high-value contracts or legal documents.

What makes an electronic signature legally binding?

For an electronic signature to be legally binding in Norway, it must be secure, reliable, and linked to the signer. This means there must be a way to confirm who signed the document.

Common verification methods include BankID, digital certificates, or cryptographic keys. The signer must also intentionally agree to sign, which can be done by clicking ‘Accept,’ entering a PIN, or using multi-factor authentication.

A valid eSignature must also be tamper-proof, meaning it cannot be changed after signing. Advanced (AdES) and Qualified (QES) electronic signatures have built-in security features that detect any modifications. A QES, issued by a government-approved provider (QTSP), is the most secure. This is why it has the same legal status as a handwritten signature.

When can you use electronic signatures?

Electronic signatures can be used for most contracts and agreements in Norway. The country follows the freedom of form principle, meaning that unless a specific law requires a handwritten signature, an electronic signature is valid.

Electronic signatures are widely accepted for:

• Business contracts (e.g., sales agreements, supplier contracts, NDAs)
• Employment agreements (e.g., job offers, remote work contracts)
• Financial documents (e.g., loan agreements, banking forms)
• Real estate transactions (e.g., rental agreements and property sales, except where special formalities apply)
• Government and public sector filings (e.g., tax filings, applications)

When can you not use electronic signatures?

However, some documents in Norway still require a handwritten (wet ink) signature due to legal formalities. These include:

• Wills and testamentary documents
• Marriage and prenuptial agreements
• Certain real estate transfers (depending on legal requirements)
• Some notarized documents and court filings

Compliance requirements for businesses

To ensure compliance when using electronic signatures in Norway, businesses must adhere to 5 main requirements:

1. Use the right level of signature: SES is fine for low-risk contracts, but AdES is recommended for important agreements. QES offers the highest legal certainty and should be used for high-value contracts or regulatory filings.
   
   
2. Verify the signer's identity: Use secure authentication methods like BankID, qualified certificates from Norwegian or EU-recognized providers, or multi-factor authentication (MFA) for extra security.
   
   
3. Ensure document integrity: Signed documents must be tamper-proof. Use encrypted PDFs or digital signing platforms, store them securely, and maintain an audit trail with timestamps and signer details.
   
   
4. Keep signed documents for compliance: Retain employment contracts for at least 5 years, financial records for 10 years, and general contracts for the contract duration plus any statute of limitations.
   
   
5. Work with trusted eSignature providers: Use eIDAS-compliant providers listed as Qualified Trust Service Providers (QTSPs) that support AdES or QES and comply with GDPR and Norwegian privacy laws.

Interested in exploring digital workflows for your contracts? Hit the button below to get in touch and find out more.

Are electronic signatures admissible in court?

Electronic signatures are fully admissible as evidence in Norwegian courts.

Since Norway follows eIDAS regulations, electronic signatures have the same legal status as handwritten ones, unless a specific law requires a wet-ink signature. A Qualified Electronic Signature (QES) is presumed valid in court, making it the most secure option for contracts.

If challenged, courts will examine security measures, authentication methods, and the signer’s intent. Strong security features – such as multi-factor authentication, timestamps, and audit trails – help establish credibility and enforceability.

Norwegian courts accept all forms of electronic records, including signed PDFs and digital certificates. This flexibility allows businesses to rely on eSignatures for most transactions. That said, QES or a well-secured AdES is recommended for high-value contracts to minimize potential legal risks.

Recent legal changes and developments

Norway has recognized electronic signatures for over two decades. However, during this time, its laws have evolved significantly.

In 2018, Norway fully adopted the EU’s eIDAS Regulation by passing the Act on Electronic Trust Services. This change made electronic signatures standardized and legally recognized across Norway and the EU.

With eIDAS, Norway introduced stricter security rules. The Norwegian Communications Authority (Nkom) now regulates Qualified Trust Service Providers (QTSPs).

The country has also integrated BankID and other electronic ID solutions, making Advanced (AdES) and Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES) the most secure options.

The COVID-19 pandemic marked a turning point for electronic signatures. With lockdowns and remote work becoming the norm, businesses and government agencies had no choice but to move away from paper-based processes. Wet ink signatures and in-person signings were suddenly impractical, forcing companies to adopt digital solutions at scale. 

As a result, eSignatures became a necessity rather than a convenience. This shift permanently changed how businesses operated. Suddenly, digital signing became the norm for contracts, HR documents, and official agreements.

Frequently asked questions

1. Are electronic signatures legally binding in Norway?

Yes. Norway follows the EU’s eIDAS Regulation, which makes electronic signatures legally binding. Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES) have the same legal effect as handwritten signatures. Advanced (AdES) and Simple (SES) signatures are also valid but may require additional proof in legal disputes.

2. Is BankID a legally recognized electronic signature in Norway?

Yes. BankID is widely used in Norway and can serve as an Advanced Electronic Signature (AdES). In some cases, when issued by a Qualified Trust Service Provider (QTSP), it may also meet the requirements for a Qualified Electronic Signature (QES).

3. Can electronic signatures be used for all contracts in Norway?

For most contracts, yes. Norwegian law follows the freedom of form principle. This means electronic signatures are valid unless a specific law requires a handwritten signature. However, wills, marriage contracts, certain real estate transactions, and notarized documents may still require wet-ink signatures.

4. Can electronic signatures be used in court?

Yes. Norwegian courts accept electronic signatures as evidence. A QES is automatically valid, while an AdES or SES may require additional proof of authenticity, such as audit logs or authentication records.

5. Do electronic signatures work for cross-border contracts?

Yes. Under eIDAS, a Qualified Electronic Signature (QES) from any EU/EEA country is legally recognized in Norway, and vice versa. This makes electronic signatures ideal for international contracts.

6. Are there security requirements for using electronic signatures?

Yes. Businesses must ensure their eSignatures are secure, properly authenticated, and stored correctly. Using a trusted eIDAS-compliant provider or BankID ensures compliance with Norwegian and EU security standards.

7. Who regulates electronic signatures in Norway?

The Norwegian Communications Authority (Nkom) oversees electronic signatures and Qualified Trust Service Providers (QTSPs). Businesses should ensure they use eSignature providers listed on the Norwegian or EU Trusted List.

8. Can a company require a handwritten signature instead of an eSignature?

Yes, companies can choose to require handwritten signatures for internal policies or preferences. However, under Norwegian law, an electronic signature is legally valid unless a specific legal requirement mandates a physical signature.

Who are the leading providers of electronic signatures in Norway?

Several electronic signature providers operate in Norway, offering solutions that comply with eIDAS and Norwegian legal requirements. Here are some of the most widely used providers:

1. BankID: Norway’s most widely used electronic ID solution, integrated into many financial and legal transactions.
2. Buypass: A Norwegian trust service provider offering Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES) for secure digital transactions.
3. Commfides: A certified Qualified Trust Service Provider (QTSP) providing high-security eSignatures for businesses.
4. Juro: A leading contract automation platform with secure, eIDAS-compliant electronic signatures. Perfect for businesses that want to manage contracts end-to-end, not just sign them.
5. Docusign: A global eSignature platform widely used by businesses in Norway and across Europe.
6. Adobe Sign: Part of the Adobe Document Cloud, offering seamless electronic signature integration.

These providers ensure businesses can digitally sign contracts with full legal validity under Norwegian and EU law.

Electronic signatures are a legal and efficient way for companies to streamline their contract processes. By using a trusted eSignature provider, businesses can reduce paperwork, speed up transactions, and ensure compliance with Norwegian and EU law. 

With electronic signatures now the standard for modern business agreements, adopting a digital signing process is a smart move for companies that want to operate more efficiently in Norway.

Juro is not a law firm and this article should not be relied on as legal advice.