Electronic signature law & legal signature requirements in Sweden

This article explores the legal landscape of electronic signatures in Sweden, addressing key questions about their validity, requirements, relevant standards, and adoption.

What laws govern eSignatures in Sweden?

Electronic signatures are widely accepted in Sweden, and their use is backed by strong legal foundations. If you’re doing business digitally—whether signing contracts, onboarding customers, or handling internal approvals—it’s good to understand the laws that make electronic signatures legally binding in Sweden.

The key laws you should know

eIDAS Regulation (EU No 910/2014)
This is the European Union’s main regulation for electronic identification and trust services. It applies across all EU member states, including Sweden, and sets the standards for how electronic signatures are used, recognized, and validated.
The Swedish Act (2016:561)
‍This national law supports the eIDAS Regulation by adding specific Swedish provisions. It ensures that the EU-wide rules are effectively applied within Sweden.
Swedish Regulation (2016:576)
This regulation works alongside the 2016:561 Act to provide additional technical and legal details needed to implement eIDAS in Sweden.

The key principles of eSignature legality in Sweden

The Swedish eSignature legal framework stipulates that:

Electronic signatures are legally recognised and cannot be denied legal effect solely because they are in electronic form.
Qualified electronic signatures have the same legal effect as handwritten signatures.
Electronic signatures are admissible as evidence in legal proceedings

The law recognises different types of electronic signatures, each with varying levels of security and legal weight:

Simple electronic signatures: The most basic form of electronic signatures, offering the lowest level of security. While these are considered valid for many everyday transactions, they may not be sufficient for high-value or legally sensitive documents.
Advanced electronic signatures: Provide a higher level of security, are uniquely linked to the signatory, and are capable of identifying the signatory. They are more secure than simple electronic signatures.
Qualified electronic signatures: These are created using a qualified electronic signature creation device and are based on a qualified certificate. They offer the highest level of security and legal certainty, and are equivalent to traditional “wet-ink” signatures in Sweden.

Which standards and conditions must be met?

To ensure that an electronic signature is legally binding in Sweden, it must meet certain standards and conditions:

Identification and authentication of the signatory: The electronic signature must be uniquely linked and attributable to the signatory, allowing for their identification. The identity of the signatory must be verifiable, this can be achieved through various means, such as digital certificates, biometric data, or two-factor authentication.
Intent to sign: The signatory must demonstrate a clear intention to sign the document electronically.
Consent to use electronic signatures: All parties involved in the contract must agree to use electronic signatures as a valid form of execution.
Integrity of the document: The electronic signature must be securely attached to the document, ensuring that any subsequent changes to the document invalidate the signature.
Control: The method used to create the electronic signature must be under the sole control of the signatory.
Reliability: The method used to create the signature must be sufficiently reliable given the purpose and circumstances.
Association with the document: The electronic signature must be logically associated with the document, ensuring that any subsequent changes to the document are detectable.

Qualified signatures must meet the following additional requirements to be legally binding:

Certification by trusted service providers: For a qualified electronic signature to be legally binding, it must be accompanied by a qualified certificate issued by a trusted service provider.
Use of secure signature creation devices: The signature must be created using a secure signature creation device, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of the signing process.

These conditions ensure that the electronic signature is as legally binding as a handwritten signature, provided that the document and signing process meet these standards.

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

Electronic signature law in Sweden: exceptions and limitations

While electronic signatures are broadly accepted in Sweden, there are certain circumstances where they may not be valid:

Wills and testamentary documents: In Sweden, wills and other testamentary documents generally require handwritten signatures to be legally valid. Electronic signatures are not accepted for these types of documents.
Real estate transactions: Certain types of real estate transactions, such as the transfer of property ownership, may require traditional ink signatures or notarization, although electronic signatures are becoming more accepted in some areas of real estate.
Court filings: In some instances, documents filed in court may require traditional signatures or specific electronic formats approved by the Swedish judiciary.
Specific industry regulations: Some industries may have their own regulations that impose stricter requirements on the use of electronic signatures. For example, the financial services sector may require more stringent verification processes to ensure compliance with anti-fraud and anti-money laundering laws.
Government-related documents: Certain official documents may require specific forms of electronic signatures or traditional signatures.

Understanding these exceptions is crucial for ensuring that electronic signatures are used appropriately and legally in Sweden.

What you can expect in the future

Currently, there is no significant forthcoming legislation aimed at changing the regulations surrounding electronic signatures in Sweden.

The existing legislation, primarily guided by the EU's eIDAS Regulation, provides a stable and comprehensive legal framework for electronic signatures, ensuring their validity and enforceability across various sectors.

However, the Swedish government remains vigilant in monitoring the rapid advancements in digital technology and electronic transactions. As part of its commitment to maintaining a secure and efficient digital environment, the government regularly reviews and adapts its regulations in line with EU directives.

Industry-specific requirements for electronic signatures in Sweden

Certain industries in Sweden have specific requirements for electronic signatures, reflecting the need for enhanced security and compliance. For instance:

Financial services: The financial industry often requires advanced or qualified electronic signatures due to the high-risk nature of transactions and the need to comply with stringent regulatory standards, including the EU's Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations.
Healthcare: In the healthcare sector, electronic signatures used in patient records and medical documents must comply with both eIDAS standards and Sweden's stringent data protection laws, ensuring that sensitive information is securely handled.
Public sector: Government agencies in Sweden are increasingly adopting electronic signatures, particularly for eGovernment services. However, they must ensure that these signatures meet the requirements set out in the Public Access to Information and Secrecy Act (Offentlighets- och sekretesslagen (2009:400)).
Legal sector: Law firms may use electronic signatures for client agreements and contracts, but they must ensure that signatures meet the necessary legal standards.
Real estate: While some property-related documents can be signed electronically, certain property agreements may still require handwritten signatures.

These industry-specific standards highlight the importance of selecting the appropriate type of electronic signature based on the nature of the transaction and the regulatory environment.

Adoption of electronic signatures in Sweden

Sweden is a leader in digital innovation, particularly in the adoption of electronic signatures. This widespread use is driven by the country's strong digital infrastructure and the legal framework provided by the eIDAS Regulation. As a result, businesses, government agencies, and individuals increasingly rely on electronic signatures to conduct faster, more efficient, and secure transactions. The use of electronic signatures is particularly strong in sectors like finance, legal services, and real estate, where the speed and security of electronic transactions are highly valued.

The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated this trend. As remote work and social distancing measures made in-person signing more difficult, the need for digital solutions like electronic signatures became critical. Swedish companies quickly integrated electronic signatures into their workflows, ensuring business continuity and efficiency during challenging times.

Today, electronic signatures are standard practice in many Swedish companies and organisations, used routinely for contracts, agreements, and official documents. This widespread adoption reflects Sweden's broader commitment to digitalisation and its ability to quickly adapt to new technologies.

As Sweden continues to innovate, the role of electronic signatures is expected to grow even further, solidifying their place as an integral part of the nation’s digital infrastructure. With ongoing advancements in technology and digital security, electronic signatures will remain a reliable and trusted method for conducting business in Sweden.

Leading providers of electronic signatures in Sweden

Sweden has a robust digital infrastructure, and electronic signatures are widely used across industries—from legal and finance to healthcare and real estate. If you’re looking for a reliable provider, here are some of the top electronic signature platforms trusted in Sweden:

1. Juro

Juro is an all-in-one contract automation platform that streamlines the entire contract lifecycle—from drafting and negotiation to eSignature and storage. Its electronic signature feature is legally compliant with eIDAS, including advanced electronic signatures.

Juro supports integrations with tools like Slack, Salesforce, and Google Drive, making it a strong choice for fast-growing companies seeking a scalable, secure, and user-friendly solution. It’s especially popular among legal, ops, and commercial teams.

2. Scrive

Based in Stockholm, Scrive offers e-signature solutions that comply with EU eIDAS standards. It supports Swedish BankID for authentication and is known for serving sectors like real estate and financial services.

3. Assently

Assently delivers electronic signature services tailored for the Nordic market. It integrates seamlessly with Swedish BankID and supports legally compliant advanced and qualified electronic signatures.

4. Verified

Verified is a user-friendly solution offering e-signatures and identity verification services across Europe. Their platform is eIDAS-compliant and focuses on ease of use and rapid deployment.

5. Signicat

A major player in the Nordics, Signicat specializes in digital identity and signature solutions. It provides robust authentication options and supports cross-border transactions, making it a good fit for regulated industries.

6. DocuSign

As a global leader, DocuSign offers full compliance with eIDAS and supports Swedish BankID. It’s widely used across multinational organizations for everything from HR documents to enterprise-level contracts.

Frequently asked questions

Are electronic signatures legally binding in Sweden?

Yes, electronic signatures are legally binding in Sweden, provided they meet the requirements set under the eIDAS Regulation and Swedish law

Can I use an electronic signature for all types of documents in Sweden?

While electronic signatures are widely accepted, some documents (like wills, court filings or real estate transfers) may still require traditional handwritten signatures. Always check specific requirements for important legal documents.

Is a qualified electronic signature required for all contracts in Sweden?

No, a qualified electronic signature is not required for all contracts, but it provides the highest level of legal assurance.

Do I need a specific type of electronic signature for government documents?

Some government agencies may require specific types of electronic signatures. Check with the relevant authority for their requirements.

Can electronic signatures be used for international contracts in Sweden?

Yes, electronic signatures are accepted for international contracts, provided they meet the necessary legal requirements.

Are electronic signatures from other EU countries valid in Sweden?

Yes, qualified electronic signatures from other EU countries are recognised in Sweden due to the EU eIDAS Regulation.

How can I ensure my electronic signature is legally valid in Sweden?

Use a reputable electronic signature provider that complies with Swedish and EU regulations. Ensure all parties consent to using electronic signatures, and keep records of the signing process.

What should I look for in an electronic signature provider in Sweden?

Ensure the provider complies with eIDAS standards, offers secure identity verification, and meets industry-specific requirements if applicable.

Who are the leading providers of electronic signatures in Sweden?

Leading providers of electronic signature solutions in Sweden include Juro, DocuSign, and Adobe Sign, among others.

What do other countries in Europe say about eSignatures?

Generally speaking, eSignatures are accepted right across Europe, with just a few exceptions. It's best to familiarise yourself with the relevant laws in those geographies before making big decisions about eSignature use and validity:

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

Sweden: legal requirements and validity of electronic signatures