What To Know About Electronic Signature in Saudi Arabia?

Electronic Signature in Saudi Arabia refers to any signature applied through electronic means on documents and contracts, ensuring that data can be stored, retrieved, and clearly understood. These signatures form a fundamental part of the legal framework for electronic transactions, guaranteeing the integrity of documents, the reliability of the signer’s identity, and enhancing legal confidence in contracts and digital transactions.

With the Kingdom embracing digital transformation under Vision 2030, understanding how to use Electronic Signature in Saudi Arabia safely has become essential for organizations and individuals to ensure contract validity and data protection.

What is The Electronic Signature in Saudi Arabia?

• Electronic transactions refer to any exchange, contract, or procedure carried out wholly or partially through electronic means. Within the framework of Electronic Signature in Saudi Arabia, this includes the use of any electronic data system or electronic record, provided that the data can be stored, retrieved, and clearly understood.
• An electronic data system includes any device or software used to create, send, receive, store, process, or display electronic data, whether used in the public or private sector or through general means such as email, which forms the technical foundation of Electronic Signature in Saudi Arabia.
• These definitions aim to determine the scope of application of the Electronic Transactions System and to establish legal confidence in the validity and integrity of electronic transactions, signatures, and records, particularly in regulating Electronic Signature in Saudi Arabia.
• The system affirms the legal validity of electronic transactions as a general rule before all authorities, considering them valid and legally effective unless proven otherwise by reliable evidence, which strengthens reliance on Electronic Signature in Saudi Arabia.
• Electronic transactions differ from electronic signatures, as not every electronic transaction requires an electronic signature. However, Electronic Signature in Saudi Arabia requires specific conditions, most notably obtaining an accredited digital certificate to verify the authenticity of the signature and attribute it to its owner.

How Many Types of Electronic Signatures?

Electronic signatures vary in terms of the level of security, complexity, and legal enforceability they provide. Within the Saudi legal framework, electronic signatures can be classified into the following types:

Simple Electronic Signature (SES)

This is the most basic and least secure form of electronic signature. It typically involves typing a name or using a scanned or digital image of a handwritten signature. While it may indicate consent or approval, it does not provide strong guarantees regarding the signer’s identity or protection against document tampering.

Basic Electronic Signature (BES)

This type of signature electronically links the signed data to the signer and enables the detection of any alterations made to the document after signing. It offers a higher level of security than a simple electronic signature, although it may not reach the evidentiary strength of an advanced electronic signature.

Advanced Electronic Signature (AES)

An advanced electronic signature is considered one of the most secure and reliable forms of electronic signatures. It relies on qualified digital certificates issued by trusted certification authorities and uses strong encryption techniques to verify the signer’s identity and ensure the integrity of the document. This type of signature allows for the detection of any subsequent changes to the data and is uniquely linked to the signer.

Biometric Electronic Signature

This type of electronic signature is based on the signer’s unique biometric characteristics, such as fingerprint recognition, iris scanning, or facial recognition. It provides a very high level of security due to its direct association with biological traits that are difficult to forge or replicate.

Read More: A Complete Guide to Anti Cyber Crime Law in Saudi Arabia 2026

What are The Benefits of Electronic Signatures?

Electronic signatures are no longer merely a digital substitute for traditional handwritten signatures; they represent a transformative shift in how business and transactions are conducted. They offer a wide range of significant advantages for both individuals and organizations, particularly within a rapidly advancing digital transformation environment such as that of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Check Out: Electronic Transactions Law: Legally Binding Digital Deals

Ease of Use and Streamlined Procedures

Electronic signatures significantly simplify the process of signing official documents online. By accessing an approved electronic signature platform, users can sign documents quickly and efficiently without the need for physical document delivery or reliance on time-consuming traditional signing methods.

Time and Effort Savings and Increased Efficiency

Electronic signatures provide an ideal alternative to conventional signing processes that require printing, manual signing, scanning, and resending documents.

Alignment with Saudi Vision 2030

Electronic signatures directly support the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 related to digital transformation and e-government initiatives.

What is The Difference Between Digital and Electronic Signatures?

The key difference lies in the usage method and level of security:

• Digital Signature:
   Used for official documents, such as those issued by government entities. It cannot be modified by any unauthorized party and functions similarly to an official seal, ensuring document integrity and authenticity.
• Electronic Signature:
   Commonly used in contracts and documents requiring multiple parties’ approval. The document can be modified or additional signatures can be added, either directly from a digital device or by uploading a signature image. When using a government-recognized platform like Signit, the electronic signature is considered legally valid evidence in courts.

Legitimacy of Electronic Signatures

The legal validity of an electronic signature in Saudi Arabia is established if the following conditions and requirements are met, highlighting the standards for Electronic Signature in Saudi Arabia:

1. Linkage to an Accredited Digital Certificate:
   The signature must be linked to a digital certificate issued by a licensed Certification Service Provider or an accredited digital certificate from the National Digital Certification Center, ensuring compliance with the framework for Electronic Signature in Saudi Arabia.
2. Validity of the Certificate:
   The digital certificate associated with the signature must be valid at the time of signing, which is a key requirement for the recognition of Electronic Signature in Saudi Arabia.
3. Integrity of the Signer’s Identity:
   The identity data of the signer must be preserved and match the digital certificate to guarantee the signature’s reliability, maintaining the standards of Electronic Signature in Saudi Arabia.
4. Integrity of Integration with Electronic Data Systems:
   If the signature is executed within an electronic data system, there must be a sound logical and technical linkage between the electronic signature system and the electronic data system, free of any technical flaws that could affect the validity or transmission of the signature.
5. Availability of Technical and Administrative Infrastructure:
   The minimum technical and administrative infrastructure and related resources must be available to ensure control over the signing process and confidentiality of data, in accordance with the technical requirements specified in the Certification Service Provider’s procedures.
6. Compliance with Certification Procedures:
   The signer must comply with all procedures outlined by the Certification Service Provider regarding electronic signing, provided that these do not conflict with applicable laws and regulations.

Learn About: Digital Contracts in Saudi Arabia: Legal, Secure, & Sign Agreements

How to Use Electronic Signatures Safely?

By using these trusted methods, users can safely apply electronic signatures and ensure the validity of contracts and recognition by official authorities:

• Ministry of Justice Authentication Platform:
  • Contracts can be securely registered electronically via the Najiz portal.
  • It is used for notarizing real estate contracts, marriage contracts, and transfer agreements, ensuring identity verification and document integrity.
• Authentication via Certified Electronic Signature:
  • Services such as Tawqee’ by “Thiqah” or “Elm” provide a digital signature certified by the Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC).
  • Suitable for contracts between companies, freelancers, and e-commerce platforms, with verification to ensure the signature is valid and legally recognized.
• “Maqarr” and “Moras” Platforms:
  • Designed for commercial partnership agreements and partner contracts, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality.
• Contracts via Other Official Platforms:
  • Such as Etedad, Madinaty, or Moqawel, considered semi-official authentication methods if they include verified identity and a clear date, while ensuring platform reliability before use.

Conclusion

Electronic Signature in Saudi Arabia provides a secure and efficient way to complete electronic transactions while ensuring compliance with legal regulations and technical standards. For specialized legal guidance on electronic signatures, consulting Etqan Law Firm can help ensure full compliance with regulations and protect the rights of all parties.

The Etqan Al Mutamayza Law Firm is ready to provide the essential support you need. You can reach their team at the following mobile numbers: +966550600204, +966 551020060.

Additionally, feel free to visit our branches located at:

• Jeddah: Al-Aziziyah District, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Street (Tahlia)
• Riyadh: King Abdulaziz Street, across from the Kingdom Tower
• Dammam: Al-Ashri’a Street, Al-Badeea, Dammam 32415.

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