Overview of electronic signature law and its legality in Finland
Finland began recognizing electronic signatures as legally valid in 2009 with the passing of The Act on Strong Electronic Identification and Electronic Signatures.
Finnish law recognizes eSignatures as legally admissible in court, as well as on general business contracts.
Further reading
Handwritten signatures are not required to ensure that a contract is legally binding in Finland. If two parties come to a written, electronic, or verbal agreement, then under Finnish law, that contract is considered legally binding.
In 2009, The Act of Strong Electronic Identification and Electronic Signatures was passed. This act laid out provisions for how service providers can create strong electronic identification services.
When eIDAS regulations passed in 2016, these regulations were standardized across all EU member states, including Finland.
The eIDAS regulations gave qualified electronic signatures (QES) the same legal weight as handwritten signatures.
Understanding the Finnish legal model
Finland’s legal model is a combination of civil law and common law systems. The country operates under a civil law system when it comes to criminal law, property, succession, and contracts.
However, its legal model represents a common law system in terms of taxation, insurance, banking, and labor relations.
The Finnish legal model is similar to legal systems in Germany, Austria, Belgium, and Denmark.
Technology standards in Finland
Finland is a member of the European Union so they follow European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) standards when it comes to electronic signatures.
The country recognizes a QES as a distinct type of electronic signature.
Additional types of eSignatures can be submitted in court, but additional proof may be required.
Can you use PandaDoc in Finland?
Yes, PandaDoc software complies with electronic signature laws in Finland as well as other countries.
You can use our eSignature software to carry out all business contracts in Finland. Our software makes it easy for both parties to draw, type, or upload your signature.