Electronic contract
Definition
Frequently asked questions
What is an online contract?
An online contract (or electronic contract) is a contract concluded digitally, without paper: the parties review and sign it from a computer or a mobile. In the EU, the eIDAS regulation gives it the same legal standing as a paper document, provided the signer can be identified and the integrity of the document is guaranteed.
How do I create a contract online?
Three routes: start from a ready-made contract template, draft the document in your usual tool and import it as a PDF, or use a contract generator that assembles the clauses from your answers. Once the document is ready, add the signers and the signature fields, then send it for electronic signature.
Does a contract signed online have the same value as a paper contract?
Yes. The eIDAS regulation (art. 25) and, in France, articles 1366 and 1367 of the Civil Code give the electronic contract the same legal value as paper. In a dispute, a contract signed electronically with an audit trail, timestamping and integrity sealing is often more robust than a paper signed without witnesses. Only a few deeds remain subject to special forms, such as notarial authentic acts.
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