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SOW SaaS: structuring an implementation contract in 2026
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9 min
HR guide 2026
Electronic signature for HR: employment contracts and documents
Electronic signature of employment contracts has been legally recognised in France since the Macron Ordinance of 2017 (amended article L.1221-1 of the French Labour Code). This guide explains how to use it correctly for employment contracts, amendments, amicable terminations and other HR documents.
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Legal framework: electronic signature in employment law
Article L.1221-1 of the French Labour Code authorises the conclusion of employment contracts by electronic means. The required signature level depends on the contract type: SES or AES for the majority of permanent/fixed-term contracts, and enhanced probative value (AES) recommended for termination agreements and representation mandates.
- Permanent/Fixed-term contract: AES signature recommended (OTP SMS/email)
- Amendment: same level as the initial contract
- Termination agreement: AES recommended with OTP
- Temporary contract: verify applicable collective agreements
HR documents that can be electronically signed
Employment contract (permanent, fixed-term, part-time)
Amendment to employment contract
Letter of engagement
Confidentiality agreement (NDA)
IT policy
Onboarding documents
Remote working agreement
Delegation form
Typical HR workflow with Certyneo
- 1
Create your contract template
Import your Word or PDF model. Define the fields to complete (name, position, salary) and signature zones.
- 2
Enter the candidate's information
Name, email and phone number of the future employee. Certyneo automatically sends the authentication OTP.
- 3
Send the contract
The employee receives an email with a secure link. They review and sign from any device.
- 4
Archive automatically
The signed PDF with audit trail is archived for 10 years. Exportable at any time from your dashboard.
Frequently asked questions — Electronic signature and HR
- Is an electronically signed employment contract valid?
- Yes. Article L.1221-1 of the French Labour Code expressly authorises the conclusion of employment contracts by electronic means. Advanced electronic signature (AES) via OTP is recommended for its probative value.
- Which eIDAS signature level for a permanent employment contract?
- The law does not specify a minimum level, but practitioners and legal experts recommend AES (Advanced eIDAS Signature) with SMS OTP for employment contracts. Certyneo includes AES from the Personal plan (9 €/month).
- Does the employee need to create an account to sign?
- No. The employee receives an email link, reviews the contract and signs in a few clicks, without creating an account. Authentication is done via OTP sent to their email or phone.
- How do you archive signed contracts?
- Certyneo automatically archives every signed contract for 10 years with its timestamped audit trail. PDFs are downloadable at any time from your dashboard, individually or in bulk.