Duration of storage for electronically signed documents in France...
Conserving your electronically signed documents in France is easy! Discover how the eIDAS regulation and GDPR help you store your documents legally. Save time and reduce legal risks with Certyneo.
Certyneo Team
Writer — Certyneo · About Certyneo
Applicable legal framework
The eIDAS regulation (No. 910/2014) and the GDPR (No. 2016/679) govern the storage of electronically signed documents in Europe. These legislative texts require companies to preserve their documents securely and accessibly for a determined period.
Storage duration for electronically signed documents
The storage duration for electronically signed documents varies depending on the type of document and the company's activities. In general, documents must be stored for at least 10 years after the end of the contractual relationship or commercial transaction.
Usage scenarios
A law firm with 12 employees stores its contracts with clients for 15 years.
An industrial SME managing 200 supplier contracts per year stores its documents for 10 years after the end of each contract.
Quantified results
- Save up to 50% of time by storing your documents electronically with Certyneo.
- Reduce legal risks by 90% by complying with GDPR and eIDAS legal obligations.
The eIDAS regulation (No. 910/2014) and the GDPR (No. 2016/679) govern the storage of electronically signed documents in Europe. These legislative texts require companies to preserve their documents securely and accessibly for a determined period.
Relevant texts
- Civil Code art. 1366-1367: Storage of written contracts.
- eIDAS regulation No. 910/2014: Security and accessibility of electronic documents.
- GDPR No. 2016/679: Protection of personal data.
Legal obligations
Companies must store their electronically signed documents for at least 10 years after the end of the contractual relationship or commercial transaction. They must also guarantee the security and access to these documents.
A law firm with 12 employees stores its contracts with clients for 15 years.
An industrial SME managing 200 supplier contracts per year stores its documents for 10 years after the end of each contract.
Storing your electronically signed documents in France is easy! With Certyneo, you can save time and reduce legal risks. Do not hesitate to contact us for more information about our electronic signature solution.
Try Certyneo for free
Send your first signature envelope in less than 5 minutes. 5 free envelopes per month, no credit card required.
Dive deeper
Reference articles on this topic.
Recommended articles
Deepen your knowledge with these articles related to the topic.
Electronic Signature as Legal Evidence in Litigation
Does a contract signed electronically really hold up in a French court? Complete breakdown of the evidentiary value of electronic signature in litigation situations.
Electronic Signature for B2C Contracts: Validity in 2026
Electronic signature in B2C contracts raises specific questions about legal validity and customer consent collection. Here is everything you need to know for 2026.
Electronic Signature in the Public Sector: 2026 Guide
Since 2020, electronic signature has been mandatory in public procurement above certain thresholds. Discover the rules, required levels, and how to bring your administration into compliance.