Duration of Storage for Electronically Signed Documents in France...
Preserving your electronically signed documents in France is easy! Discover how the eIDAS regulation and GDPR help you keep 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 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 document type and the company's activity. Generally, documents must be kept for at least 10 years following the end of the contractual relationship or commercial transaction.
Usage Scenarios
A law firm with 12 employees preserves its client contracts for 15 years.
An industrial SME managing 200 supplier contracts per year preserves its documents for 10 years after each contract ends.
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 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 preserve their electronically signed documents for at least 10 years following 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 preserves its client contracts for 15 years.
An industrial SME managing 200 supplier contracts per year preserves its documents for 10 years after each contract ends.
Preserving 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.
Dive Deeper
Our comprehensive guides to master electronic signatures.
Continue reading about Compliance
Deepen your knowledge with these related articles.
Electronic Power of Attorney: Legality, Agent, and Representation in 2026
Electronic power of attorney allows you to entrust a legally binding mandate of representation without paper. Discover the rules, risks, and best practices for 2026.
Electronic Signature and HIPAA Compliance in 2026
Electronic signature is revolutionizing medical document workflows, but imposes strict requirements for patient data protection. Discover how to reconcile efficiency and HIPAA compliance.
Electronic Signature as Legal Evidence in Litigation
Does a contract signed electronically really hold up in a French court? Complete analysis of the probative value of electronic signature in litigation situations.