Electronic Signature Law and Legality in Greece

Electronic signatures have been legally recognized in Greece since 2001, when Presidential Decree 150/2001 established the first legal framework for their use. In 2016, Greece adopted the eIDAS Regulation, which standardized electronic signature laws across the European Union, replacing the earlier eSignature Directive.

Under Greek law, electronic signatures are valid and enforceable for a wide range of business and legal documents.

Are eSignatures Legal in Greece?

Yes. According to Greek legislation, a handwritten signature is not required for a contract to be valid. A legally binding agreement can be formed electronically, in writing, or even verbally, as long as both parties consent.

Article 445 of the Greek Code of Civil Procedure allows digital records and electronic signing platforms to serve as valid evidence in court. However, depending on the case, additional verification may be required to establish authenticity.

Greece’s Legal System: A Civil Law Foundation with Common Law Traits

Greece primarily follows a civil law system, especially in the areas of:

• Contracts and property law
  
  
• Criminal law
  
  
• Family and succession law
  

In sectors like banking, insurance, labor, and taxation, the country incorporates some common law principles.

This blend is similar to legal models found in Germany, Austria, Finland, and Belgium—civil law at its core, with flexible elements drawn from common law traditions.

Understanding Civil Law Systems

Civil law systems:

• Are built on Roman law foundations
  
  
• Use codified statutes as the primary legal source
  
  
• Are regularly updated by legislation rather than court precedent
  
  
• Represent about 60% of global legal systems
  

This structured legal model ensures that laws are clearly defined and easily accessible to businesses and individuals alike.

eIDAS Regulations and Signature Standards

The eIDAS Regulation (EU 910/2014) set a unified legal standard across EU member states for digital identification and electronic signatures. It introduced three distinct signature types:

1. Standard Electronic Signature (SES)

• Basic format (typed name, checkbox, scanned image)
  
  
• Legally valid but may require additional proof in court
  
  
• Suitable for low-risk business documents
  

2. Advanced Electronic Signature (AES)

• Uniquely linked to the signer
  
  
• Detects tampering and ensures data integrity
  
  
• Used in moderately sensitive transactions
  

3. Qualified Electronic Signature (QES)

• Created using a qualified device and backed by a digital certificate from an accredited EU Trust Service Provider
  
  
• Has the same legal standing as a handwritten signature
  
  
• Must be accepted across all EU member states
  

When to Use a Standard Electronic Signature (SES)

In Greece’s tiered signature model, SES is widely used for general business documentation, including:

• Employment contracts and onboarding paperwork
  
  
• Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)
  
  
• Service terms and sales agreements
  
  
• Software licenses and commercial leases
  
  
• Purchase orders and invoices
  

SES is legally acceptable but may require additional evidence in court compared to QES.

Disclaimer

This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Legal requirements may vary by document type or business sector. Always consult a licensed legal professional for guidance specific to your situation. Blueink disclaims all liability for actions taken or not taken based on this content, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

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