Is electronic signature legal in Brazil?
Yes. Brazil recognizes electronic signatures under Provisional Measure 2.200-2/2001 and Law 14.063/2020, which defines simple, advanced and qualified signatures. Private parties can agree to use other methods, while declarations signed with an ICP-Brasil certificate (a qualified signature) are presumed true in relation to the signatories.
Last reviewed October 2026. General information, not legal advice.
E-signature law in Brazil at a glance
- Status
- Legal
- Main laws
Medida Provisória 2.200-2 (ICP-Brasil) (2001)
Lei 14.063 (electronic signatures in dealings with public entities) (2020)
- Approach
- Tiered: simple, advanced and qualified
Types of electronic signature in Brazil
Simple electronic signature (assinatura eletrônica simples)
Identifies the signer or links data to the signer. Valid between private parties who accept it and for low-risk dealings with public bodies.
Advanced electronic signature (assinatura eletrônica avançada)
Uses certificates outside ICP-Brasil or other means that uniquely link the signer and detect changes. Valid between parties that accept it.
Qualified electronic signature (assinatura eletrônica qualificada)
Uses a digital certificate issued under ICP-Brasil. Presumed true in relation to signatories and has the highest level of trust, required for some public acts and real estate registrations.
What you can sign electronically in Brazil
- Commercial and service contracts
- Employment contracts
- Lease agreements
- Banking and credit documents
- Corporate documents filed with commercial registries (subject to registry rules)
Documents that need a handwritten signature or extra formalities
- Transfers of real estate above the statutory value threshold, which require a public deed before a notary (this can be done online through the e-Notariado platform)
- Some acts with public entities that Law 14.063 reserves for qualified signatures, including transfers and registration of real estate (art. 5, para. 2), except where the law allows advanced signatures, such as real estate credit contracts under art. 17-A
Contracts that must be “in writing”
MP 2.200-2 article 10 states that documents signed with ICP-Brasil certificates are presumed true, and that other means of proving authorship are valid if the parties accept them. Where a public deed is required, notarial rules apply.
E-signatures in Brazil: frequently asked questions
Do I need an ICP-Brasil certificate to sign a contract in Brazil?
No. Between private parties, other means of proving authorship and integrity are valid under MP 2.200-2 if the parties admit them or the person against whom the document is used accepts them. An ICP-Brasil qualified signature gives a stronger presumption of authenticity.
Are e-signed employment contracts valid in Brazil?
Yes. Employment contracts can be signed electronically, and many employers use advanced or qualified signatures for stronger evidence.
Can real estate deeds be signed electronically in Brazil?
Yes, through notaries using the e-Notariado platform, which allows remote public deeds with qualified or notarized digital certificates.
Sources
This page is general information about e-signature law in Brazil, not legal advice. It was last reviewed in October 2026, and laws change. Check the official sources above or ask a lawyer in Brazil before you rely on an electronic signature for an important document. See also whether electronic signatures are legal.
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