Is electronic signature legal in Singapore?
Yes, with some exceptions. Singapore's Electronic Transactions Act 2010 lets electronic signatures satisfy legal signature requirements, and a secure electronic signature carries legal presumptions. Wills, express trusts, most powers of attorney, and contracts for and conveyances of immovable property are still excluded, although the Electronic Conveyancing and Other Matters Act 2025 will allow some property transactions to be signed electronically in prescribed government systems once its provisions are in force.
Last reviewed October 2026. General information, not legal advice.
E-signature law in Singapore at a glance
- Status
- Legal
- Main laws
Electronic Transactions Act 2010 (2020 Revised Edition)
Electronic Transactions (Amendment) Act 2021 (Act 5 of 2021)
Electronic Conveyancing and Other Matters Act 2025
- Approach
- Two-tier: basic and secure (often certificate-based) signatures
Types of electronic signature in Singapore
Electronic signature
Satisfies a legal signature requirement if it identifies the person and their intention, and the method is reliable for the purpose or proven to have done so.
Secure electronic signature
Meets reliability conditions such as being unique to the signer and under their sole control. Courts presume it is the signer's signature and that it was affixed with intent to sign.
What you can sign electronically in Singapore
- Commercial contracts
- Employment contracts
- Negotiable instruments, bills of lading and other transferable documents as electronic transferable records (since 2021)
- Lasting powers of attorney under the Mental Capacity Act
Documents that need a handwritten signature or extra formalities
- Creation or execution of a will
- Indentures, declarations of trust and powers of attorney (except implied, constructive and resulting trusts and lasting powers of attorney)
- Contracts for the sale or other disposition of immovable property, or any interest in it
- Conveyances of immovable property or transfers of any interest in it
Contracts that must be “in writing”
The Act provides that an electronic record meets a legal requirement for writing if it is accessible for later reference, and an electronic signature meets a signature requirement if it is reliable. These rules do not apply to the matters listed in the First Schedule.
E-signatures in Singapore: frequently asked questions
Can property contracts be signed electronically in Singapore?
Generally no. Contracts for the sale or disposition of immovable property and conveyances of immovable property are excluded from the Electronic Transactions Act. The Electronic Conveyancing and Other Matters Act 2025 allows such contracts and conveyances to be signed electronically within prescribed government conveyancing systems once its provisions are in force, so check the current position.
Can bills of lading be electronic in Singapore?
Yes. The 2021 amendment, in force from 19 March 2021, allows negotiable instruments, bills of lading and other transferable documents to exist as electronic transferable records.
Are e-signed employment contracts valid in Singapore?
Yes. Employment contracts are not excluded and can be signed electronically.
Sources
This page is general information about e-signature law in Singapore, not legal advice. It was last reviewed in October 2026, and laws change. Check the official sources above or ask a lawyer in Singapore before you rely on an electronic signature for an important document. See also whether electronic signatures are legal.
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