How to digitally sign agreements/ Contracts/ invoices in KSA?

Digital signatures are a secure, legal and convenient way to sign agreements, contracts, and invoices in Saudi Arabia. It speeds up the time required to close on a deal and allow an easy way to communicate with your clients, partners and suppliers.

In this article, we will discuss the legal and technical aspects of digital signatures, as well as the different types of digital signatures that can be used in the Kingdom.

Sign business documents in KSA digitally step by step

To sign agreements / invoices / contracts using a digital signature SaaS in KSA, you would typically need to follow these steps:

1. Find a digital signature software as a service provider in Jeddah, Riyadh, or any place around Saudi that meets your needs.
2. Create an account with the digital signature provider and sign in.
3. Upload the document that you need to sign, agreements, contracts, invoices, purchase order…etc.
4. Identify the areas of the document where you need to place your signature.
5. Use the provider’s platform to place your digital signature in the designated areas.
6. Add any additional signatories and send them an invitation via email to sign the document.
7. Once all parties have signed, you can download the signed document or simply archive it for future use.

Please note that the steps may vary depending on the digital signature provider you are using. Some digital signatures platforms in KSA might not be as simple as that, we show you the actual needed steps to digitally sign business documents using the Indorse platform.

Features of the best digital signature platform 

In addition to the steps outlined above, there are a few other features that a digital signature SaaS must have:

• Compliant with any legal or regulatory requirements that apply to your industry in Saudi Arabia.
• Ability to verify the authenticity of the digital signature by checking the certificate, the seal and by using a secure process.
• Archiving service; to keep a copy of the signed document for your records.
• The signature platform must handle a variety of document formats..
• The signature process is secure, check for the security features of the platform, like encryption and access control.
• Ability to track the signing process, such as which signatories have signed and when.
• Option to set expiration date for the document and configure reminders to prompt signers to complete the process.
• Ability to automate the process of creating contracts and agreements, reducing the need for manual tasks.

Please note that the features and functionalities may vary depending on the digital signature provider you are using. We have listed some of the features that we provide for Indorse Users.

Legality of Digital signature in KSA

Digital signatures have become an essential tool for businesses in Saudi Arabia and around the world. They allow for secure and efficient electronic transactions, while also providing legal certainty and non-alteration. In Saudi Arabia, digital signatures are regulated by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA), which has issued various regulations and guidelines for their use.

Legal Framework of digital signature in Saudi Arabia:

In Saudi Arabia, digital signatures are recognized as legally binding under the Electronic Transactions and E-Commerce Law (ETEL). This law, which was issued in 2001, provides a legal framework for electronic transactions in the Kingdom, including the use of digital signatures. The ETEL defines a digital signature as “an electronic signature, which is created by a digital certificate, and which is used to authenticate the identity of the signer, and to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of the electronic document.”

The ETEL also establishes the legal equivalence of digital signatures to handwritten signatures. This means that agreements, contracts, and invoices that are signed electronically are just as binding as those that are signed on paper.

Technical Standards of Digital signatures in KSA:

To ensure the security and reliability of digital signatures, SAMA has established technical standards for their use. These standards are based on international best practices and are designed to ensure the authenticity, integrity, and non-alteration of electronic documents.

The technical standards for digital signatures in Saudi Arabia include the use of digital certificates, which are issued by certified certificate authorities (CCAs). Digital certificates are used to authenticate the identity of the signer and to ensure the integrity of the electronic document.

Digital signatures are an essential tool for businesses in Saudi Arabia, providing legal certainty and non-repudiation for electronic transactions. SAMA has established legal and technical frameworks for their use, which are based on international best practices. Indorse is a Saudi hosted platform that have developed its software to suit the business needs of Saudi businesses from all sizes.