Legality and enforceability of electronic signatures in Norway*
Although Norway is not part of the EU, its eSignature regulation is close to European eIDAS standards through agreements around membership of the European Economic Area and the European Free Trade Association. Because of that, Norway incorporated the requirements for electronic signature in the Act on Electronic Trust Services (LOV-2018-06-15-44).
What Is an Electronic Signature in Norway?
Taking eIDAS as a legal ground for electronic signature application in Norway, an electronic signature is defined as data in electronic form that is attached to or logically associated with other data in electronic form and which is used by the signatory to sign.
Respectively, there are 3 types of electronic signatures recognized in Norway:
- Simple electronic signature.
- Advanced electronic signature.
- Qualified electronic signature.
You can check our Electronic Signature Legality Guide for the EU for detailed requirements for each of these types of signatures.
Default SignNow electronic signature qualifies as a simple electronic signature in Norway. Electronic signatures provided through the SignNow eID Easy integration meet the requirements for qualified and advanced electronic signatures in Norway.
Electronic Signature Validity in Court
According to the principle of freedom of evidence, all documents and signatures may be admitted as evidence regardless of form, and this does not limit the judge's ability to assess the evidence freely.
Do Parties Need To Consent To the Use of Electronic Signatures In Norway?
Like in the EU, there are no legal requirements to obtain consent for the use of electronic signatures. However, special considerations need to be taken when it comes to agreements on financial services, financial assignments, payment settlements, and transfer of monetary claims. If the person denies having consented to the conclusion of an agreement electronically, it's up to the opposing party to prove that the agreement was properly authenticated, validated, recorded, and free from technical issues or errors.
When Is the Use of Electronic Signature Prohibited?
In Norway, the legislation requires to use the handwritten signature in the following cases:
- Testaments.
- Springing Power of Attorney, an alternative to a government-appointed guardianship.
- Pre-marital and marriage agreements.
- Annual reports in private and public limited liability companies.
- Declaration of Debt which can be enforced directly, such as if issued by a non-financial institution.
* Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only. This page provides a background on the legal framework for electronic signatures in the respective country. This page is not legal advice and should not be used or relied upon as legal advice. You should seek legal counsel regarding any legal questions you have regarding the use of electronic signatures in this jurisdiction. To the maximum extent permitted by law, airSlate provides this page and the material on this page on an “as-is” basis. airSlate disclaims and makes no representation or warranty of any kind with respect to this page or the material on this page, express, implied, or statutory, including representations, guarantees, or warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or accuracy.
Last updated: September 2024