Legality and enforceability of electronic signatures in Qatar*
What Is an Electronic Signature in Qatar?
Qatar Decree-Law No. 16/2010 On the Promulgation of the Electronic Commerce and Transactions Law defines an
electronic signature as a unique data message (such as letters, numbers, symbols, signs, etc.) used to identify the signatory and set him apart from others, to reflect the signatory's approval of the data message.
After analyzing Qatari laws, it is safe to say they differentiate two types of electronic signatures: standard and certified.
Standard Electronic Signatures in Qatar
Standard electronic signatures, or simple electronic signatures, are recognized if they meet the following criteria:
- The signature creation information is exclusively linked to the signatory.
- The signature creation information at the time of signature is under the control of the signatory.
- The signature can detect any change made to the document after signing.
SignNow default electronic signatures satisfy the requirements for standard electronic signatures in Qatar.
Certified Electronic Signatures in Qatar
The certified electronic signature is a standard electronic signature that is based on the use of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) technology.
The law specifies that certificates issued by entities certified outside of Qatar will hold the same legal validity as long as they meet a level of reliability established by Qatari laws.
Electronic signatures provided through the SignNow eID Easy integration comply with the requirements for certified electronic signatures in Qatar.
Is It Necessary to Consent to the Use of Electronic Signature?
It depends on the transaction. In regular commercial relations, a person's consent to conduct transactions using electronic communications may be inferred from that person's conduct. If governmental entities are a party to the transaction, they shall give explicit consent to conduct such transaction electronically.
When Is the Use of Electronic Signature Prohibited?
In Qatar, there are certain types of documents that cannot be signed with an electronic signature:
- Documents relating to family matters and personal status.
- Documents about real-estate incorporeal dispositions.
- Documents that are required by law to be authenticated.
- Negotiable commercial instruments (i.e., bills of exchange, cheques, and notes, where for bills of exchange and cheques, there must be an order for the payment of money, and for notes, there must be a promise to pay).
* 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