Are electronic signatures legal in Azerbaijan? What laws primarily regulate electronic signatures?

Electronic signatures are legal in Azerbaijan, and electronic signatures in Azerbaijan are primarily regulated by the Electronic Signatures and Electronic Documents Act.

What types of electronic signatures are recognized in Azerbaijan? What are the requirements for each?

Azerbaijan recognizes two types of electronic signatures, namely electronic signatures and enhanced electronic signatures.

1. Electronic Signatures

Refers to data added to another data or logically associated with it, allowing the identification of the signature holder.

The Electronic Signatures and Electronic Documents Act states that electronic signatures cannot be deemed invalid simply because they are in electronic form or lack a certificate, or are created by an unauthenticated signature method.

::: By default, eSignGlobal electronic signatures can meet Azerbaijan’s requirements for electronic signatures :::

2. Enhanced Electronic Signatures

Refers to electronic signatures created by electronic signature tools controlled by the signature holder, which are unique to the signature holder, can identify the signature holder, and allow the identification of associated information notifications as complete, stable, and not distorted or falsified.

The Electronic Signatures and Electronic Documents Act states that, except as otherwise provided by other laws, the legal effect of enhanced valid certificates signed by authenticated signatures is equivalent to manual signatures.

In which scenarios can electronic signatures be used in Azerbaijan?

Electronic signatures can be used in the following scenarios, but are not limited to:

• Contracts and agreements: business contracts, employment agreements, and service contracts.

• Financial documents: loan agreements, investment documents, financial reports.

• Human resources documents: employee onboarding forms, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), and performance reviews.

• Business transactions: purchase orders, sales agreements, and supplier contracts.

In which scenarios is a traditional signature required in Azerbaijan?

Traditional signatures are typically required in the following scenarios:

• Wills

• Trusts

• Real estate transactions

• Government forms