E-signature legality · Asia-Pacific
Is electronic signature legal in Hong Kong?
Yes. Between private parties an electronic signature satisfies a signature requirement if the method identifies the signer, indicates approval, is reliable and the other party consents. Transactions with the government need a digital signature under a recognised certificate.
The law
- Electronic Transactions Ordinance (Cap. 553)
What still needs wet ink, a notary or a qualified signature
- Wills, codicils and trusts
- Powers of attorney
- Deeds and other instruments affecting land
- Negotiable instruments
- Documents requiring oaths, affidavits or statutory declarations
Where Clinch fits
Clinch is built for everyday commercial agreements — freelance and agency contracts, statements of work, NDAs, quotes and service agreements — which in Hong Kongneed no special form. Every signature is captured with the signer's explicit consent, and the signed PDF carries an audit trail (name, email, timestamp of every event, hashed IP) plus a SHA-256 fingerprint of the exact document, so anyone can check it was not changed after signing.
It is a simple electronic signature, not a qualified one: for the documents listed above, use the formality the law requires.
Draft and send a contractOther countries in Asia-Pacific
This page is general information, not legal advice, and laws change. For a document with high stakes or a formality requirement, check with a lawyer in Hong Kong.
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