How to Send Legally Valid Documents Online (Without Paying for Expensive Tools)
Whether you're signing a freelance contract or a new client agreement, the good news is: you don’t need to pay for DocuSign.
Sending documents for signature shouldn’t feel like you're dealing with legal bureaucracy or draining your wallet. If you’ve ever searched “how to send a legally binding document online” or “DocuSign alternative for small business”, you’re not alone.
Whether you're signing a freelance contract or a new client agreement, the good news is: you don’t need to pay for DocuSign. There’s a simpler, free, and fully legal alternative—SELISE Signature.
This is your practical guide to understanding the types of electronic signatures, choosing the right one for your business, and sending contracts online that hold up in court.
What Makes a Signature “Legally Valid” Online?
To ensure your document is enforceable, it must meet certain criteria under the law. In the European Union, this is governed by the eIDAS Regulation (EU No 910/2014), and in Switzerland, by the ZertES Act. These laws define the legal status of electronic signatures and divide them into three types:
Simple Electronic Signature (SES): A basic click-to-sign method, legally valid when both parties agree. Good for protocols, internal agreements and informal approvals.
Advanced Electronic Signature (AES): Secures identity verification through 2-factor authentication and ensures that the document cannot be changed after signing. Ideal for customer contracts, HR documents and service agreements.
Qualified Electronic Signature (QES): The highest legal standard. Under eIDAS Article 25 and Swiss Code of Obligations Art. 14(2bis), a QES is legally equivalent to a handwritten signature. The QES requires an identity check by a certified trust service provider using valid identification documents. This check is usually carried out using SelfieIdent or AutoIdent. Required for documents that must meet “written form” requirements - like employment contracts, leases, or high-value agreements in Germany and Switzerland.
Courts in both jurisdictions treat QES with the same legal force as ink signatures. A 2024 EU Court of Justice ruling reaffirmed this: QES must be accepted in both legal and administrative proceedings.
What Type of E-Signature Do You Actually Need?
If you're onboarding a new client or freelancer, an Advanced Electronic Signature (AES) is usually your safest bet. It offers a strong legal foundation without a complicated setup.
For high-stakes documents—such as cross-border contracts, fixed-term employment contracts, or anything that could be challenged in court—you’ll want a Qualified Signature. It's the only type that meets formal legal requirements in the EU and Switzerland.
| Document Type | Recommended Signature Type |
|---|---|
| Internal reports, approvals | Simple (SES) |
| HR letters, NDAs, basic contracts | Simple+ or Advanced (AES) |
| Legal agreements, invoices | Advanced (AES) |
| employment contracts, tenders | Qualified (QES) |
This is a general guide. Please consult a legal advisor for your specific situation.
New! Adoption Trends: How Common Are E-Signatures in Europe?
Electronic signatures are now mainstream:
Source: FL Navigator
And in court? According to recent rulings and studies:
- Courts across the EU and Switzerland accept QES with equal weight as wet-ink signatures
- Under eIDAS, electronic contracts cannot be denied legal effect solely for being digital
These trends reinforce that e-signatures—especially QES—are safe, legal, and practical.
How to Send a Legally Binding Document Online (for Free)
Read our guide, Easiest Way to Send a Digital Contract to Sign (No Sign-Up Needed)
Why More Entrepreneurs Are Choosing SELISE Signature Over DocuSign
Most e-signature tools are built for enterprise teams with IT budgets. But if you're a solo founder, coach, or consultant, you need something lightweight, legally strong, and free.
SELISE Signature is:
- 100% compliant with eIDAS and ZertES
- Free to use with no hidden costs
- Built for SMBs who need simple, legal, and fast signatures
Unlike DocuSign, we don’t make you pay for Qualified Signatures or bury you in setup steps. We believe sending a legally valid document online should be as easy as sending an email.
Whether you’re signing your first deal or growing your business—SELISE Signature helps you get there legally, simply, and affordably.
Start now and send your first legally binding contract online for free.