Portugal Mandates Qualified Electronic Signature for
PDF Invoices Beginning on January 1, 2025

Businesses in Portugal will have to make sure that all PDF invoices include a valid electronic signature by January 1, 2025, to comply with new regulatory requirements. PDF invoices may be utilized up until December 31, 2024, by the extended law of the Assembly of the Republic Article 182.-A. After this date, to improve the security and dependability of electronic invoices, invoices shall adhere to the authenticity and integrity standards specified in Article 12 of Decree-Law No. 28/2019.

Important details consist of:

• To be considered legally genuine, all PDF electronic invoices must include an approved electronic signature or seal or be processed via an electronic data interchange (EDI) system.
• Businesses have until December 31, 2024, to adjust to these new rules during the transition period.
• Qualified electronic signatures must be produced by a trust service provider with accreditation.

By strengthening the security and integrity of electronic documents, this law hopes to create a more reliable and effective corporate environment. Companies need to begin preparing immediately to guarantee compliance and prevent delays.