Understanding the difference between electronic seal and signature is essential for any business in Saudi Arabia. It is not a theoretical topic but a practical necessity, especially under Vision 2030 and the national e invoicing initiative.
In this guide, we explain both terms in detail and help you understand their legal, organizational, and technical implications.
What Is an Electronic Signature?
An electronic signature is a digital tool that proves the identity of a natural person and links them to a specific document. It is often used in contracts and one-on-one agreements.
For example, when a company director signs an employment contract electronically, they take full responsibility for the contents. This signature is tied to the person, not the business.
It uses a pair of digital keys. The signer holds a private key, and the public key is used to verify the signature. If anyone alters the document after signing, the verification will fail. This guarantees the document’s integrity.
The electronic seal and signature ensure both identity confirmation and security.
Is an Electronic Signature Required in Saudi E Invoicing?
No. While an electronic signature is valid in individual transactions, Saudi Arabia’s e invoicing regulations do not mandate it for invoices.
Instead, ZATCA requires companies to use the electronic seal and signature system to verify documents issued by businesses.
Also read: E Invoice Mandatory Fields Checklist for Saudi Businesses
What Is an Electronic Seal?
An electronic seal is a digital identity for an organization. It confirms that a document was issued by the company, not by an individual person.
In the context of e invoicing, the electronic seal and signature validate that the invoice comes from a trusted source. The seal is created using a digital certificate issued by a recognized Certificate Authority.
This generates a cryptographic stamp attached to each invoice. When sent to the FATOORA platform, ZATCA validates the seal to confirm its origin and protect it from tampering.
How to Obtain an Electronic Seal in Saudi Arabia
To comply with ZATCA requirements, businesses must follow these steps:
- Request a digital certificate from an authorized Certificate Authority
- Install the certificate in the invoicing or POS system
- Enable automatic sealing for each invoice
- Send the invoice via API to the FATOORA platform for validation
After the initial setup, this process runs automatically. It ensures fast and secure invoice processing using the electronic seal and signature.
Is the Electronic Seal Mandatory?
Yes. The electronic seal and signature are mandatory in Saudi Arabia. FATOORA will not accept invoices without a certified digital seal.
This seal confirms three key points:
- The invoice is authentic
- It was issued by a specific registered company
- It has not been changed after issuance
Key Differences Between Electronic Seal and Signature
While both are digital authentication tools, the electronic seal and signature serve different purposes.
- The signature confirms a natural person’s identity, such as a manager
- The seal proves that the document belongs to a legal entity or company
- Responsibility lies with the individual in signatures, and with the business in seals
- In Saudi Arabia, only the seal is required for invoice compliance
Although some resources use the terms interchangeably, they are not the same. The signature is personal. The seal is institutional.
For e invoicing, only the electronic seal and signature system is mandatory, not the personal digital signature.
Also read: E Invoice and Receipt Difference: A Quick Guide
EZ Integrated and Your E Invoicing Journey
To comply with e invoicing laws, your business needs reliable tools for invoice creation, seal integration, and direct connection with FATOORA.
EZ Integrated is a ZATCA-approved provider. We offer trusted solutions for businesses of all sizes and across all sectors.
With EZ Integrated, you can:
- Generate e invoices aligned with all phases of the law
- Apply your digital electronic seal and signature securely
- Connect your POS or accounting software to FATOORA effortlessly
- Receive continuous support and expert guidance
Understanding the role of the electronic seal and signature is essential for your compliance journey. With EZ Integrated, you gain a complete digital invoicing solution that keeps your business protected and future-ready.
Contact us now and let our team help you connect to FATOORA with confidence.