A qualified electronic signature on e-invoices in Portugal

From 30th September 2021, each electronic invoice (invoice in PDF) must be signed with a qualified electronic signature. Since 2019 the electronic invoices have been regulated by the specific law, but the entry into the force of the technical requirements has been delayed.

The Decree covers, between other points, how the processing of invoices and other fiscally relevant documents should be handled so the authenticity shall be obtained when the documents are issued electronically. The mandatory association of the e-invoice with the qualified electronic signature or qualified electronic seal is an obligation for the issuer, and following the latest updates, it should be used from 1st October 2021.

All companies that choose to send their invoices in PDF format must guarantee the authenticity of the issued fiscal and other documents through affixing a qualified digital signature or seal.