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The digital transformation of the Peruvian government is taking a major step forward. In recent months, the Executive Branch has approved a series of regulations aimed at expanding the use of digital signatures in both the public and private sectors. This is having a direct impact on how businesses, professionals, and citizens manage their procedures and legal documents.
At LA FIRMA, we want to keep you informed about these changes, because understanding the regulatory framework is the first step toward taking full advantage of the benefits they offer.
What Has Changed?
The Peruvian Government approved Supreme Decree No. 082-2024-PCM, a regulation aimed at strengthening the National Certification Authority for the Peruvian State and enabling more institutions, including those within the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Branches, as well as regional and local governments, to operate as registration and verification entities for digital signatures, even before completing their formal accreditation process, with a deadline extending through the end of 2026.
In addition, Directive No. 002-2024-PCM/SGTD, approved this year, specifically regulates how public entities must use digital signatures in their document management processes. The goal is clear: to ensure that every digitally signed electronic document has full legal validity, authenticity, and integrity, reducing reliance on paper and streamlining the government's internal processes.
A Growing Trend
This regulatory push is not happening in isolation. According to figures from RENIEC, by 2022 more than one million Peruvians already had digital credentials for signing documents, and that number continues to grow as more banking, healthcare, commercial, and public administration services move online.
For businesses, this represents a tangible opportunity: contracts, powers of attorney, corporate minutes, and other corporate documents can now be signed with the same legal validity as a handwritten signature, without the need for travel, printing, or in-person verification.
Electronic Signature or Digital Signature? The Difference Matters
These two concepts are often confused, but the distinction is essential when choosing the right tool for each procedure:
- Electronic signature::
A broad legal concept used to validate the signer's intent in a digital environment. - Digital signature::
A specific type of electronic signature backed by a digital certificate issued by a certification authority accredited within Peru's Official Electronic Signature Infrastructure (IOFE). In Peru, when it meets the applicable regulatory requirements, it has the same legal validity as a handwritten signature.
Choosing the wrong option may result in a document lacking the legal validity your company requires when dealing with third parties, financial institutions, or government agencies.
How Does LA FIRMA Support You Through This Process?
We understand that adapting to this evolving regulatory environment can raise questions for many businesses and independent professionals: What type of certificate do I need? Is it valid for procedures with SUNAT or the Judicial Branch? How can I integrate it into my day-to-day operations?
At LA FIRMA, we support our clients throughout this process by offering:
- Specialized legal advice:
To identify the appropriate type of signature for each procedure or document. - Digital and electronic signature solutions:
With the guidance needed to select the right certificate based on your business activities. - Representation and administrative support:
Before government agencies, so that adopting these tools does not become an additional operational burden for your company.
If your organization has not yet made the transition to digital signatures, now is a good time to do so. The regulatory framework is clearer than ever, and having the right support can make the difference between a smooth transition and a process filled with unnecessary obstacles.
Do you have questions about implementing digital signatures in your company?
Contact us at +51 967 463 576
We provide guidance tailored to your specific needs.
Sources: Office of the President of the Council of Ministers (PCM), El Peruano Official Gazette, RENIEC