Yes, the Belgian eID allows you to legally sign a lease
The Belgian electronic identity card (eID) allows you to sign a lease with a qualified electronic signature, the highest level under the eIDAS Regulation. This signature has the same legal value as a handwritten signature.
The Belgian eID card contains two electronic certificates: an authentication certificate and a signature certificate. It is the latter that enables you to sign documents with qualified legal value. Article XII.15 of the Belgian Code of Economic Law confirms this equivalence with a handwritten signature.
The eID signature is accepted by all Belgian public services, including the SPF Finances for lease registration. Courts also fully accept documents signed with an eID.
How to sign a lease with eID
To sign a lease using your Belgian eID, you need:
- A card reader compatible with the Belgian eID (USB readers cost around 10-15 EUR)
- eID middleware installed on your computer (available free from eid.belgium.be)
- Your PIN code (the one you set when collecting your eID card)
- A signing platform that supports qualified electronic signatures
The process is straightforward:
- Insert your eID into the card reader
- Open the document to be signed on the platform
- Enter your PIN code to confirm your identity
- The platform generates a qualified signature attached to the document
BailBelgique supports eID signing directly on its platform. The lease is generated, signed and ready for registration on MyRent in one workflow.
eID vs itsme: which to use for a lease?
Both eID and itsme produce qualified electronic signatures under eIDAS, so both are legally valid for signing a lease in Belgium. The practical differences are:
| Criterion | eID | itsme |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment needed | Card reader + computer | Smartphone only |
| Signature level | Qualified (QES) | Qualified (QES) |
| Ease of use | Requires setup | Ready on mobile |
| Cost | Card reader (~15 EUR) | Free for the user |
| Availability | Belgian residents with eID | Belgian residents with itsme app |
In practice, itsme is more convenient for individual signatories, while eID may be preferred in professional settings where dedicated workstations are available.
Regional specifics
Brussels-Capital Region
The ordinance of 27 July 2017 does not impose any particular signature method. An eID signature is fully valid for residential leases in Brussels.
Walloon Region
The decree of 15 March 2018 accepts all forms of qualified electronic signature. The eID signature meets all Walloon requirements.
Flemish Region
The Vlaams Woninghuurdecreet of 9 November 2018 recognises electronic signatures that meet the eIDAS standard. The eID qualifies without any additional formality.
eIDAS Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 + Belgian Code of Economic Law, Art. XII.15 — A qualified electronic signature has the equivalent legal effect of a handwritten signature.