Sign documents online with an electronic signature in Ecuador

You can sign PDF documents online with an electronic signature in Ecuador using a .p12 or .pfx certificate and its password. firmar.ec lets you do this for free in your computer or phone browser: select the PDF, load your certificate and download the signed document. You do not need to install a desktop application or create an account.

The certificate and the signing tool are different things. A provider issues the certificate to identify its holder; firmar.ec is the tool that uses it to sign the PDF. If you want to purchase an electronic certificate, start with how to get one and how much it costs.

Sign a document now

What do you need to sign documents online?

• A PDF with the final content. Export documents from Word or other editors to PDF first.
• Your electronic certificate as a .p12 or .pfx file and its password. Check that it belongs to the person who must sign and is still valid.
• An up-to-date browser, including on a phone.

If your certificate is from Security Data, see the Security Data signing guide. For other issuers, you can start by validating your certificate. USB tokens and credentials that work only in a provider’s cloud require their own workflow.

How to sign a PDF document step by step

1. Open the app. Visit app.firmar.ec/firmar in your browser.
2. Select the PDF and place the visible signature. Choose the page and position of the signature box.
3. Select your certificate. Load the .p12 or .pfx file belonging to the person who must sign.
4. Check the password and sign. Enter the file’s password, review the holder and summary, and press Sign PDF.
5. Download and verify. Save the signed PDF and check its signature before submitting it.

The how to sign a PDF guide explains the process further. To check the result, open Verify PDF and select the downloaded file. Keep that PDF: printing it or converting it into an image does not preserve the cryptographic signature for verification.

Which documents can you sign?

Use this workflow with contracts, minutes, forms, letters and other documents in PDF format. Before submitting them, check the recipient’s requirements: they may specify a format, platform or additional evidence.

For electronic invoicing, distinguish the XML document from its PDF representation. This PDF signing tool does not replace the system that creates and signs the XML for the SRI.

Where are the PDF and private key processed?

The signature is computed in your browser. The PDF, .p12 certificate and password are not sent to a signing server. If you choose to share the result after downloading it, you are sending it to the recipient you select.

Some operations may need internet access: loading the application, obtaining intermediate certificates, requesting a timestamp or checking a certificate’s status. Local document processing does not mean that there are no network connections at all.

What legal effect does an electronic signature have in Ecuador?

Article 14 of the Electronic Commerce, Electronic Signatures and Data Messages Act, published by ARCOTEL recognises legal effects equivalent to a handwritten signature. Article 15 sets validity requirements, including the link to the holder and the ability to verify identity and integrity.

Using a signing tool does not by itself guarantee acceptance for every procedure. Check the certificate, verify the PDF signature and confirm the receiving institution’s requirements. Read more about electronic signatures in Ecuador.

What do you pay for when signing?

Using the web tool to sign PDFs is free. The electronic certificate is obtained separately: each issuer sets prices, validity periods and renewal conditions. See certificate prices to compare the same storage format with VAT clearly identified.

I already have my certificate: open the signing tool

Frequently asked questions

How do you electronically sign a document in Ecuador?

To sign a PDF in firmar.ec, you need an electronic certificate as a .p12 or .pfx file and its password. Select the PDF, place the visible signature, load the certificate, review the summary and sign. Download the result and verify the signature before submitting it.

Can I sign documents online for free?

Yes. The firmar.ec web tool lets you sign PDFs for free without creating an account. You need your own electronic certificate: issuance and renewal are subject to your chosen provider's conditions and prices.

Can I sign a Word document or an XML invoice?

This workflow signs PDFs. Export your Word document to PDF before starting. An electronic XML invoice requires the corresponding invoicing workflow; signing its PDF representation does not sign the XML.

Are my certificate and PDF sent to a server for signing?

No. In this signing workflow, the PDF, .p12 or .pfx file and its password are processed in the browser. Timestamping or certificate status checks may require external connections.

Can I sign from my phone using a USB token?

The web workflow uses .p12 or .pfx files selected from your device and does not support USB tokens. For a token, use the application and drivers recommended by its issuer.