{"id":3368,"date":"2025-03-27T11:50:24","date_gmt":"2025-03-27T11:50:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/certera.com\/blog\/?p=3368"},"modified":"2025-04-25T11:20:09","modified_gmt":"2025-04-25T11:20:09","slug":"what-is-a-qualified-electronic-signature-types-and-eu-qualified-regulations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/certera.com\/blog\/what-is-a-qualified-electronic-signature-types-and-eu-qualified-regulations\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a Qualified Electronic Signature? EU Qualified Electronic Signature Regulations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With increasing cyberattacks, signing documents electronically has become more critical than ever. According to a <a href=\"https:\/\/clustdoc.com\/blog\/10-e-signature-statistics\/#:~:text=Over%20the%20past%20decade%2C%20the,89%20million%20to%20754%20million.\"><strong>report<\/strong><\/a>, the global digital signature market is expected to reach $14.1 billion by 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Electronic signatures are of different types, defined under the eIDAS Regulation. The Qualified Electronic Signature (QES) stands out as the gold standard for security and legal recognition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But what exactly is a QES, and why is it so important? Let\u2019s dive into the details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-a-qualified-electronic-signature\">What is a Qualified Electronic Signature?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Qualified Electronic Signatures or QES are advanced electronic signatures accompanied by a qualified cert to ensure strict levels of originality and authenticity. It verifies the signer&#8217;s identity with the legitimacy level that matches the legal value &amp; effect of a traditional handwritten signature in Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">QES is built using a Qualified Electronic Signature Creation Device (QSCD) and based on a qualified certificate issued by a certified or <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/certera.com\/\">trusted certificate authority (CA)<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now, QES are of different types. Read on to find out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-types-of-electronic-signature\">Types of Electronic Signature<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-simple-or-standard-electronic-signatures-ses\">Simple or Standard Electronic Signatures (SES)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the most basic form of electronic signature that requires no registration. This is more like a scanned signature or a typed name at the end of an email.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-advanced-electronic-signatures-aes\">Advanced Electronic Signatures (AES)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Advanced electronic signatures require additional user authentication. For instance, the user may be asked to show a valid identity, pass biometric detection checks, or enter a unique access code. Also, it incorporates digital identity and relies on international standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-qualified-electronic-signatures-qes\">Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to <span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/news\/new-report-sets-out-best-practice-for-using-e-signatures\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>&nbsp;Industry<\/strong><\/a><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/news\/new-report-sets-out-best-practice-for-using-e-signatures\"><strong> Working Group on Electronic Execution of Documents<\/strong><\/a><strong> <\/strong>report, Qualified Electronic Signatures offer the highest level of assurance with a face-to-face or equivalent ID verification process by a Qualified Trust Service Provider or CA. In short, QES is the most secure and legally binding form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Also Read: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/certera.com\/blog\/digital-signature-vs-electronic-signature-examples-differences-pros-and-cons\/\">Digital Signature vs Electronic Signature<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-eu-qualified-electronic-signature-regulations\">EU Qualified Electronic Signature Regulations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-the-eidas-regulation\">What is the eIDAS Regulation?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The eIDAS Regulation, officially called Regulation (EU) No 910\/2014, started on July 1, 2016. This rule is mandatory and applies equally in all EU countries to avoid national law conflicts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Also Read:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/certera.com\/blog\/eidas-2-0-future-of-digital-identity-for-better-web-security\/\">eIDAS 2.0: Future of Digital Identity for Better Web Security<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Replacing the eSignature Directive (1999\/93\/EC), eIDAS establishes a comprehensive EU-wide legal framework for electronic signatures and a variety of newly defined electronic &#8220;trust services.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-electronic-signature-regulations-in-the-eu\">Electronic Signature Regulations in the EU<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The eIDAS or EU Regulation defines three different types of e-signatures or electronic signatures, i.e.,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Electronic signature<\/strong>: A signer can apply this e-signature form to a document as evidence of their acceptance or approval.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Advanced electronic signature: <\/strong>Provides a superior signer ID verification, security, and tamper-sealing level.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Qualified electronic signature<\/strong>: This e-signature has a special legal status in EU member states and is the legal equivalent of a written signature.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-legal-implications\">Legal Implications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>eIDAS guarantees that all electronic signatures are admissible as evidence in EU courts and cannot be dismissed just because they are electronic.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>&nbsp;Article 25 (2) of eIDAS states that a qualified electronic signature is legally the same as a handwritten signature and is accepted in all EU member states.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Whether a transaction signed electronically is enforceable depends on several factors, such as the type of signature and the details it includes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>eIDAS does not say when a signed. Each EU member state decides in its laws when:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A nature is needed for a transaction, or what type of signature is required, a transaction cannot be signed electronically or<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A higher form of electronic signature is needed, like an advanced or qualified one.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Disclaimer<\/strong>: The legal implications mentioned here are for only educational purposes and are not intended to be legal advice. Consult a legal authority regarding your specific legal questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-are-the-esignature-assurance-levels-under-eidas\">What are the eSignature Assurance Levels Under eIDAS?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Level of Assurance or LoA under eIDAS is a criterion that evaluates authentication methods&#8217; strength and is used to verify a user\u2019s digital identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Now, there are three levels of assurance:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-low\">Low: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It offers a basic level of security and verification and is suitable for low-risk scenarios.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\"><strong>For instance, <\/strong>a simple electronic signature (like a typed name or checkbox) is enough when subscribing to an online newsletter because the associated risk is very low.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-substantial\">Substantial: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It requires identity validation, like a one-time password or remote verification, and is suitable for medium-risk scenarios.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>For instance, <\/strong>an advanced electronic signature (AES) might be used when signing an employment contract. It detects alterations if made to the document.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-high\">High: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It required the highest level of security and verification, such as identity verification, face-to-face or biometric match with multifactor authentication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>For instance,<\/strong> critical transactions require maximum trust and legal certainty, such as legal documents, high-value contracts, and sensitive personal data exchanges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The above levels align with Levels 2, 3, and 4 of the ISO 2915 definitions, respectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-s-the-difference-between-advanced-and-qualified-signatures-in-eidas\">What\u2019s the Difference between Advanced and Qualified Signatures in eIDAS?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s the head-to-head difference between Advanced and Qualified Signatures in eIDAS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Parameter<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Advanced Signature<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Qualified Signature<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Identity verification<\/strong><\/td><td>Requires unique identification but less stringent verification<\/td><td>Requires identity verification through a qualified certificate issued by a trusted CA<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Signature creation device<\/strong><\/td><td>No specific device is required; uses digital signing software<\/td><td>Must be created using a Qualified Signature Creation Device (QSCD)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Security level<\/strong><\/td><td>Good security level but not device-specific<\/td><td>Highest security level, protects against tampering and forgery<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Legal standing<\/strong><\/td><td>NA<\/td><td>Same legal standing as a handwritten signature, recognized across all EU member states.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Common uses<\/strong><\/td><td>Medium-risk transactions<\/td><td>High-risk, high-value transactions<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Issuance<\/strong><\/td><td>Trust Service Providers can issue AES<\/td><td>Only Trust Service Providers that are certification authorities can issue QES.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-standard-electronic-signature-vs-qualified-electronic-signature\">Standard Electronic Signature vs. Qualified Electronic Signature<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s the head-to-head difference between standard electronic signatures and qualified electronic signatures in eIDAS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Parameter<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Standard Signature<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Qualified Signature<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Trustworthiness<\/strong><\/td><td>Less trusted compared to QES, as it doesn&#8217;t require strict verification processes.<\/td><td>High trust level, as it meets the most stringent requirements under eIDAS.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Signature creation requirements<\/strong><\/td><td>No specific requirements for creation. Can be as simple as a scanned signature or a click-to-sign feature.<\/td><td>Must be created using a QSCD or qualified signature creation device and should be based on a qualified certificate issued by a QTSP or qualified trust service provider.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Security measures<\/strong><\/td><td>Not standardized, weak, and can be \u200b\u200beasily forged.<\/td><td>Strong security measures mandated<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Use cases and applicability<\/strong><\/td><td>Suitable for low-risk transactions and internal documents<\/td><td>Essential for high-risk transactions, such as legal contracts, government filings, and financial agreements.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Legal standing<\/strong><\/td><td>NA<\/td><td>Same legal standing as a handwritten signature, recognized across all EU member states<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-when-are-qualified-electronic-signatures-most-commonly-used\">When are Qualified Electronic Signatures most commonly used?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Below are some of the use cases for qualified electronic signatures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-confirming-document-message-origin\">Confirming Document\/Message Origin:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">QES is used to sign official government documents and applications. It ensures the authenticity and integrity of sensitive governmental communications and transactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-signing-declarations-or-mandates\">Signing Declarations or Mandates: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Individuals sign declarations for accountants or relatives or submit mandated declarations to the government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Signing Commercial Proposals: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Businesses signing proposals or offers for their clients or participating in government eProcurement processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-signing-official-documents-attestations\">Signing Official Documents\/Attestations: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Signing e-permits, residency attestations, VAT attestations, and customs documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-signing-legal-consents-e-mandates\">Signing Legal Consents\/e-Mandates: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Agreeing to terms and conditions when becoming a bank client or authorizing an accountant to handle financial transactions for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-signing-contracts\">Signing Contracts: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Signing rental or purchase agreements, insurance contracts, or starting a government project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-bottom-line\">The Bottom Line<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here we go! In a nutshell, qualified electronic signatures provide the highest level of security and legal recognition for digital transactions. If you are doing any transaction that is sensitive and involves a huge risk, make sure to use QES.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-frequently-asked-questions\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-the-difference-between-electronic-signatures-and-digital-signatures\">What is the difference between electronic signatures and digital signatures?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An electronic signature is the electronic replacement of a handwritten signature. On the other hand, digital signatures use cryptographic methods and public key infrastructure to secure or authenticate the signature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-are-qualified-electronic-signatures-legally-binding\">Are Qualified Electronic Signatures legally binding?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Absolutely, yes! Qualified Electronic Signatures are legally binding under the eIDAS Regulation (EU) and recognized across all EU member states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With increasing cyberattacks, signing documents electronically has become more critical than ever. According to a report, the global digital signature market is expected to reach $14.1 billion by 2026. Electronic signatures are of different types, defined under the eIDAS Regulation. The Qualified Electronic Signature (QES) stands out as the gold standard for security and legal<span class=\"morelink d-block mt-3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/certera.com\/blog\/what-is-a-qualified-electronic-signature-types-and-eu-qualified-regulations\/\">Read More<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3369,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,265],"tags":[648,647],"class_list":["post-3368","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-digital-signature","category-email-document-security","tag-qualified-electronic-signatures-qes","tag-types-of-electronic-signatures","entry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.6 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What is a Qualified Electronic Signature? 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