What is a Qualified Electronic Signature (QES)?

-All-Digital signing
Written By Argos Kracht

A Qualified Electronic Signature (QES) is the highest level of electronic signature under the EU's eIDAS regulation (Electronic Identification, Authentication and Trust Services). It has the same legal standing as a handwritten signature across all EU member states.

Key characteristics:

Legal equivalence: A QES is legally equivalent to a handwritten signature in all EU countries - courts and authorities must accept it with the same legal weight.

Technical requirements:

  • Created using a qualified electronic signature creation device (secure signature creation device)

  • Based on a qualified certificate for electronic signatures

  • Issued by a qualified trust service provider (QTSP)

  • Uses advanced cryptographic technology to ensure authenticity and integrity

Identification: The signer must be identified through a relatively quick video identification by the certificate authority.

Argos Kracht
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