What is a QTSP?
A qualified trust service provider (QTSP) is an organization officially authorized under the EU’s eIDAS Regulation to deliver trust services such as electronic signatures, electronic seals, and time stamping, among others. An eIDAS qualified trust service provider meets strict legal and security requirements, and their services are recognized across all EU member states. QTSPs play a critical role in enabling secure, compliant digital interactions and supporting regulations like GDPR and AML5.
Why being qualified matters
A QTSP is more than just a technology provider—it is a legally recognized and audited entity entrusted with enabling trust in digital environments. To achieve “qualified” status under eIDAS (Regulation (EU) No 910/2014), a trust service provider must undergo rigorous conformity assessments, demonstrate high levels of security and reliability, and be supervised by a national supervisory body. Once qualified, the provider is listed in the EU Trusted List, and its services gain cross-border legal validity throughout the EU and EEA.
Qualified trust service providers offer services such as issuing qualified electronic signatures (QES), eSeals, digital certificates, and qualified timestamps. These tools are used to prove identity, ensure data integrity, authenticate documents, and prevent fraud in both public and private sector applications. QTSPs are vital to the digital transformation of industries like banking, legal services, e-government, insurance, and healthcare—where security, compliance, and user trust are paramount.
QTSPs like Evrotrust not only provide the technology but also bear legal responsibility for the identification and authentication processes behind their trust services. This gives businesses and individuals the confidence that their digital interactions are secure, verifiable, and legally recognized across Europe.
Key characteristics
- Accredited under the eIDAS Regulation (EU No 910/2014)
- Listed in the EU Trusted List of QTSPs
- Authorized to issue qualified trust services such as QES, eSeals, and qualified timestamps
- Subject to regular audits and supervision by national regulatory authorities
- Ensures compliance with GDPR, AML5, and sector-specific EU laws
- Bears legal responsibility and liability for services like electronic identification and signature issuance
- Enables cross-border legal recognition of electronic interactions within the EU and EEA
Examples
- A European law firm uses QES issued by a QTSP to sign contracts with clients across multiple jurisdictions
- A fintech startup integrates with a QTSP to automate remote identification and secure onboarding workflows
- A national eGovernment portal uses qualified certificates from a QTSP to authenticate user access and approve applications
- A hospital uses a QTSP’s infrastructure to digitally seal patient discharge records, ensuring authenticity and data protection
- A cross-border M&A deal is finalized using eIDAS-qualified trust services for all signature, sealing, and timestamping needs
Related terms
- Qualified electronic signature (QES)
- eSeal
- Electronic identification
- eIDAS
References