What is a Qualified Electronic Signature (QES)?
A qualified electronic signature (QES) is the most secure and legally binding type of electronic signature under EU law. It is created using a qualified signature creation device and is based on a qualified digital certificate issued by a qualified trust service provider (QTSP). According to the eIDAS Regulation, a QES holds the same legal value as a handwritten signature and supports compliance with regulations such as GDPR and AML5.
How do qualified electronic signatures work?
A qualified electronic signature builds upon the features of an advanced electronic signature (AdES) by adding strict identity verification requirements and the use of certified tools. To issue a QES, the signer’s identity must first be verified, often through a video-based identification or eID process, and the signature must be generated with a qualified signature creation device (QSCD). The entire process must be managed and audited by an accredited QTSP, ensuring the highest level of trust, traceability, and regulatory compliance.
QES is essential for use cases that require strong legal proof and identity assurance, such as signing financial agreements, notarized documents, public procurement contracts, or healthcare consent. Because QES is recognized across all EU member states under eIDAS, it enables seamless, cross-border transactions and digital workflows. In an increasingly digital business environment, qualified eSignatures empower organizations to replace wet-ink signing while maintaining full legal and regulatory security.
Key characteristics
- Legally equivalent to a handwritten signature under eIDAS
- Requires identity verification by a qualified trust service provider (QTSP)
- Uses a qualified certificate and qualified signature creation device (QSCD)
- Offers the highest level of authentication, integrity, and non-repudiation
- Fully compliant with GDPR, AML5, and sector-specific EU laws
- Recognized and interoperable across all EU member states and EEA countries
- Suitable for high-risk or legally sensitive transactions
Examples
- A customer signs a loan agreement with a bank using a QES issued after remote identity verification
- A government official digitally signs a procurement contract with a QES, ensuring legal validity and transparency
- A real estate buyer signs a cross-border property purchase agreement from their smartphone using a QES
- A corporate director finalizes an annual report submission to a national business register using their qualified signature
- A patient provides digital consent for surgery in a healthcare platform integrated with QES-based identity assurance
Related terms
- Electronic signature
- Advanced electronic signature (AdES)
- Trust service provider (TSP)
- Electronic identification
- eIDAS
References