QES guide
The QES is the only level of electronic signature that is strictly equivalent to a handwritten signature throughout the European Union.
The Qualified Electronic Signature (QES) is the highest of the three levels of electronic signature defined by the European eIDAS Regulation (EU) No 910/2014.
In practice, it is based on a digital certificate issued personally to the signatory after strict verification of his identity, and created via a certified signature system operated by a qualified trust service provider (QTSP) on the European Trusted List.
For most commercial contracts, the advanced signature (AES) is sufficient.
Step1
The signer installs their identity app
One time, from the App Store or Google Play. Account creation with ID scan and video selfie (5 to 10 minutes).
Step2
You are sending your envelope to Certyneo.
In the send wizard, select the level Qualified (QES) . The recipient receives an email as for any Certyneo signature.
Step3
The signer signs from the app.
He clicks on the link in the email, opens the app, confirms with his PIN/biometric. The qualified signature is affixed and the signed document is automatically returned to Certyneo.
The qualified signature runs through a qualified identity app on the European trusted list. What matters is the country that ISSUED the identity document, not the country of residence: 65 issuing countries are covered. Only the passport and, depending on the issuing country, the national identity card are accepted: a residence permit cannot be used to create the identity, even a valid one. If your signer holds a document issued outside that list, a qualified signature is impossible — contact our support before sending the envelope.
Download the identity app
Available on the App Store (iPhone) and Google Play (Android). Installing is free. A smartphone is mandatory: it is what holds the signing certificate.
Create your account
Enter your name, surname, email and phone number. A verification code is sent via SMS.
Scan your ID
Passport or national identity card, depending on the issuing country. A residence permit is not accepted.
Selfie video
A short video (~10 seconds) is recorded to confirm your identity. The account is activated after validation, within a few minutes.
€14.90 excl. VAT
per qualified signature without a subscription; €9.90 with a Certyneo subscription
Without a subscription, the signature is paid per act, at send time. With a subscription, it is charged to your saved card at send time, unless it is covered by the signatures included in your plan (one per month on Business, three on Business Pro) or by a pack. No fixed cost: Simple (SES) and Advanced (AES) signatures remain included in your plan at no extra cost.
Ideally yes otherwise he will have to interrupt the signature to install the app and then come back. For recipients you know are not equipped, notify them by email before sending the QES envelope.
It depends on the country that issued the document, not on where the signer lives. 65 issuing countries are covered by our qualified identity provider; a document issued outside that list cannot create the identity account, even for someone living in France. In that case a qualified signature is impossible — contact our support before sending the envelope.
Yes it is explicitly stated in Article 25 of the eIDAS Regulation. no European authority, judge or administration can refuse an ESQ on the grounds that it is electronic. it is the only level that benefits from this automatic presumption.
No signatures are attached, so no extra charges are charged. The envelope stays on hold until the signer returns, or until you cancel it from your dashboard.
Explore the related resources from our electronic signature hub.
Log in, choose the Qualified Level (QES) in the wizard, and send your envelope.
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