The eIDAS Regulation: everything you need to know about electronic signatures in Europe
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The eIDAS Regulation is the founding text for electronic signatures in Europe. It defines three signature levels (simple, advanced, qualified), establishes the legal standing of electronic acts and governs trust service providers. This guide covers everything you need to know to be compliant in 2026.
What is eIDAS and why was it created?
Before eIDAS, every Member State of the European Union had its own regulation on electronic signatures, creating legal fragmentation that held back cross-border trade. An electronic signature valid in France was not necessarily recognised in Germany or Spain.
Regulation (EU) 910/2014, known as eIDAS (Electronic IDentification, Authentication and trust Services), was adopted on 23 July 2014 and became applicable on 1 July 2016. Because it is a regulation (and not a directive), it applies directly and uniformly in all 27 Member States, with no need for national transposition.
eIDAS pursues three main objectives: creating a single digital market in Europe through the mutual recognition of electronic identities, ensuring the legal security of cross-border electronic transactions, and establishing a framework of trust for digital services through qualified trust service providers (QTSP — Qualified Trust Service Provider).
The three signature levels defined by eIDAS
eIDAS sets out a pyramid of three electronic signature levels, each with its own technical requirements and probative value.
Simple Electronic Signature
eIDAS requirements
- Data in electronic form linked to other data
- Used to sign (no specific technical requirement)
- May be a simple click, a ticked box or a typed name
Example uses
- Acceptance of T&Cs
- Online form
- Confirmation email
Legal standing
Basic contractual value, no legal presumption
Advanced Electronic Signature
eIDAS requirements
- Uniquely linked to the signer
- Capable of identifying the signer
- Created using data under the signer's sole control
- Any subsequent change to the document is detectable
Example uses
- Employment contracts
- NDAs
- Commercial contracts
- Mandates
Legal standing
Strong probative value — recommended for material contracts
Qualified Electronic Signature
eIDAS requirements
- Meets every AES requirement
- Created by a qualified signature-creation device (QSCD)
- Based on a qualified certificate issued by a QTSP (EU trust list)
Example uses
- Digital authentic acts
- Large public procurement
- Regulated acts
Legal standing
Legal presumption equivalent to a handwritten signature (Art. 25 eIDAS)
eIDAS 2.0: what changed in 2024
The eIDAS Regulation was revised by Regulation (EU) 2024/1183, published in the EU's Official Journal on 30 April 2024 and in force on 20 May 2024. This revision modernises the original framework to address contemporary digital challenges: citizens' digital identity, sovereign cloud and resilience of trust service providers.
The flagship measure of eIDAS 2.0 is the European Digital Identity Wallet (EUDIW). By the end of 2026, every Member State must offer its citizens and residents an app to store and present certified identity attestations — the digital equivalent of an ID card, a driving licence or academic diplomas. This shift will have a direct impact on qualified signature processes.
European Digital Identity Wallet (EUDIW)
eIDAS 2.0 introduces the European Digital Identity Wallet: every EU citizen will be able to store their certified identity attestations (ID card, driving licence, diplomas) in a mobile app that is interoperable across the EU.
Strengthened QTSPs
The requirements applicable to qualified trust service providers (QTSPs) are strengthened, in particular on cybersecurity, audits and business continuity.
New trust services
eIDAS 2.0 adds new qualified services: qualified electronic archiving, qualified attribute management and qualified electronic ledgers (certified blockchains).
Enhanced interoperability
Better mutual recognition of digital identities between Member States. Qualified signatures issued in any EU country are recognised everywhere.
How to be eIDAS-compliant in practice
eIDAS compliance is not just about picking a signature level. It means thinking through the whole process: risk identification, tooling choices, evidence retention and document governance.
Here is a practical checklist for businesses that want to secure their electronic signature processes in compliance with eIDAS:
Certyneo's approach to eIDAS compliance
Certyneo implements the SES (Simple Electronic Signature) and AES (Advanced Electronic Signature) levels of the eIDAS Regulation. The advanced signature relies on dual-factor authentication: a single-use link sent by email and an OTP code sent by SMS via OTP SMS. This mechanism meets all four criteria of Article 26 of eIDAS for advanced signatures.
Every envelope generates a complete audit trail: timestamp of each action (sending, opening of the link, OTP validation, signature, optional refusal), the signer’s IP address and browser user-agent. This audit trail is embedded at the bottom of every page of the final PDF (audit footer) and retained for ten years.
Data is hosted in Germany (EU) (IONOS infrastructure), within the European Union, in line with digital-sovereignty requirements and the GDPR. Visit our security and compliance page for all the technical details.
Frequently asked questions about eIDAS
What is the eIDAS Regulation?
eIDAS (Electronic Identification, Authentication and Trust Services) is European Regulation (EU) 910/2014, which establishes a common legal framework for electronic signatures, electronic seals, timestamps, electronic registered delivery services and website authentication services in the European Union. It entered into force on 1 July 2016 and applies directly in all 27 Member States.
What is the difference between eIDAS and eIDAS 2.0?
eIDAS 2.0 (Regulation (EU) 2024/1183, in force since 20 May 2024) modernises eIDAS 1.0 by introducing the European Digital Identity Wallet (EUDIW), which will let EU citizens store certified digital identity attestations. For businesses, eIDAS 2.0 tightens the requirements for qualified trust service providers (QTSPs) and improves cross-border interoperability.
Does a simple electronic signature have legal standing under eIDAS?
Yes. Article 25 of eIDAS expressly prohibits denying legal effect to an electronic signature solely on the ground that it is in electronic form. A simple signature (SES) therefore has legal standing, but does not benefit from the legal presumption reserved for qualified signatures (QES). In a dispute, it is up to the party relying on the signature to prove its authenticity.
How do I know which eIDAS level to choose for my contracts?
The general rule is to calibrate the level to the legal and commercial risk of the document. For low-stakes everyday documents (quotes, internal orders), a simple signature is enough. For material commercial contracts, employment contracts, NDAs or mandates, advanced signatures (AES) are recommended. Qualified signatures (QES) are reserved for situations where the law explicitly requires them (certain administrative acts, large public procurement) or where the risk of challenge is at its highest.
How is Certyneo eIDAS-compliant?
Certyneo implements simple (SES) and advanced (AES) signatures in line with eIDAS. The advanced signature relies on a dual email + SMS OTP (OTP SMS) that links the signer to their act. Each envelope generates a timestamped audit trail embedded in the final PDF. Data is hosted in Germany (EU), meeting digital-sovereignty requirements.
Does eIDAS apply to businesses outside the European Union?
eIDAS applies to trust services provided within the EU. A non-EU business that wants its signatures to be recognised in the EU must use an eIDAS-compliant solution or a qualified trust service provider (QTSP) recognised on a Member State's trust list. For international B2B exchanges, mutual-recognition agreements exist with certain third countries.