Advanced vs Qualified Electronic Signature: Key Differences
AES vs QES under eIDAS: understand the legal differences, technical requirements, and exactly when each signature type is required for compliance.
11 min
QES guide
Everything you need to know about qualified signature (QES)
QES is the only level of electronic signature strictly equivalent to a handwritten signature throughout the European Union. Here's how it works and how to use it on Certyneo.
What is qualified signature?
QES (Qualified Electronic Signature) is the highest of the three levels of electronic signature defined by the European regulation eIDAS (EU) No. 910/2014. It is legally equivalent to a handwritten signature in the 27 Member States, without additional formality.
Concretely, it relies on a digital certificate issued personally to the signer after strict verification of their identity, and created via a certified signature device managed by a qualified trust service provider (QTSP) listed on the European trust list.
When to use QES rather than SES or AES?
For most commercial contracts, advanced signature (AES) is sufficient. QES becomes necessary in these cases:
- Notarial deeds and files transmitted to administrations requiring the qualified level (INPI, certain prefectures).
- Contracts with very high stakes where probative force must be incontestable (M&A, real estate transfers).
- Public procurement and calls for tender explicitly requesting a qualified-level signature.
- Signatures with cross-border value where the recipient requires the maximum eIDAS level.
How it works in practice
Step 1
The signer installs their identity app
Just once, from the App Store or Google Play. Account creation with ID scan and video selfie (5 to 10 minutes).
Step 2
You send your Certyneo envelope
In the sending wizard, choose the "Qualified (QES)" level. The recipient receives an email like any Certyneo signature.
Step 3
The signer signs from the app
They click the link in the email, open the app, confirm with their PIN/biometrics. The qualified signature is applied and the signed document automatically returns to Certyneo.
Enrol in 5 minutes
The qualified signature runs through an identity app: itsme or Evrotrust, the signer's choice. Both are qualified providers on the European trusted list — the signature produced is identical either way. What matters is the country that ISSUED the identity document, not the country of residence: 56 issuing countries are covered. In France, the passport, the national ID card and the residence permit are all accepted. If your signer holds a document issued outside that list, a qualified signature is impossible — contact our support before sending the envelope.
Download one of the two apps
itsme or Evrotrust, from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android). Installing is free. A smartphone is mandatory: it is what holds the signing certificate.
Create your account
Enter your first name, last name, email and phone number. A verification code is sent by SMS.
Scan your ID
Identity card, passport or residence permit. The application guides the photo capture (front, back, hologram).
Video selfie
A short video (~10 seconds) is recorded to confirm your identity. The account is activated after validation, within a few minutes.
How much does it cost?
€9.90 inc. VAT
per qualified signature (beyond the Certyneo plan)
Billed on usage on your next monthly Certyneo invoice. No fixed cost: if none of your signers use QES in the month, no additional charge is added. Simple (SES) and Advanced (AES) signatures remain included in your plan at no extra cost.
Frequently asked questions
Must the signer have an account before receiving the envelope?
Ideally yes — otherwise they will have to interrupt the signature to install the app and then return. For recipients you know are not equipped, notify them by email before sending the QES envelope.
My signer has a foreign identity document — can they use QES?
It depends on the country that issued the document, not on where the signer lives. 56 issuing countries are covered by itsme and Evrotrust together; 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.
Does QES really have the same value as a handwritten signature?
Yes — it is explicitly written in Article 25 of the eIDAS regulation. No European authority, court or administration can refuse a QES on the grounds that it is electronic. It is the only level that benefits from this automatic presumption.
What happens if the signer abandons during signing?
No signature is applied, so no additional charge is billed. The envelope remains pending until the signer returns, or until you cancel it from your dashboard.
Related guides and solutions
Explore the related resources from our electronic signature hub.
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Ready to send your first qualified signature?
Log in, choose the Qualified (QES) level in the wizard, and send your envelope.
Create a QES envelope