Guide QES

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 signatory 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).
High-stakes contracts where probative force must be incontestable (M&A, real estate transfers).
Public procurement and calls for tenders 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 signatory installs Evrotrust or itsme

Just once, from the App Store or Google Play. Account creation with scan of an identity document and video selfie (5 to 10 minutes).

Step 2

You send your Certyneo envelope

In the sending wizard, select the "Qualified (QES)" level. The recipient receives an email like any Certyneo signature.

Step 3

The signatory signs from the app

They click the link in the email, open the app, confirm with their PIN/biometric. The qualified signature is affixed and the signed document returns automatically to Certyneo.

Install Evrotrust in 5 minutes

Evrotrust is the most user-friendly qualified signature application for European users. It is compatible with iOS and Android and recognized by all QTSP partners of Certyneo.

Download the application
Choose your store: App Store for iPhone, Google Play for Android. Installation is free.
Create your account
Enter your first name, last name, email and phone number. A verification code is sent by SMS.
Scan your identity document
Identity card, passport or residence permit. The application guides the photo capture (front, back, hologram).
Selfie video
A short video (~10 seconds) is recorded to confirm your identity. The account is activated immediately after validation by their teams (a few minutes).

Download for iPhone Download for Android

How much does it cost?

€9.90 inc. tax

per qualified signature (beyond the Certyneo plan)

Billed on usage on your next monthly Certyneo invoice. No fixed cost: if none of your signatories 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 signatory have an Evrotrust account before receiving the envelope?

Ideally yes — otherwise they will need to pause signing to install the app and then come back. For recipients you know are not equipped, notify them by email before sending the QES envelope.

Can itsme be used instead of Evrotrust?

Yes, but itsme is only available for Belgian residents (Belgian phone number and bank account required at enrollment). For the rest of the European Union, Evrotrust is the right option.

Does QES really have the same value as a handwritten signature?

Yes — it is explicitly stated in Article 25 of the eIDAS regulation. No European authority, judge, 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 signatory abandons during signing?

No signature is applied, so no additional charge is billed. The envelope remains pending until the signatory returns, or until you cancel it from your dashboard.

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Ready to send your first qualified signature?

Create a QES envelope