According to Article 3 of eIDAS:
“an advanced electronic signature created using a qualified electronic signature creation device and based on a qualified certificate for electronic signatures.”
In practice, a qualified electronic signature has the same legal value as a handwritten signature and is recognised across all EU member states.
For organisations, this enables signing documents quickly, remotely, and with full legal certainty.
What makes QES different?
The qualified electronic signature relies on two essential elements defined by the eIDAS regulation.
Qualified Certificate
Issued by a Qualified Trust Service Provider (QTSP), it confirms the signatory's identity and links the electronic signature to that identity.
The verification process includes:
- Video identification
- Identity document verification
- Biometric or digital methods
- In-person verification
Verification is done once, at certificate issuance.
Qualified Device (QSCD)
Qualified Signature Creation Device – ensures the complete security of the signing process.
- Signing key protection
- Exclusive signatory control
- Signature and document integrity
- Forgery protection
In Simplifi, the process is fully digital and cloud-based, with no additional physical devices.
Legal validity
According to Article 25 of eIDAS:
Same legal effect as a handwritten signature
Recognised in all EU member states
Legal presumption of validity
Common uses: commercial contracts, collaboration agreements, corporate documents, administrative processes, financial transactions.
How to verify certified providers
The official list of QTSP providers is published by the European Commission in the EU Trusted List (EUTL).
Browse EU Trusted ListHow QES works in Simplifi
Create your account & verify identity
Email confirmation, 2FA activation, identity verification, and qualified certificate request. Done once.
Upload document & invite signatories
Define signatories, signature positions, and signing order. Simplifi sends automatic notifications.
Confirm signing with secure authentication
Signing is confirmed via 2FA, ensuring the signature is applied exclusively by the certificate holder.
Document is finalised & stored
The document is marked as complete, status is visible in the platform, and stored in Simplifi's secure repository.
Why organisations use QES
The qualified electronic signature is the European standard for digitally signing legally binding documents. By integrating qualified trust services with modern workflows, Simplifi enables organisations to execute documents faster, more securely, and fully compliant with eIDAS.