Add greater assurance to important documents

What are Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES)?

Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES) are the highest level of eSignature under the European Union’s (EU) electronic Identification, Authentication, and Trust Services (eIDAS) rules, and are also recognised under the UK’s eSignature framework.

They involve extra identity checks before someone can sign, giving you greater confidence that the person signing is who they say they are.

QES can be useful when a document or process requires a higher level of identity verification, or when QES is specifically requested. QES also carries the same legal weight as a handwritten signature when the right requirements are met.

Why use it?

1. Meet specific signing requirements
Some documents or processes may require a particular type of eSignature. QES gives you the option to use the highest level available under eIDAS when those requirements apply.

2. Get greater assurance over who’s signing
Additional identity checks using a Qualified Trust Service Provider (QTSP), including biometric identity verification, give you greater assurance that the right person is signing.

3. Sign internationally with confidence
Signing requirements can differ depending on the country and type of document. QES is recognised across the EU and UK, making it useful for businesses working across borders.

QES requirements vary by country, organisation, and document type. Always check the requirements that apply to your specific document and circumstances.

How QES works

1. Prepare and send your document
Set up your document in Signable as usual. If QES is required, add a QES field before sending the document to your recipient.

2. The signer verifies their identity
Once the signer has read and reviewed the document, they complete the required identity checks through Evrotrust, our third-party QTSP. They’ll need a compatible mobile device and an NFC-enabled passport to complete biometric identity verification.

3. The signer adds their Qualified Electronic Signature
Once their identity is verified, they can add their Qualified Electronic Signature to the document.

4. The completed document continues through your workflow
Once signed, the completed document continues through your usual Signable workflow.

What you’ll need to get started

QES is available on our Business plan and above, with prepaid bundles of 10 or 100 credits. Your credits won’t expire while you remain on an eligible plan, so you can use them when you need them.

Your signer will need an NFC-enabled passport and access to a compatible mobile device.