Frequently Asked Questions

A qualified electronic signature, also known as a QES, is a type of electronic signature that is considered to have the same legal standing as a handwritten signature. In order to be considered a qualified electronic signature, it must meet certain requirements set out by law, such as being unique to the signatory, capable of identifying the signatory, and linked to the signed document in such a way that any subsequent changes to the document are detectable.

In order to get a qualified electronic signature, you will need to use a service that is provided by a qualified trust service provider. A qualified trust service provider is a type of service provider that offers services related to electronic signatures and other electronic trust services, and has been licensed or accredited by a national regulatory authority.

There are several ways that you can get a qualified electronic signature from a qualified trust service provider:

• You can use an online service provided by a qualified trust service provider to create and sign a document electronically. This type of service is often called an electronic signature service, and it allows you to create and sign a document using your computer or mobile device.
• You can use a software application provided by a qualified trust service provider to create and sign a document electronically. This type of application is often called an electronic signature software, and it allows you to create and sign a document using your computer.
• You can use a hardware device provided by a qualified trust service provider to create and sign a document electronically. This type of device is often called an electronic signature device, and it allows you to create and sign a document using a dedicated hardware device, such as a digital pen or a smart card reader.

In general, the specific steps for getting a qualified electronic signature will vary depending on the service or application that you are using. It is always a good idea to consult with the qualified trust service provider to determine the exact steps that you need to follow in order to get a qualified electronic signature.

The cost of a qualified electronic signature, also known as a QES, can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the service or application that you are using, the number of signatures that you need, and the specific features and capabilities that you require.

In general, the cost of a qualified electronic signature can range from free to several hundred dollars per year, depending on the service or application that you are using. Some online services and software applications may offer a free trial period or a limited number of free signatures, while others may require a monthly or annual subscription fee. Hardware devices, such as digital pens and smart card readers, may also vary in cost depending on the manufacturer and the specific features and capabilities that they offer.

In order to get an accurate estimate of the cost of a qualified electronic signature, it is always a good idea to consult with the qualified trust service provider that you are considering using. The provider will be able to provide you with detailed pricing information and help you determine the best option for your specific needs and budget.

What is the difference between a simple electronic signature and a qualified electronic signature

A simple electronic signature, also known as a basic electronic signature, is a type of electronic signature that is used to sign documents electronically. A simple electronic signature can be created using a variety of methods, such as typing your name, drawing your signature with a mouse or touchpad, or attaching a scanned image of your handwritten signature.

A qualified electronic signature, also known as a QES, is a type of electronic signature that is considered to have the same legal standing as a handwritten signature. In order to be considered a qualified electronic signature, it must meet certain requirements set out by law, such as being unique to the signatory, capable of identifying the signatory, and linked to the signed document in such a way that any subsequent changes to the document are detectable.

The main difference between a simple electronic signature and a qualified electronic signature is the level of security and assurance that is provided. A simple electronic signature is easy to create and use, but it does not provide the same level of security and assurance as a qualified electronic signature. A qualified electronic signature provides a higher level of security and assurance, but it may require the use of specialized software or hardware, and it may have additional costs associated with it.

In general, the specific requirements and limitations of electronic signatures can vary depending on the country and the type of document being signed. It is always a good idea to consult with a legal professional to determine the appropriate type of electronic signature to use for a specific document.

A digital signature and an electronic signature are similar in that they are both used to sign documents electronically. However, there are some key differences between the two types of signatures.

A digital signature is a type of electronic signature that uses cryptography to verify the authenticity of the signature and the integrity of the signed document. In order to create a digital signature, the signatory must use a digital certificate, which is a unique piece of information that is used to identify the signatory and provide proof of their identity.

An electronic signature, on the other hand, is a broader term that refers to any electronic method of signing a document. An electronic signature can be as simple as typing your name, drawing your signature with a mouse or touchpad, or attaching a scanned image of your handwritten signature.

The main difference between a digital signature and an electronic signature is the level of security and assurance that is provided. A digital signature provides a higher level of security and assurance, as it uses cryptography to verify the authenticity of the signature and the integrity of the signed document. An electronic signature, on the other hand, may not provide the same level of security and assurance, as it may not use cryptography or other means of verification.

In general, the specific requirements and limitations of digital signatures and electronic signatures can vary depending on the country and the type of document being signed. It is always a good idea to consult with a legal professional to determine the appropriate type of signature to use for a specific document.

PAdES and XAdES are both types of electronic signatures that are used to sign PDF documents. PAdES stands for PDF Advanced Electronic Signatures, while XAdES stands for XML Advanced Electronic Signatures.

The main difference between PAdES and XAdES is the format in which the signature is stored. PAdES signatures are stored directly in the PDF document, while XAdES signatures are stored in an XML file that is attached to the PDF document.

PAdES signatures are considered to be more portable and easier to use, as they are stored directly in the PDF document and do not require any additional files to be present. However, XAdES signatures are considered to be more flexible and powerful, as they use XML to store the signature data, which allows for the inclusion of additional information and attributes.

In general, the specific requirements and limitations of PAdES and XAdES signatures can vary depending on the country and the type of document being signed. It is always a good idea to consult with a legal professional to determine the appropriate type of signature to use for a specific document.

The legal validity of a simple electronic signature, also known as a basic electronic signature, can vary depending on the country and the type of document being signed. In some countries, simple electronic signatures may have the same legal standing as handwritten signatures, while in other countries they may not be considered legally binding.

In general, the legal validity of a simple electronic signature will depend on the specific requirements and limitations that are set out by law in the country where the document is being signed. Some of the factors that may affect the legal validity of a simple electronic signature include:

• The type of document being signed: Some types of documents, such as contracts and agreements, may require a higher level of security and assurance than a simple electronic signature can provide.
• The specific requirements for electronic signatures: Some countries may have specific requirements for electronic signatures, such as the use of cryptography or other means of verification, that must be met in order for the signature to be considered legally valid.
• The circumstances of the signing: The legal validity of a simple electronic signature may also depend on the specific circumstances of the signing, such as whether the signatory had the necessary intent to sign the document and whether the signatory was able to verify the content of the document.

In general, it is always a good idea to consult with a legal professional to determine the legal validity of a simple electronic signature for a specific document in a specific country.

The legal validity of a qualified electronic signature, also known as a QES, in Europe is governed by the eIDAS Regulation, which is a European Union regulation that sets out the rules for electronic identification and trust services. Under the eIDAS Regulation, a qualified electronic signature is considered to have the same legal standing as a handwritten signature.

In order for a qualified electronic signature to be considered legally valid in Europe, it must meet the following requirements set out by the eIDAS Regulation:

• The signature must be unique to the signatory
• The signature must be capable of identifying the signatory
• The signature must be linked to the signed document in such a way that any subsequent changes to the document are detectable
• The signature must be created using a qualified electronic signature creation device
• The signature must be created by a qualified trust service provider who is licensed or accredited by a national regulatory authority

In general, a qualified electronic signature that meets the requirements set out by the eIDAS Regulation is considered to be legally valid in all European Union member states. However, it is always a good idea to consult with a legal professional to determine the specific requirements and limitations that apply to the use of electronic signatures in a specific country.

A remote signature is a type of electronic signature that allows a person to sign a document electronically without being physically present at the time of signing. This type of signature is often used in online transactions, such as when signing a contract or making an agreement over the internet. Remote signatures can be created using a variety of methods, including special software, digital certificates, and biometric data. The legal validity of remote signatures varies depending on the jurisdiction, but they are generally considered to be legally enforceable if they meet certain requirements, such as being unique to the signer and capable of being verified.

A Remote Signing Service Provider (RSSP) is a type of service that provides the technology and infrastructure necessary for creating and verifying remote signatures. RSSPs typically offer a variety of services, including the ability to create and manage digital certificates, the provision of secure signing environments, and the ability to verify the authenticity of electronic signatures. RSSPs are often used by businesses and organizations that need to securely sign and verify electronic documents, such as contracts and agreements, over the internet. The use of an RSSP can help ensure the legal validity and enforceability of electronic signatures.

A qualified electronic signature, also known as an advanced electronic signature, is a type of electronic signature that is considered to have the same legal standing as a handwritten signature. In order to be considered a qualified electronic signature, it must meet certain requirements set out by law.

In general, a qualified electronic signature is used to sign documents that are legally binding, such as contracts, agreements, and other important documents. Some examples of documents that may require a qualified electronic signature include:

• Employment contracts
• Non-disclosure agreements
• Sales contracts
• Loan agreements
• Real estate contracts

It is important to note that the specific requirements for a qualified electronic signature can vary depending on the country and the type of document being signed. It is always a good idea to consult with a legal professional to determine whether a qualified electronic signature is required for a specific document.