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Digitale Signaturen

Qualified and Advanced Electronic Signatures

An electronic signature refers to data linked to electronic information that allows for the identification of the signer or signature creator and verifies the integrity of the signed electronic information. Typically, this electronic information consists of electronic documents like PDFs. There are three forms of electronic signature: the (simple) electronic signature, the advanced electronic signature (AES), and the qualified electronic signature (QES). They all share the characteristic that they are encrypted using asymmetric cryptography.
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Issuing Authorities Overview

D-Trust
Swisscom
QuoVadis
GlobalSign
ValidatedID

Benefits at a Glance

  • Self-responsible issuance of signatures
  • Available in combination with signing software
  • Implemented in DocuSign and others
  • Cloud-based or on-premise

Electronic Signatures in Detail

An advanced electronic signature is an electronic signature that allows for the verification of the authenticity and integrity of the data signed by it. For most legal transactions (e.g., purchase agreements for movable property), a written form is generally not required, which is why an advanced electronic signature is sufficient. However, for evidentiary purposes, it may be advisable to opt for a written form or, alternatively, a qualified electronic signature to clearly prove the conclusion of the contract and its contents in case of a dispute.

A qualified electronic signature (QES) according to the German Signature Act is an advanced electronic signature based on a qualified certificate and created with a secure signature creation device (SSCD). The difference lies in the underlying certificate, for which a significantly higher level of verification is applied. Due to the high security level in verifying the signature holder, such a signature is considered equivalent to a handwritten signature in all EU member states according to eIDAS. It is therefore primarily used for documents that require a high level of trust or where the law requires a handwritten signature.