eIDAS explained: simple, advanced and qualified electronic signatures
eIDAS is the European regulation that gives electronic signatures a clear legal footing across the EU. It stands for electronic IDentification, Authentication and trust Services, and it does two important things: it makes electronic signatures admissible in court, and it defines three levels of signature so businesses can pick the right one for the job.
After Brexit, the UK kept its own version, often called UK eIDAS, with the same three tiers. So whether you are signing in Berlin or Birmingham, the framework will feel familiar.
The non-discrimination principle
The foundation of eIDAS is simple and powerful. An electronic signature cannot be denied legal effect or refused as evidence in court just because it is electronic, or because it is not the highest tier.
A basic electronic signature is not automatically weaker in law. It simply carries different evidential weight, which is why choosing the right tier matters.
In other words, the law will not throw out your signature for being digital. What varies between the tiers is how much assurance each one gives about identity and integrity.
The three tiers
eIDAS defines three levels. Think of them as a ladder of assurance rather than a hierarchy of validity.
Simple electronic signature (SES)
An SES is the everyday electronic signature. Typing your name, drawing a signature or clicking to accept all count. It is quick, frictionless and suitable for most commercial agreements.
Good for:
- Service agreements and statements of work
- NDAs and proposals
- Internal approvals and order forms
Advanced electronic signature (AES)
An AES adds stronger requirements. It must be uniquely linked to the signer, capable of identifying them, created using data the signer can control, and linked to the document so any later change is detectable.
Good for:
- Higher-value contracts
- Financial services documents
- Agreements where you want firm proof of who signed
Qualified electronic signature (QES)
A QES is the highest tier. It is an advanced signature created using a qualified signature creation device and backed by a qualified certificate from a trust service provider. Under eIDAS, a QES has the same legal effect as a handwritten signature.
Good for:
- Documents that legally require a qualified signature
- Certain regulated or cross-border transactions
Which tier does your business actually need?
For most founders, studios, agencies and small teams, a well-implemented simple electronic signature is the right choice for day-to-day contracts. The value comes not from climbing to the highest tier, but from the record that sits behind the signature.
A signature is only as trustworthy as the evidence around it. That is why every document completed with Signet includes a tamper-evident audit trail, a certificate of completion, and public, independent verification, on every plan. Signet is aligned with eIDAS, encrypted at rest, and stored with UK and EU data residency. You can see the detail on our security page.
If you only need higher-assurance signatures for a handful of documents, the sensible approach is to use a simple signature backed by strong records for everything else, and reserve AES or QES for the specific cases that demand it.
This article is general information, not legal advice. If a document may require a specific eIDAS tier, take advice for your situation.
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