Types of electronic signature: simple, advanced and qualified

Not all electronic signatures offer the same level of security or legal assurance. The European eIDAS framework, one of the most widely used references in the world, defines three levels. Knowing them helps you choose the right one for each document.

This is the basic level: any electronic data a person uses to sign, such as a signature drawn on screen, an acceptance click or a code. It's valid for the vast majority of agreements between private parties and is the quickest to use.

It adds technical requirements: it must be uniquely linked to the signer, allow their identification, be created with means under their exclusive control, and detect any later alteration of the document. It offers more assurance than the simple one without requiring a qualified certificate.

This is the highest level. It is based on a certificate issued by a qualified provider and created with a secure signature-creation device (QSCD). Under eIDAS, it carries the same legal weight as a handwritten signature across the entire European Union. Several Latin American countries use an equivalent concept: the certified or digital signature.

The European eIDAS Regulation (EU) 910/2014 was updated by Regulation (EU) 2024/1183, known as eIDAS 2.0. This reform introduces the European Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI Wallet), which member states must make available to their citizens, but keeps the three signature levels unchanged.

For service contracts, leases, commercial agreements and most private documents, a simple or advanced electronic signature is enough and far more practical. The qualified or certified one is reserved for procedures that explicitly require it. Firmiu uses an electronic signature reinforced with a full audit trail, ideal for the day-to-day of companies and professionals.