What is the Difference Between an Autenti e-Signature and a Qualified Electronic Signature?


Feature / Difference	Autenti e-Signature	Qualified Electronic Signature (QES)
Identity Verification	No formal identity verification required by the trust service provider. However, signature data allows for the identification of the signatory.	Requires formal identity verification by a trust service provider in accordance with a certified procedure.
Legal Validity & Form	Legally binding. Maintains the documentary form of a legal act.	Legally binding. Maintains the electronic form, which is equivalent to a written/handwritten signature.
Requirements & Validity	To send a document, you only need an Autenti account. Recipients can sign without creating an account. Available as long as you hold an account.	Requires obtaining a qualified certificate. Certificates are issued for a specific validity period (e.g., 1 to 3 years).
Use Case	Suitable for signing approximately 98% of business documents (those not requiring a written form under penalty of nullity).	Essential for documents where the law strictly requires a written form under penalty of nullity.

The choice of the appropriate signature type depends on the document you are signing and its legal requirements. Below is a clear explanation of the key differences to help you make the right decision.