Qualified Electronic Signature: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how to use a digital signature that carries the same legal weight as a handwritten signature in Switzerland.
A Qualified Electronic Signature (QES) is a digital way to sign documents that is legally recognized as being just as valid as a traditional signature written on paper.
Who it's for
This is for anyone who needs to sign documents digitally and requires those signatures to be legally binding.
What you get
You receive a digital signature that has the same legal standing as a handwritten signature on a physical piece of paper.
What it costs you
To use this, you will need to pay for a subscription through a certified service provider.
The catch to know
Not all digital signatures are equal. To ensure your document is legally equivalent to a paper version, you must specifically use a "qualified" signature rather than a standard digital one.
How to apply
- Find a certified service provider that offers qualified signatures.
- Set up a subscription with the provider.
- Follow the provider's steps to verify your identity.
- Use their platform to sign your digital documents.