Qualified Electronic Signature
A Qualified Electronic Signature (QES) is the highest level of electronic signature defined by EU eIDAS regulations and UK law. QES signatures meet all the requirements of Advanced Electronic Signatures but additionally must be created using a qualified signature creation device and based on a qualified certificate issued by a qualified trust service provider. This additional infrastructure provides the highest level of legal assurance and makes QES legally equivalent to handwritten signatures across the EU and UK.
The FCDO accepts Qualified Electronic Signatures from registered UK solicitors for electronic certification of documents before the e-Apostille can be issued. QES provides the same cryptographic security as Advanced Electronic Signatures but with additional regulatory oversight of the signature creation process. Solicitors using QES must still register their signatures with the FCDO’s private database before they can be used for e-apostille certification.
QES is not strictly required for e-Apostille purposes – the FCDO treats Advanced Electronic Signatures (AES) and Qualified Electronic Signatures equally for certification purposes. The choice between AES and QES depends on the solicitor’s technical setup and preferences rather than FCDO requirements. Both signature types provide sufficient security and legal validity for international document legalisation.
Legal Equivalence
QES signatures have the same legal standing as handwritten signatures under EU and UK law, providing the maximum legal assurance for document certification.
Additional Requirements
QES must be created using certified signature devices and certificates from qualified trust service providers, which adds regulatory oversight beyond standard AES requirements.
FCDO Treatment
The FCDO accepts both QES and AES equally for e-apostille certification. Neither provides additional advantages over the other in the apostille process.