Which type of signature should you use – and when?
Addo Sign complies with the EU eIDAS Regulation, which defines the requirements for electronic identification and trust services within the EU. As a business operating in a Nordic or European country, you must ensure that your digital signatures meet applicable legal requirements.
eIDAS defines three levels of electronic signatures. Understanding the differences between them allows you to choose the level of security that matches the importance and risk of your documents.
When to use which type?
Below is an overview of when each signature level is typically used – based on security, legal requirements, and risk of disputes.
| Level | Name | Addo Sign | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| SES | Simple Electronic Signature | Touch-signing OK button |
Low-risk situations such as acceptance of offers, receipt of documents, and internal approvals. Suitable for informal agreements or internal documents where the burden of proof is limited. |
| AES | Advanced Electronic Signature | MitID MitID Erhverv BankID |
The standard level for legally relevant business documents. Used for contracts, HR documents, customer consents, and agreements involving personal data. Provides strong evidentiary value and secure identity verification. |
| QES | Qualified Electronic Signature | Not supported | Used only in situations where legislation explicitly requires a qualified signature – typically within highly regulated or specific public processes. For the vast majority of commercial agreements, QES is not necessary. |
Important to know:
For most businesses, an Advanced Electronic Signature (AES) is fully sufficient and legally binding across the EU. Only where legislation explicitly requires a qualified signature will QES be necessary. Organisations subject to such requirements will typically already be aware of this through their regulatory or legal frameworks.
Unsure which level is relevant for your situation? We are happy to help assess your specific requirements.