An electronic signature is defined as “data in electronic form which is attached to or logically associated with other data in electronic form and which is used by the signatory to sign” (eIDAS Article 3). Thus, something as simple as writing your name under an e-mail might constitute an electronic signature.

An advanced electronic signature is an electronic signature which is additionally:
– Uniquely linked to and capable of identifying the signatory;
– Created in a way that allows the signatory to retain control;
– Linked to the document in a way that any subsequent change of the data is detectable.
The most commonly used technology able to provide these features is the use of a public-key infrastructure (PKI), which involves the use of certificates and cryptographic keys.

A qualified electronic signature is an advanced electronic signature which is additionally:
– Created by a qualified signature creation device;
– Based on a qualified certificate for electronic signatures.
Signature creation devices come in many forms to protect the electronic signature creation data of the signatory, such as smartcards, SIM cards, USB sticks, and remote signature creation devices.
Only qualified electronic signatures are explicitly recognized to have the equivalent legal effect of handwritten signatures throughout the EU.

A qualified electronic signature is an advanced electronic signature which is additionally:
– Created by a qualified signature creation device;
– Based on a qualified certificate for electronic signatures.
Signature creation devices come in many forms to protect the electronic signature creation data of the signatory, such as smartcards, SIM cards, USB sticks, and remote signature creation devices.
Only qualified electronic signatures are explicitly recognized to have the equivalent legal effect of handwritten signatures throughout the EU.