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Signature types: simple, advanced, qualified

The three eIDAS signature levels in fynk, how signatories confirm their identity, and which one to choose.

Written By Sebastian

Last updated About 1 hour ago

fynk offers the three electronic signature levels defined by the EU eIDAS Regulation. They differ in how strongly the signatory's identity is verified.

Available on all plans, including Free. Qualified signatures are included under fair use.

The three types at a glance

Simple (SES)Advanced (AES)Qualified (QES)
How the signatory confirmsSigns via the email linkSigns via the email link and enters a code sent by SMS or WhatsApp, or confirms with a national eID such as BankID or MitIDVerifies their identity with a qualified trust service provider
Identity verificationEmail address onlyEmail address plus mobile number or national eIDOfficial ID check by the provider
Typical useMost everyday agreements, internal documentsNDAs, service and business contractsDocuments that legally require written form, for example fixed-term employment contracts in Germany
Legal effectValid evidence, can't be denied effect just for being electronicHigher evidential valueEqual to a handwritten signature in the EU

Choose the signature type

  • For one document: choose the type when you click Start signing.

  • As your account default: set the default signature type in Account Settings → General.

  • In a template: set the type in the template. Documents created from that template always use it, and it can't be changed in the document.

Advanced signatures: SMS or WhatsApp code

With AES, the signatory receives a verification code on their mobile phone, by SMS or WhatsApp, and enters it to sign. Only the signatory enters their mobile number, during signing. The sender cannot set it in advance.

In some countries, signatories can also sign with an advanced signature using their national eID: Danish MitID, Finnish Trust Network, Italian SPID, Norwegian BankID and Swedish BankID. See the list of signature methods.

Before signatories can sign with a national eID (such as MitID or BankID) or a qualified provider, an Owner or Admin must turn on Enable AES (eID) in Account settings → General.

Some mobile carriers block SMS codes from abroad. This has been reported for example from China, Turkey, the UAE, Indonesia and Norway. If a code doesn't arrive, the signatory can use WhatsApp instead, or you can restart signing with a simple or qualified signature.

Qualified signatures

QES signatories verify their identity with an external trust service provider before signing, for example with an ID app or a video identification. The first time takes a few minutes; after that it's quick. See Qualified signatures (QES) for the providers and steps.

Which type do I need?

For most business contracts, a simple or advanced signature is enough. Some documents are subject to legal form requirements that only a qualified signature meets. Which type you need depends on the document, the country and your own risk requirements. fynk provides the technology, but can't give legal advice on your specific case.

Good to know

  • One signing process uses one selected signature level for all signatories taking part in that process. To use another level in a separate process, upload the signed PDF again and start a new signing process. Pre-signed templates are an exception: a template pre-signed with fynk AES can subsequently be signed with SES, and an SES pre-signed template can subsequently be signed with AES. Documents from either SES or fynk AES pre-signed templates can also subsequently be signed with QES. See Pre-sign templates.

  • A simple signature can be drawn with a mouse, touchpad or touchscreen, typed as a name, or uploaded as an image of a handwritten signature.

  • Every signature is embedded in the PDF as a digital certificate, so the signed PDF can be verified in Adobe Acrobat Reader. See After signing: signed PDF, validation, activity log.

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