SES, AES, QES — which signature do you need?
actaSIGN supports all three signature levels under ZertES and eIDAS. From a simple click signature to a qualified electronic signature with the evidentiary weight of a handwritten signature.
3 levels
SES, AES and QES — the right quality for every document
ZertES + eIDAS
Compliant with Swiss and EU law
1 platform
All signature levels in one solution
The three signature levels in detail
Each level offers a different combination of identification, authentication and evidentiary weight. Choose the right quality for your document.
Simple (SES) Electronic Signature
The most accessible level. Ideal for internal approvals, minutes and documents without statutory form requirements.
Advanced (AES) Electronic Signature
The mid-level with SMS confirmation. Suitable for standard contracts, orders and agreements.
Qualified (QES) Electronic Signature
The highest level — equivalent to a handwritten signature. Required when statutory written form is mandated.
Comparison at a glance
All three levels in direct comparison — evidentiary weight, authentication and identification requirements.
| Level | Evidence strength | Authentication | Identification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple (SES) Electronic Signature | Low | Click signature | None |
| Advanced (AES) Electronic Signature | Substantial | SMS confirmation | SMS OTP |
| Qualified (QES) Electronic Signature | Maximum | 2FA / Mobile ID | Personal (F2F / Video / Auto) |
Which level for which use case?
The right signature level depends on the document and legal requirements. Here is a guide.
Internal approvals and minutes
Meeting minutes, internal approvals, delivery confirmations — documents without statutory form requirements.
Recommended: SES
Contracts and orders
Framework agreements, orders, supplier agreements, NDAs — standard contracts in everyday business.
Recommended: AES
Real estate and finance
Lease agreements, purchase contracts, credit agreements — documents with higher dispute value or regulatory requirements.
Recommended: AES or QES
Employment contracts and mandates
Employment contracts, mandate letters, powers of attorney — documents with statutory written form requirements or highest evidentiary weight.
Recommended: QES
Benefits across all signature levels
Regardless of the level you choose, you benefit from the same core features.
Sign on any device
All three levels work in the browser — on desktop, tablet and smartphone, without installation.
Internationally valid
Signatures are ZertES and eIDAS compliant — valid in Switzerland and the entire European Union.
Ready to use immediately
Choose the signature level per document. No upgrade, no separate subscription — everything in one platform.
Tamper-proof archiving
Every signature is archived with timestamp, identification and audit trail — regardless of the quality level.
Not sure which level you need?
In a personal demo, we'll show you which signature level is right for your documents.
Request demo