Advanced vs Qualified Signatures and Seals

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What is the Difference Between Advanced and Qualified Signatures and Seals?

One of the most common questions that comes up is ''What is the difference between advanced and qualified signatures and seals?' While both advanced and qualified signatures are based on digital signature technology, each signature, or seal, type offers varying levels of security and has different applications.

In short, advanced signatures or seals are provided by a Trusted Service Provider (TSP) and have identity vetting. Whereas, a qualified certificate must be issued by a Qualified Trust Service Provider (QTSP) and generated using a Qualified Signature Creation Device (QSCD), supported by the highest level of identity vetting in accordance with eIDAS regulations.

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What Level of Signature or Seal do I Need, Advanced or Qualified?

The reality is, every use case and every business is different. There are number of things to consider to help understand what level you need including; the type of documents for signing, the volume of signatures or seals, compliance requirements and how you might authenticate and weave into existing workflows.

The matrix below explores the differences between advanced and qualified specifically. If you're still not sure what type you need, book a session with our team who will go through an take the time to understand your requirements and recommend which level is most suitable and our solutions available.

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Want to discover more about the different levels? Read our blog

Compliant Signing Solutions for Advanced and Qualified Signatures and Seals

Regardless of your industry or company size, choosing GlobalSign for your qualified trust services is the best way to avoid compliance fines and stay on the cutting edge when it comes to your company’s security.

  • Digital Signing Service
    (Advanced Signatures)

    The fastest and easiest way to deploy trusted digital signatures and seals, enabling organizations to sign documents quickly, easily and securely whilst fulfilling eIDAS requirements.


  • Qualified Trust Seals
    by DSS

    Through GlobalSign’s Digital Signing Service, Qualified Trust Seals enable organizations to automatically seal internal documents with a qualified level of identity trust.

  • Qualified Electronic
    Signatures & Seals

    Qualified signatures and seals offer the highest level of assurance for the eIDAS regulation, and can only be issued by a QTSP. Each signing identity is verified and issued a qualified certificate, which is stored and deployed via a Qualified Signature Creation Device (QSCD).

  • Qualified Website Authentication Certificates (QWACs)

    A QWAC is a type of qualified certificate suitable for the eIDAS regulation. A QWAC must be provided by a Trust Service Provider (TSPs) and are issued under stringent verification rules to assure the highest possible identity assurance.

  • Qualified Electronic Seals
    (QSealCs)

    QSealsCs are used on organizational or corporate bodies to seal all data and transaction requests. By 'sealing' the communication, the authenticity and integrity of the data is protected has not changed since it was originally created.

  • Qualified Timestamping

    Timestamps provide record-keeping information, which can be used as legal evidence. Trusted timestamping certificates can only be issued by a CA. Examples of uses; online contracts, legal documents, electronic payment records or invoices.

Ready to discuss your Advanced or Qualified Signature and Seal needs?

Our team are on hand to set your organization with the right solution for your signing requirements for advanced or qualified signatures or seals. Get in touch today.

  • Secure your documents and meet eIDAS regulations a signature or seal suited to your business or industry requirements
  • Scalable deployment options support businesses of all sizes
  • GlobalSign is a Qualified Trust Service Provider (QTSP) in both the EU and the UK