eIDAS Compliant E-Signature Software for Europe & UK (2026)

What is eIDAS?

eIDAS (Electronic Identification, Authentication and Trust Services) is the EU regulation that establishes the legal framework for electronic signatures across all 27 EU member states. It ensures that e-signatures are recognized across borders and cannot be denied legal effect simply because they're electronic.

Formfy is fully eIDAS compliant, supporting Simple Electronic Signatures (SES) and Advanced Electronic Signatures (AES) for business use across Europe and the UK.

The Three Levels of eIDAS Signatures

SESSimple Electronic Signature

Fully Supported

Any electronic data attached to or associated with other data and used to sign

Examples:

Typed name, click-to-sign, scanned signature

Legal Weight:

Cannot be denied legal effect solely because it's electronic

Use For: Most commercial contracts, terms acceptance, internal documents

AESAdvanced Electronic Signature

Supported (with identity verification)

Uniquely linked to signer, capable of identifying signer, created with high confidence

Examples:

E-signature with email verification, SMS OTP, identity check

Legal Weight:

Presumed authentic unless challenged

Use For: Higher-value contracts, employment agreements, financial documents

QESQualified Electronic Signature

Via partner integration

AES created with qualified certificate from EU-approved trust service provider

Examples:

Signature via qualified certificate (eID card, qualified provider)

Legal Weight:

Equivalent to handwritten signature

Use For: Real estate, government filings, regulated transactions

Which Signature Level Do You Need?

Document Type	SES	AES	QES
Commercial contracts	✓	✓	Optional
Employment agreements	✓	✓	Optional
NDAs / Confidentiality	✓	✓	Optional
Service agreements	✓	✓	Optional
Financial documents (high value)	-	✓	Recommended
Real estate transactions	-	-	✓ Required*
Government submissions	Varies	Varies	Often required

*Requirements vary by country. Check local regulations for real estate and government documents.

eIDAS Coverage: EU Member States

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Germany

eIDAS fully implemented

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France

eIDAS fully implemented

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Spain

eIDAS fully implemented

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Italy

eIDAS fully implemented

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Netherlands

eIDAS fully implemented

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Belgium

eIDAS fully implemented

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Poland

eIDAS fully implemented

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Sweden

eIDAS fully implemented

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Austria

eIDAS fully implemented

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Portugal

eIDAS fully implemented

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Ireland

eIDAS fully implemented

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Denmark

eIDAS fully implemented

+ 15 additional EU member states all with full eIDAS compliance

UK & Other European Countries

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United Kingdom

UK eIDAS (domestic)

Post-Brexit domestic implementation mirrors EU eIDAS

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Switzerland

ZertES

Swiss law compatible with eIDAS principles

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Norway

eIDAS (EEA)

EEA member, full eIDAS compliance

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Iceland

eIDAS (EEA)

EEA member, full eIDAS compliance

UK E-Signatures After Brexit

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Good News: E-Signatures Still Work

The UK incorporated eIDAS into domestic law before Brexit through the Electronic Communications Act 2000 and subsequent regulations. E-signatures remain legally valid for UK domestic contracts and UK-EU cross-border agreements.

• UK-to-UK contracts: Full e-signature validity under UK law
• UK-to-EU contracts: E-signatures recognized under mutual recognition
• Formfy status: Fully compliant for UK businesses

Frequently Asked Questions

What is eIDAS and why does it matter for e-signatures?

eIDAS (Electronic Identification, Authentication and Trust Services) is the EU regulation governing e-signatures. It establishes three levels of electronic signatures (SES, AES, QES) and ensures cross-border recognition across all EU member states. Compliance is essential for legally binding signatures in Europe.

Is Formfy eIDAS compliant?

Yes. Formfy provides eIDAS-compliant electronic signatures that meet Simple Electronic Signature (SES) and Advanced Electronic Signature (AES) requirements. Our signatures are legally valid across all EU member states and the UK.

What are the three types of e-signatures under eIDAS?

SES (Simple Electronic Signature): Basic e-signature like typing your name or clicking 'I agree.' AES (Advanced Electronic Signature): Uniquely linked to signer with identity verification. QES (Qualified Electronic Signature): Highest level, requires qualified certificate from EU-approved provider. Most business documents only need SES or AES.

Do e-signatures work in the UK after Brexit?

Yes. The UK adopted eIDAS into domestic law before Brexit via the Electronic Communications Act. UK e-signature rules mirror eIDAS. Formfy signatures are valid for both UK domestic contracts and UK-EU cross-border agreements.

Which European countries accept e-signatures?

All 27 EU member states accept eIDAS-compliant e-signatures. Additionally: UK (via domestic law), Switzerland (ZertES framework), Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein (EEA members). Formfy works in all these jurisdictions.

When do I need a Qualified Electronic Signature (QES)?

QES is required for: certain real estate transactions, some government filings, notarized documents, and specific regulated contracts. Most B2B contracts, employment agreements, and commercial documents only need SES or AES, which Formfy provides.