Understanding the Basics
Both Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES) and Qualified Electronic Seals (QSeal) are defined under the EU eIDAS Regulation and provide the highest level of trust and legal validity. However, they serve different purposes.
Qualified Electronic Signature (QES)
A QES identifies a natural person — a specific individual. It is the digital equivalent of a handwritten signature.
Use cases:
- Signing contracts and agreements
- Tax declarations and filings
- e-Delivery (e-Doręczenia) authentication
- HR documents and employment contracts
- Official correspondence with government agencies
Qualified Electronic Seal (QSeal)
A QSeal identifies a legal entity — a company or organization. It confirms that a document originates from a specific organization.
Use cases:
- KSeF e-invoicing system authentication
- Corporate document authentication
- EPREL product registration
- Automated document sealing
- Mass document processing
Which one do you need?
| Feature | QES | QSeal |
|---|---|---|
| Identifies | Natural person | Legal entity |
| KSeF | No | Yes |
| e-Delivery | Yes | No |
| Contracts | Yes | No |
| Automated sealing | No | Yes |
For most businesses preparing for KSeF, you'll need a QSeal. If you also need to sign contracts or use e-Delivery, you'll additionally need a QES.
Contact us to discuss your specific needs.