3 signature levelsLegal levels
TRUST SERVICES · 2026
Electronic signatures without borders
A practical encyclopedia of signing methods, legal levels, formats, services and validation.
Quick overview
4 jurisdictionsJurisdiction
Official sourcesLegislation · Trust services
Verification dateSource package status verified
What is an electronic signature?
It links a person’s or organisation’s action to an electronic document. Depending on the model, it can support identity, intent and data integrity. Authentication, a signature and an image of a signature are different concepts.
Where it is used
Applications and public services, contracts, document workflow, business processes, authorisation and cross-border document exchange.
Levels, formats and signing methods
Signature level
Simple, advanced and qualified describe a legal and assurance model, not a file format or product.
Formats
PAdES (PDF), XAdES (XML), CAdES (CMS), ASiC containers та JAdES для JSON. Формат не є legal level.
Keys and methods
File keys, tokens, smart cards, cloud and mobile signatures are key-storage or signing methods, not levels.
Seals, timestamps and trust
A seal relates to an organisation and a timestamp attests time. Certificates, trust chains, status and trusted lists support verification.
Sign or verify?
Signing creates an electronic signature. Verification checks cryptographic integrity, certificate and status. Technical validity does not automatically guarantee legal effect or acceptance in every transaction.
Standards and long-term evidence
ETSI, RFC, ISO and format profiles support interoperability. B/B-B is basic; T adds a timestamp; LT adds validation material; LTA supports long-term availability.
Jurisdiction
Choose a jurisdiction
Ukraine
Electronic signatures, QES, Diia.Signature and trust services under Ukrainian law.
Source package status verifiedOpen profile →
European Union
Signature levels, eIDAS, trust services and mutual recognition in the EU.
Source package status verifiedOpen profile →
Latvia
eParaksts, eID, qualified seals and the national trusted list.
Source package status verifiedOpen profile →
Poland
Profil Zaufany, personal and qualified signatures, and Polish providers.
Source package status verifiedOpen profile →Not sure which signature you need?
Answer a few questions and we will point you to an appropriate option.