Free Qualified Electronic Signature in the EU: is it really free?
Looking for a free qualified electronic signature in the EU? Learn the limits of free QES offers and try TrustPro QTSP’s transparent eIDAS-compliant trial.
The truth behind “free qualified electronic signature” offers
If you search Google for “free qualified electronic signature”, you will find dozens of results where the word free is prominently displayed. At first glance, this sounds like a great opportunity: you need an eIDAS-compliant qualified electronic signature (QES) to sign an important document, and multiple providers appear to offer it at no cost.
But is it really free?
What a Qualified Electronic Signature means in the EU
In the European Union, a Qualified Electronic Signature (QES) refers to a signature that complies with EU Regulation eIDAS 910/2014. This is the highest level of electronic signature, legally equivalent to a handwritten signature and recognized across all EU Member States.
To be considered qualified, the signature must be issued by a Qualified Trust Service Provider (QTSP) and follow strict identity verification and security requirements.
The reality behind “free” digital signature offers
When you look more closely at many online offers, the situation becomes clearer. In most cases, the “free qualified electronic signature” turns out to be:
- subject to a fee (e.g., pay-per-sign pricing such as €4.95 per signature)
- not a qualified electronic signature under eIDAS
- a qualified signature issued in the provider’s name rather than the user’s
- a marketing offer where payment is required at the signing stage
For example, some providers promote “Free Digital Signature” in the headline, followed by “Pay only when you sign” in the subheading and “Pay-per-sign tariff” in smaller print.
Consequently, many ‘free’ plans are actually trial versions limited to simple and/or advanced electronic signatures. A genuine qualified electronic signature (QES) requires identity verification, which comes at a cost.
So the question remains: is it really free or not?
In most cases, the answer is no.
TrustPro QTSP: a truly free Qualified Electronic Signature trial
At TrustPro QTSP, transparency is a core value. We offer a free trial of a Qualified Electronic Signature (QES) with full legal validity under EU eIDAS Regulation 910/2014—with no hidden conditions.
This means:
- one fully eIDAS-compliant Qualified Electronic Signature
- legally valid across the European Union
- no hidden fees
- no obligation to purchase after the trial
- full transparency in pricing and services
A fair and transparent approach
If you need an eIDAS-compliant Qualified Electronic Signature, you can request your free trial from TrustPro QTSP and use it to sign your document.
If you later need additional signatures, you can choose one of our electronic signatures plans. TrustPro QTSP operates with complete transparency: we provide a free trial, and if you need more signatures, you can purchase them at any time. If not, you are free to return whenever you need our services again.
No pressure, no hidden conditions – just a fair and reliable digital trust service.
Why transparency matters in digital trust services
In the world of digital signatures, QTSP services, and eIDAS compliance, clarity and trust are essential. Businesses and individuals must be able to rely on providers who communicate openly about pricing, legal validity, and service conditions.
TrustPro QTSP is committed to delivering secure, compliant, and transparent electronic signature solutions that help organizations and individuals operate confidently in the digital environment.
Yes, TrustPro QTSP offers a free trial of qualified electronic signatures to all new users.
The free trial includes the full activation process, allowing users to experience a legally valid eIDAS-compliant digital signature without any initial cost.
The free trial includes:
– online user identification through smart onboarding
– issuance of a qualified electronic signature certificate
– access to the TPsign signing application
– the ability to upload and sign a document with a qualified electronic signature
– legal validity across all European Union Member States under the eIDAS Regulation
With this free trial, users can test the complete qualified electronic signature process in a secure and compliant environment and verify how easy it is to sign documents digitally with full legal recognition throughout Europe.
The signed document will have the same legal value as a handwritten signature, making it suitable for contracts, agreements, and official documents.
Users can start the free qualified electronic signature trial directly from the TrustPro QTSP smartOnboarding platform and begin signing within minutes.
Yes. A qualified electronic signature issued by a Qualified Trust Service Provider such as TrustPro QTSP is legally valid across all EU Member States under the eIDAS Regulation (EU No 910/2014).
This means that a qualified electronic signature has the same legal value as a handwritten signature and can be used for contracts, agreements, and official documents in both public and private sectors throughout Europe.
A Qualified Electronic Signature (QES) is the highest level of digital signature defined by the EU eIDAS Regulation.
It provides:
– the same legal validity as a handwritten signature
– certified identity of the signer
– document integrity and security
– legal recognition across all EU Member States
Because it is based on a qualified certificate issued by a QTSP, a QES guarantees the highest level of trust and compliance for electronic transactions.
To create a Qualified Electronic Signature, you must complete an identity verification process with a Qualified Trust Service Provider such as TrustPro QTSP.
The process is simple:
1) Complete remote identification through TrustPro QTSP smartOnboarding
2) Receive your qualified signature certificate (your digital identity)
4) Access the signing platform such as TPsign
4) Digitally sign your documents securely and legally
Your qualified signature certificate acts as your digital pen, while TPsign provides the secure signing environment.
The eIDAS Regulation defines three types of electronic signatures:
1. Simple Electronic Signature (SES)
Basic electronic signatures such as scanned signatures or click-to-sign solutions.
2. Advanced Electronic Signature (AES)
Provides higher security and identifies the signer, but is not legally equivalent to a handwritten signature.
3. Qualified Electronic Signature (QES)
The highest level of electronic signature, legally equivalent to a handwritten signature and issued by a Qualified Trust Service Provider.
The eIDAS Regulation (Regulation (EU) No 910/2014) establishes a unified European framework for secure electronic identification and trust services, ensuring that electronic signatures, seals, and digital transactions are legally valid and recognized across all EU Member States.
You can recognise a Qualified Trust Service Provider by the EU Trust Mark, which is displayed only by providers officially certified under the eIDAS Regulation.
The EU Trust Mark confirms that:
– the provider is listed in the European Commission Trusted List
– the services meet strict eIDAS compliance requirements
– electronic signatures and digital trust services are legally valid in the EU
TrustPro QTSP proudly displays the EU Trust Mark, ensuring transparency and compliance for all users.
Yes, TrustPro QTSP is a Qualified Trust Service Provider (QTSP) listed on the European Commission’s eIDAS Trusted List.
TrustPro QTSP delivers eIDAS-compliant digital trust services, including:
– Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES)
– Qualified Electronic Seals
– Qualified Electronic Timestamps
All services fully comply with EU eIDAS Regulation 910/2014, ensuring legal validity and recognition across the European Union.
TrustPro QTSP offers a free trial of a Qualified Electronic Signature that is fully eIDAS-compliant and legally valid across the EU.
After the free trial, you can choose one of the TrustPro QTSP electronic signature plans, with pricing typically ranging from €13 to €48, depending on your needs.
This transparent pricing allows users to try the service first and purchase additional signatures only if required.
If it’s free, it’s free – no ifs or buts
Get your Free Qualified Electronic Signature now
