![\"Persona](\"https:\/\/www.viafirma.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/445458332-2bb33524-eeaa-4441-a400-5f34af344260-768x475.jpg\")
<\/div><\/a>Hierarchy and structural typology<\/h3>\n
However, one aspect that remains unchanged is the original classification of the eIDAS Regulation on the hierarchy of signatures, which distinguishes between three types<\/strong>:<\/p>\n Regulation (EU) 910\/2014 states that a qualified electronic signature \u2018shall have the same legal effect as a handwritten signature\u2019 as it has three pillars that it does not share with the rest:<\/p>\n In short, if you are wondering which electronic signature is equivalent to a handwritten one, the advanced signature can be used as evidence in court, but it requires expert analysis if it is challenged, and could be rejected by certain institutions if it does not meet specific requirements. However, it is the qualified signature that has absolute legal validity<\/strong> by default and cannot be rejected in any EU member state.<\/p>\n The qualified electronic signature has become the preferred option for completing procedures in sectors such as healthcare<\/strong><\/a> (informed consent); real estate<\/strong><\/a> (remote property sales and notarial procedures); and retail<\/a> and consumer goods<\/strong> (cross-border trade transactions with other EU member states).<\/p>\n The differences between the eIDAS Regulation and eIDAS 2<\/a> are striking. The main additional factor introduced by the new regulation is the incorporation of the European Digital Identity (EUDI) Wallet, or European Digital Wallet<\/strong><\/a>, a concept that was born a few years ago to address the shortcomings of the original eIDAS Regulation<\/strong> that were observed in its practical application.<\/p>\n Although throughout 2026 the Member States of the European Union will provide their citizens with a free version of the wallet via a mobile app, it is more than just a \u2018storage facility\u2019 for documents. Legally, it is the instrument that, for the first time, puts a signature in the hands of any citizen from their smartphone with the same legal validity as on paper<\/strong>. Until now, obtaining a qualified electronic signature has been a costly and technically complex process, but with the new system, Member States will be able to identify citizens free of charge for non-professional purposes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Based on the EIDAS 2 regulation, the European Digital Wallet uses attribute statements<\/strong> (EAA\/QEAA) validated by authentic sources. Thanks to this addition, an individual will be able to prove a specific status<\/strong>: professional capacity<\/strong> (such as \u2018Chartered Architect\u2019, for example); legal representation<\/strong> (on behalf of a specific company) or qualifications<\/strong>. In addition, with the Sovereign Digital Identity model, each user will be able to decide what data to share and with whom, without having to reveal extra or unnecessary information from their ID card<\/strong>.<\/p>\n If we answer the question we asked at the beginning of this article (which electronic signature is equivalent to a handwritten signature?), the answer is simple: among the different types that exist, the qualified signature is the one that has full legal equivalence with the handwritten signature<\/strong>. The pillars that make it up (presumption of validity, trusted service provider and secure device) make it the ideal and legally accepted solution. And, in this vein, the qualified electronic signature remains the tool of choice for guaranteeing identity, integrity and legality in the European community<\/strong>.<\/p>\n However, this year a new factor comes into play that changes the paradigm of digital identity and authentication: the European Digital Wallet. The accessibility offered by this system allows anyone with a mobile phone to identify themselves.<\/p>\n Is your organisation ready to accept the eIDAS 2 Regulation? Don’t wait until it’s too late, start completing your documents today with full legal guarantees.<\/p>\n\n
Which electronic signature is equivalent to a handwritten signature?<\/h2>\n
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The EUDI Wallet (European Digital Wallet) revolution<\/h2>\n
Why will full equivalence be achieved in 2026?<\/h2>\n
Related information<\/h2>
<\/div><\/a>What is the SVC (Secure Verification Code)?<\/a><\/h3>
![\"Illustration](\"https:\/\/www.viafirma.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Firma-electronica-segura-768x577.webp\")
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<\/div><\/a>![\"Noelia](\"https:\/\/www.viafirma.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Noelia_garcia-150x150.webp\")
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