{"id":256252,"date":"2024-07-11T20:20:33","date_gmt":"2024-07-11T18:20:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.easyap.com\/?p=252034"},"modified":"2026-08-17T15:03:51","modified_gmt":"2026-08-17T13:03:51","slug":"la-firma-electronica-reconocida-que-es-y-cual-es-su-papel-en-la-facturacion-electronica","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.easyap.com\/en\/blog\/la-firma-electronica-reconocida-que-es-y-cual-es-su-papel-en-la-facturacion-electronica\/","title":{"rendered":"The recognized electronic signature: what it is and what its role is in e-invoicing"},"content":{"rendered":"

That digital transformation is revolutionizing business management is a reality we have already highlighted on this blog. Especially in operations, as the <\/span>electronic invoice<\/b><\/a>has become, both by obligation and by preference, a key component in optimizing processes and ensuring the integrity of transactions. In this context, the <\/span>qualified electronic signature<\/b>plays a fundamental role. Therefore, we have prepared this article to fully elaborate on everything surrounding a key term today: the qualified digital signature and its multiple benefits for any type of business.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is the recognized or qualified electronic signature?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Therefore, the first step is to establish the definition of what a recognized electronic signature is. Likewise, <\/span>it is the one that offers the highest level of security and authenticity in digital transactions<\/b>. According to the <\/span>European Union regulation,<\/span><\/a>it is one created using a qualified electronic signature creation device and based on a qualified electronic signature certificate. <\/span><\/p>\n

The recognized electronic signature according to eIDAS<\/span><\/h3>\n

Furthermore, there is also an official definition for the qualified electronic signature, which is contained in the <\/span>eIDAS<\/b> or <\/span>Regulation (EU) No 910\/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 July 2014<\/span><\/a>. This regulation pertains to the electronic identification of digital transactions in the EU and serves as a common regulatory framework.<\/span><\/p>\n

Its objective is to strengthen <\/span>transparency and trust in electronic operations in Europe, <\/b>whether between citizens, businesses, or public administrations. Additionally, eIDAS defines the different types of digital signatures with legal validity and the main requirements for each. Specifically, on this <\/span>official page<\/span><\/a>you will find us as a Qualified Electronic Trust Service Provider.<\/span><\/p>\n

In practical terms, the recognized electronic signature <\/span>ensures that the identity of the natural or legal person signing is verifiable.<\/b>That is, it is legally binding, ensuring the integrity of invoices so that, for example, no one modifies them and adds a false IBAN to the invoice issuer. Therefore, it has a series of characteristics: <\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Authenticity<\/b>. Verifies that the person signing the document is truly who they claim to be.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Integrity<\/b>. Protects the content of the document, ensuring that it has not been altered after being signed.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Binding.<\/b> Prevents the signer from being able to deny having signed the document.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Specifically, these characteristics make it an essential tool for transactions requiring high security and legal validity.<\/span><\/p>\n

    But, are there different types of electronic signatures?<\/span><\/h2>\n

    In turn, on numerous occasions, doubts and questions arise about <\/span>what types of electronic signatures exist<\/b> and if they are all valid or qualified. In this regard, you should know that there are several recognized types, which vary in the security and usability they offer. <\/span><\/p>\n

    Simple electronic signature<\/span><\/h3>\n

    On the one hand, we talk about the simple electronic signature. This can be as basic as a<\/span>n scan of a handwritten signature or a click on an “Accept” button in an online form.<\/b>Although it is easy to use, it offers the lowest level of security and authenticity.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Advanced electronic signature<\/span><\/h3>\n

    On the other hand, the advanced electronic signature is more secure than the simple one, since <\/span>it is uniquely linked to the signer and allows them to be identified.<\/b>Furthermore, any subsequent change in the signed data is detectable. A typical example is the use of a password, a PIN, or a token.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Recognized or qualified electronic signature<\/span><\/h3>\n

    The qualified or recognized electronic signature <\/span>is the most secure form and complies with the strictest legal requirements.<\/b>It is backed by a certificate issued by a reliable certification authority and uses a qualified electronic signature creation device.<\/span><\/p>\n

    How to obtain a recognized electronic signature?<\/span><\/h2>\n

    To obtain a recognized electronic signature, you must follow several steps that ensure the authenticity and security of the process:<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Select a qualified certification service provider.<\/b> In Spain, for example, the National Mint and Stamp Factory (FNMT) is a fully reliable provider.<\/span><\/li>\n
    2. Request and verify your identity<\/b> with personal information, official documents, and, in some cases, your physical presence.<\/span><\/li>\n
    3. Receive your qualified certificate<\/b> issued by the provider, which associates the signatory’s identity with a specific cryptographic key.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Furthermore, to sign documents with a recognized digital signature, <\/span>you must use a qualified electronic signature creation device.<\/b>These can be smart cards, USB tokens, or specialized software such as that from <\/span>easyap<\/b><\/a> which ensure the security of the signing process.<\/span><\/p>\n

      How to know if your electronic invoice is correct<\/span><\/h2>\n

      It is obvious that <\/span>verifying the authenticity of an electronic invoice is very important <\/b>to ensure transaction integrity. But would you know how to check if that digital invoice is correct? We give you several keys to detect it.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Verify the electronic signature<\/span><\/h3>\n

      The invoice <\/span>must be digitally signed with a recognized electronic signature.<\/b> To do this, use verification tools from certification authorities or specialized software like ours to check the signature’s validity. <\/span>Here we differentiate between a digital signature and a digital certificate,<\/b><\/a> as doubts sometimes arise. <\/span><\/p>\n

      Review the qualified certificate<\/span><\/h3>\n

      Ensure that the certificate used to sign the invoice <\/span>is qualified and has not expired.<\/b> Most certification service providers offer online services to verify the status of certificates.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Confirm the document’s integrity<\/span><\/h3>\n

      Use a <\/span>verification software that ensures the invoice content has not been altered<\/b>after being signed. Remember that any subsequent modification will invalidate the signature.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Complies with regulations<\/span><\/h3>\n

      And, above all, make sure that the electronic invoice <\/span>complies with the current regulations in your country or region.<\/b>In the European Union, electronic invoices must comply with the standards established in <\/span>Directive 2014\/55\/EU<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Benefits of a qualified electronic signature in e-invoicing<\/span><\/h2>\n

      But, beyond the fact that by <\/span>obligation you must rely on digital invoicing<\/b><\/a>and use a recognized electronic signature, <\/span>it offers more than just the legal aspect. <\/b>We are talking about a process and a tool with multiple benefits, such as: <\/span><\/p>\n

      Security<\/span><\/h3>\n

      The recognized electronic signature <\/span>offers the highest level of security, <\/b>ensuring that your transactions are not vulnerable to <\/span>tax fraud<\/b><\/a>or legal fraud or alterations.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Time and cost savings<\/span><\/h3>\n

      The automation of e-invoicing and the use of recognized electronic signatures <\/span>reduces the time and associated costs<\/b>with paper document management.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Legal validity in any context<\/span><\/h3>\n

      Recognized digital signatures <\/span>adapt to local and international laws, <\/b>providing a solid legal basis for any transaction.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Increased operational efficiency<\/span><\/h3>\n

      Integrating e-invoicing solutions with recognized electronic signatures into business management systems <\/span>improves operational efficiency and enables faster processing<\/b>of invoices, regardless of your business.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Improve your corporate image<\/span><\/h3>\n

      Implementing advanced technology such as the recognized electronic signature <\/span>demonstrates your commitment to innovation and security, <\/b>enhancing your reputation with clients and business partners.<\/span><\/p>\n

      However, to illustrate it more clearly, we will now cite several <\/span>success stories of applying the recognized electronic signature:<\/b><\/p>\n