What is a QES and how to get one?
A QES (Qualified Electronic Signature) is an electronic signature that meets the requirements of eIDAS and Bulgarian legislation — with it your signature is equivalent to a handwritten signature on paper before public authorities, banks and the Commercial Register. Here is what you need to know if you are going to register a company or work with the NRA and NSSI online.
What Is a QES?
A QES identifies the signer and guarantees the integrity of the document. It is issued by a qualified trust service provider (listed in the relevant registers). Unlike an ordinary scanned signature or an arbitrary PIN in an app, a QES covers the requirements for electronic filing with state registers and institutions.
Why Do You Need One for Company Registration?
- Lower state fee when filing through the electronic portal of the Commercial Register compared to the paper option (according to the current tariff of the Registry Agency — approximately 50% lower fee for electronic applications).
- Sign from home — without carrying documents to a counter for the filing itself, once the package is prepared and signed with a QES.
- Speed — electronic applications are usually processed within a few business days.
The online registration process is summarised in Online Company Registration. Start preparing your documents at Firmify.
Types of Electronic Signatures in Bulgaria
In practice you encounter:
- File-based QES — signing via software on a computer;
- Token/card QES — via a smart card or USB token;
- Mobile app QES — a convenient option without a physical reader.
Not every "electronic signature" is a QES — for the Commercial Register and NRA, check whether the provider issues a qualified signature within the meaning of the law. An ordinary (non-qualified) electronic signature may suffice for internal company processes, but for filing with the Registry Agency and many public portals a QES or a qualified seal of a legal entity is specifically required, where the regime allows it.
Before purchasing a certificate, confirm compatibility with the browser and operating system you use for the Commercial Register — some scenarios require an additional software module or a specific version of the provider's application.
Main Providers in Bulgaria
| Provider | Features | Approximate Price |
|---|---|---|
| Evrotrust | Mobile app, fast issuance with an ID card | About 12 €/year (depending on the package) |
| B-Trust | Smart card/USB, suitable for a corporate environment | About 25–40 €/year + device |
| InfoNotary | QES and related services | Depends on the package |
Prices are approximate — check the current rates on the provider's website.
Evrotrust — Fully Mobile QES
- Registration via the app, often with an ID card and video/selfie identification;
- suitable for freelancers and small companies;
- signing from the phone without a separate reader;
- setup often takes about 5 minutes once you have a valid ID card and good lighting for scanning.
B-Trust — Physical Device
- Requires a reader or smart card;
- often used under stricter internal security policies;
- may require an office visit or a partner for initial card/token issuance;
- annual maintenance is typically in the range of about 25–40 €, plus a one-off device or reader if you don't already have one.
InfoNotary and Other Providers
InfoNotary and other licensed providers offer a QES with various identification channels — online or in-person verification. Compare not only the price but also the convenience of certificate renewal after expiry.
How to Get Evrotrust — Step by Step
- Install the official Evrotrust app from the app store (Google Play / App Store).
- Start identification with a Bulgarian ID card following the instructions in the app (NFC/camera — depending on the version).
- Purchase/activate a qualified certificate for the chosen term (usually 1 year).
- When signing on portals via a computer, install the signing component if needed or use mobile signing depending on the site's integration.
The exact screens and requirements are updated periodically — always follow the current Evrotrust guide. After the certificate expires, renewal is usually faster than the initial issuance, but without a valid QES you cannot sign an application to the Commercial Register — schedule renewal before the expiry date.
QES and Firmify: Signing Documents
After Firmify generates the Articles of Incorporation, declarations and the application for the Commercial Register, you sign the package with your QES and file through the Commercial Register portal. This way you meet the requirements for an electronic document and signer identification without unnecessary trips to a counter.
The manager's specimen signature must as a rule be certified by a notary — this is a separate requirement from the electronic signing of the application and must be fulfilled according to the instructions of the Registry Agency.
Other Uses of a QES
- NRA — tax returns, reports, social security documents;
- NSSI — social security benefits and electronic services;
- Banks — electronic banking in certain institutions and scenarios;
- Commercial Register — changes of circumstances, filing of annual reports and other acts where the portal requires a QES.
Additional context: 5 Advantages of Electronic Filing When Registering a Company. If you are at the incorporation stage, also review 7 Common Mistakes When Registering a Company and How to Avoid Them to avoid delaying registration because of a missing specimen or a name mismatch.
Register your company with electronic filing. Prepare the documents with Firmify and follow the complete guide: Online Company Registration in Bulgaria. Go to Firmify to generate a ready package and sign with a QES as required by the Commercial Register.