---
url: 'https://www.corbado.com/glossary/qualified-electronic-attestations'
title: 'Qualified Electronic Attestations of Attributes (QEAA)'
description: 'Learn what QEAA (Qualified Electronic Attestations of Attributes) are, their key benefits, use cases, and role in secure digital identity verification under eIDAS.'
lang: 'en'
keywords: 'Qualified Electronic Attestations'
---

# Qualified Electronic Attestations of Attributes (QEAA)

## What are QEAA (Qualified Electronic Attestations of Attributes)?

A **Qualified Electronic Attestation of Attributes (QEAA)** is a secure digital
certification provided by a Qualified Trust Service Provider (QTSP) that officially
confirms specific attributes of a person or organization. Attributes commonly verified by
a QEAA include age, nationality, professional qualifications, and membership in
organizations.

Key points about QEAA:

- **Legally recognized** across the European Union under the [eIDAS](https://www.corbado.com/glossary/eidas)
  Regulation.
- **Cryptographically secured**, ensuring the authenticity and integrity of the verified
  attributes.
- **Privacy-focused**, enabling individuals to selectively disclose only required
  attributes without revealing unnecessary personal data.
- **Cross-border interoperability**, allowing acceptance and usage throughout EU member
  states seamlessly.

QEAAs significantly simplify and secure online verification processes, reducing identity
fraud and enhancing trust in digital interactions.

> **Key Takeaways:**
> 
> - A **Qualified Electronic Attestation of Attributes (QEAA)** is a legally valid digital
>   document verifying personal or organizational attributes.
> - Issued by certified [QTSPs](https://www.corbado.com/glossary/qtsp) under EU’s [eIDAS](https://www.corbado.com/glossary/eidas)
>   regulation.
> - Offers secure, privacy-preserving, and cross-border attribute verification.

---

## Legal Framework and Origin

Qualified Electronic [Attestations](https://www.corbado.com/glossary/attestation) of Attributes (QEAA) originate
from the EU's [eIDAS](https://www.corbado.com/glossary/eidas) regulation (electronic Identification,
Authentication, and Trust Services), aiming to standardize digital identification and
trust services across the European Union. They help ensure reliable online verification of
specific attributes, facilitating secure digital interactions.

## Technical Foundations of QEAA

QEAA relies heavily on advanced cryptographic methods:

- **Digital Signature**: Every QEAA is digitally signed by a Qualified Trust Service
  Provider, confirming its authenticity and preventing unauthorized modifications.
- **Selective Disclosure**: QEAA supports selective disclosure, allowing users to present
  only the necessary attribute(s) (like age or nationality), thereby protecting sensitive
  personal data.
- **Secure Storage and Transmission**: QEAA are securely stored and transmitted, typically
  integrated into digital [wallets](https://www.corbado.com/blog/digital-wallet-assurance) or secure
  repositories.

## Real-World Use Cases for QEAA

Common scenarios where QEAA enhances security and convenience:

- **Online Age Verification**: Platforms requiring age compliance (gaming, streaming
  services, alcohol purchasing sites) utilize QEAA for trusted verification.
- **Professional Credentials**: Medical practitioners, legal professionals, and other
  regulated professions securely validate their qualifications digitally using QEAA.
- **Citizenship and Residency Checks**: [Government](https://www.corbado.com/passkeys-for-public-sector) agencies
  and private organizations confirm users' citizenship or residency swiftly and securely
  online, enhancing efficiency in administrative processes.

## QEAA in Digital Identity Ecosystem

QEAA is part of a broader ecosystem of [digital identity](https://www.corbado.com/blog/digital-identity-guide)
verification solutions, complementing technologies such as Qualified Electronic Signatures
(QES), passkeys, and [decentralized identifiers](https://www.corbado.com/blog/digital-identity-guide) (DIDs). By
integrating QEAA into [digital identity](https://www.corbado.com/blog/digital-identity-guide) workflows, services
can offer more comprehensive and secure
[user verification](https://www.corbado.com/blog/webauthn-user-verification), thus enhancing digital trust and
user experience.

## How to Obtain a QEAA

To get a QEAA, an individual or organization must approach a Qualified Trust Service
Provider (QTSP) recognized under eIDAS. The [QTSP](https://www.corbado.com/glossary/qtsp) rigorously verifies the
claimed attributes using official documents or reliable databases before issuing the QEAA
digitally.

## QEAA FAQs

### What does QEAA stand for?

QEAA stands for Qualified Electronic [Attestation](https://www.corbado.com/glossary/attestation) of Attributes, a
legally recognized [digital certificate](https://www.corbado.com/glossary/digital-badge) confirming specific
attributes under EU eIDAS regulation.

### Who issues Qualified Electronic Attestations of Attributes?

Only certified Qualified Trust Service Providers (QTSPs), authorized under the EU's eIDAS
regulation, can issue QEAAs.

### How are QEAAs used in practice?

QEAAs are widely used for secure online verification of attributes like age, professional
qualifications, citizenship, or membership status, ensuring trust and compliance in
digital transactions.

### Is a QEAA legally valid outside its issuing country?

Yes, under the EU's eIDAS regulation, a QEAA issued in one EU member state is legally
valid and recognized across all other member states.

### What’s the difference between a QEAA and a digital signature (QES)?

A QEAA verifies specific attributes (e.g., age, nationality) securely online, while a
[Qualified Electronic Signature](https://www.corbado.com/glossary/qualified-electronic-signature) (QES) legally
binds an individual to a digital document or agreement.