> ## Knowledge Base Index > Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://support.contracthero.com/sitemap.xml > Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further. > Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash). # QES Signing Process (Recipient) – Step by Step If a document has been sent to you from ContractHero for a **Qualified Electronic Signature (QES)**, you sign it via a signature link. Depending on the signature method, identity verification is carried out, for example via **Adacom** (including a **one-time password (OTP)** via SMS and **ID verification via smartphone** — no video call, only a check to confirm you’re a real person). ## Requirements * Access to your email inbox (signature invitation) * A smartphone with a front-facing camera * A phone number that can receive SMS (for OTP) * A valid ID card or passport (depending on the country / issuing country) * Permission for camera & microphone in your mobile browser (for authenticity verification) * **Do not leave the browser during the signing process** to avoid an unnecessary restart. ## Step 1: Open the signature email * Open the email with the signature request. Subject: **“Request to sign the document …” + document name** * In the email you will see: * Sender (name + email address, as stored in ContractHero) * Sender’s message (from ContractHero) * Click **“View document”**. ![Email Einladung zur Unterschrift](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/1/2/5/2/12522a019f980500/image_besegj.png) ## Step 2: Open the document & start signing * After clicking **“View document”**, the document opens. * You will see the document and the sender’s message. * Click **“Signature”** (or **“Signature here”**) to start. ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/1/2/5/2/12522a019f980500/image_128s13r.png) ## Step 3: Add your signature and submit * Add your signature in the signature field (there are multiple options). ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/1/2/5/2/12522a019f980500/image_a45dbw.png) * Click **“Apply”**. * To browse through the document, click **“Next”**. * To continue the signing process, click **“Submit signature”**. ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/1/2/5/2/12522a019f980500/image_eimeyt.png) ## Step 4: Choose a signature method * Choose one of the available signature methods. If you already have an account with a provider, you can use, for example, **A-Trust**, **D-Trust SignMe**, or **Swisscom AIS**. * If you don’t have an existing account, **Adacom** is usually the easiest option. ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/1/2/5/2/12522a019f980500/image_ffz314.png) ## Step 5: (In this example) Adacom opens in a pop-up * Clicking it opens an Adacom pop-up window. ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/1/2/5/2/12522a019f980500/image_mcu0zr.png) ## Step 6: Enter your phone number and verify the OTP * Enter your phone number (personal or business). * You will receive a **one-time password (OTP)** via SMS. * Enter the OTP and click **“Verify”**. ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/1/2/5/2/12522a019f980500/image_vce0ss.png) ## Step 7: Start identity verification on your smartphone (Secure Link) * Start the identity verification by clicking **“Start Verification”**. ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/1/2/5/2/12522a019f980500/image_p0x9l5.png =1321xauto) * Click **“Get Secure Link”**. * ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/1/2/5/2/12522a019f980500/image_1n2h8up.png =1335xauto) * Scan the QR code on your screen with your phone. ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/1/2/5/2/12522a019f980500/image_x8qvml.png) * Continue on your phone and **leave the browser on your computer open**. ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/1/2/5/2/12522a019f980500/image_67fnui.png) ## Step 8: Continue on your phone: live verification ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/1/2/5/2/12522a019f980500/image_wrmnp2.png =314xauto) * Allow access to your **camera and microphone**. ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/1/2/5/2/12522a019f980500/image_otc872.png =303xauto) * Select the document type and the issuing country. ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/1/2/5/2/12522a019f980500/image_owdyji.png =301xauto) ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/1/2/5/2/12522a019f980500/image_clgd4l.png =299xauto) * Take a photo of your ID. ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/1/2/5/2/12522a019f980500/image_qqf00i.png =296xauto) * If your photo is accepted and you complete the liveness verification (no video call—just a short moving image), you will receive a confirmation. ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/1/2/5/2/12522a019f980500/image_zp91kb.png =299xauto) * Then switch back to your browser on your computer. ## ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/1/2/5/2/12522a019f980500/image_13qxjbg.png) ## Step 10: Accept terms and confirm OTP * On the computer, your name and country are filled in automatically. * The status shows: **Verification completed**. * Accept the Adacom terms and conditions by clicking **“Accept”**. ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/1/2/5/2/12522a019f980500/image_m25wt7.png) * You will receive an OTP. ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/1/2/5/2/12522a019f980500/image_1kz177r.png) * You will receive a final OTP. * Enter the OTP within the displayed time (e.g., 1 minute) and click **“Next”**. ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/1/2/5/2/12522a019f980500/image_1t856p.png) ## Step 11: Enter the final OTP and complete the signature * You will see a success screen: **“Your signature was successful”**. ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/1/2/5/2/12522a019f980500/image_5byh9q.png) ![Abschluss Bildschirm](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/1/2/5/2/12522a019f980500/image_1g0e69o.png) ## Step 12: Confirmation & final documents * All parties receive an email once the signing workflow is complete. * The final document includes: * the signatures * the QES proof / procedure seal ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/1/2/5/2/12522a019f980500/image_18fyvvx.png) ## FAQs & notes ### Multiple signers A document can be sent to multiple signers. Signatures can only be provided **in sequence**, not simultaneously. The completion notification is sent once the signing workflow is fully finished. ### Pop-up / new window doesn’t open “Start signing” opens a new window. If nothing happens, please check your browser’s **pop-up blocker** settings. ### OTP doesn’t arrive Please check: * Is the phone number correct? * Can you receive SMS? * Wait briefly and resend the OTP if that option is available. ### Camera/microphone don’t work Please allow browser access to the camera and microphone, then restart that step.