e-ID, DeepID, QES, Mobile ID: anyone who incorporates a company online, keeps a share register or files a debt enforcement request comes across many terms. This guide explains what they mean, when the e-ID will arrive and what you need today.
In short: the e-ID is the future state ID for the digital world, but it is not yet available. For digital processes such as an incorporation, you need a qualified electronic signature (QES) today. In Hoop you get it free of charge via DeepID, or you use an existing QES, for example with Mobile ID. As of November 2026.
What is a digital identity?
A digital identity is the set of details that identify a person online beyond doubt: name, date of birth, nationality, address, plus a verified ID document and access that only that person can use. It has two parts: the details themselves and proof that they belong to the person. Today that proof comes from a private service such as DeepID, in future also from the state e-ID.
Do I need the e-ID already?
No. The e-ID Act was approved on 28 September 2025. In June 2026 the Federal Office of Justice postponed the launch for security reasons; there is no fixed start date (SRF). The trust infrastructure is expected to be usable from the first half of 2027. The federal government publishes information on swiyu.admin.ch.
What is what?
| e-ID | DeepID | SwissID | Qualified signature (QES) | Biometric ID | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| What | electronic ID | online identification | login and identity | electronic signature | physical ID card |
| Issued by | Confederation (fedpol), swiyu app | DeepCloud AG | SwissSign AG | recognised providers (e.g. DeepSign with DeepID, or an existing QES with Mobile ID) | Confederation, cantonal passport offices |
| Used for | proving identity online | identification for the QES (free), optional sharing of details for a case | logging in to online services | signing contracts, filings, resolutions | identity, travel |
| Available | not yet, no start date | yes | yes | yes | since 2.11.2026 |
| Legal basis | e-ID Act (BGEID) | ZertES (identification), in the EU eIDAS | private | Art. 14 para. 2bis CO, ZertES; in the EU eIDAS | Identity Documents Act |
How do I sign digitally today?
The qualified electronic signature is equivalent to a handwritten signature (Art. 14 para. 2bis CO). To get one, you identify yourself once, as required by ZertES and, in the EU, by eIDAS. Two ways:
- DeepID (free in Hoop): download the app, scan your passport or ID card, record a short selfie video; DeepCloud checks the details. You then sign with DeepSign.
- Existing QES: if you already have a QES, for example with Mobile ID as second factor, you can use it.
What else is DeepID used for in Hoop?
Besides the QES, DeepID lets you share your personal details for a case, such as name, address, date of birth, nationality and ID copy. Hoop takes them over directly, with no retyping or follow-up questions. This is optional; you can always enter the data manually or upload it. It is used for:
- incorporations, changes and liquidations
- share register and register of beneficial owners: the company must identify and verify its beneficial owners (Art. 7 TJPG)
- debt enforcement requests and debt enforcement register extracts
What changes when the e-ID arrives?
The e-ID will be one more way to prove your identity online. Whether and how it can later be used in Hoop is still open. Until then, all processes work with DeepID or an existing QES, so there is no need to wait.
Is the biometric ID the same as the e-ID?
No. The biometric ID card has been available since 2 November 2026 (FDJP). It remains a physical ID and travel document. The e-ID is electronic proof on your smartphone. For DeepID you can use the new card as well as the previous one.
Frequently asked questions on e-ID, DeepID and QES
Does identification with DeepID cost anything?
In Hoop, DeepID is free for the QES.
Does every person involved need a QES?
Yes, all signatories; Hoop processes only work with a QES.
Can I provide my details without DeepID?
Yes, manually or by upload.
When will the e-ID arrive?
Not yet decided; the federal government mentions the first half of 2027 for the infrastructure.
Next steps with Hoop
With Hoop you incorporate a GmbH or AG online, handle company changes, keep the share register and the register of beneficial owners and file debt enforcement requests. You get the required QES free of charge via DeepID and can share your details directly if you wish. Hoop is a private software provider, not a public authority.
Start a company for businesses · Company changes online with Hoop · Digital share register for GmbH and AG · Debt enforcement request for businesses · Questions on incorporation · eSign and eID security
Legal basis: e-ID Act (BGEID); CO Art. 14 para. 2bis; ZertES; Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 (eIDAS); TJPG Art. 7. As of November 2026.
