Not all providers are equal for signing an INPI formality. The market has about ten major players, but only a handful actually offer eIDAS qualified signature in the strict sense — the one required by the Guichet Unique. This article reviews the 5 major French players in 2026, with their pricing model, user journey and limits.
Comparison methodology
Criteria evaluated for each provider:
- Presence on the EU Trust List as a qualified provider for eSignature.
- Signature level applied (qualified / advanced / simple).
- Pricing for 1 unit signature and for 10 signatures/month.
- Identity journey (ANSSI-certified PVID or not).
- Time to obtain.
- Acceptance by INPI Guichet Unique.
- Target (individual, SME, mid-market, large account).
1. Universign (Cryptolog International / Signaturit Group)
Universign, operated by Cryptolog International (Signaturit Group), is one of the oldest French qualified signature providers. Listed continuously on the EU Trust List since 2016. It's the technical provider behind SignerSynthèse.fr, AR24 (partial white-label), and many sectoral players (banking, insurance, real estate).
Universign pricing
- Direct API: from €80 ex. VAT/month for 10 qualified signatures/month (annual contract).
- Via SignerSynthèse.fr (white-label): €29 ex. VAT per signature pay-as-you-go, no subscription.
- Via AR24: 5-packs at €99 ex. VAT (~€20 ex. VAT per signature).
User journey
Identity verification ANSSI-certified PVID: front/back photo of an official ID (national ID card, passport, residence permit) + selfie + SMS code. Duration: 2 to 5 minutes.
Strengths
- Long-standing presence on the EU Trust List.
- Fast, reliable PVID journey.
- 100% acceptance by the INPI Guichet Unique.
- Available in white-label (SignerSynthèse.fr) for pay-as-you-go without subscription.
Limits
- Direct access (without white-label) expensive for individuals (€80/month minimum).
- Technical API documentation, not consumer-friendly.
For whom
Ideal for any one-off INPI need via SignerSynthèse.fr. For industrial volumes, direct API contract.
2. Yousign
Yousign is one of the French electronic signature leaders, based in Caen. Listed on the EU Trust List for qualified signatures via partnership with a qualified TSP.
Yousign pricing
- Free plan: 5 signatures/month at simple level only. Rejected by INPI.
- Pro plan: from €25 ex. VAT/month (€300 ex. VAT/year), advanced level only. Rejected by INPI.
- Pro+ plan: €360 to €600 ex. VAT/year minimum, qualified signature available with €5 to €12 surcharge per qualified signature.
User journey
Modern web interface, multi-signer, send-and-validate workflow. PVID identity verification as a paid option.
Strengths
- Excellent UX for multi-signer signature.
- Professional workflow (automatic reminders, signing order).
- Solid integration API.
- French support.
Limits
- Qualified is not available in basic plans — Pro+ minimum required.
- Entry cost for qualified: €360 ex. VAT/year minimum.
- For 1 one-off INPI signature, totally disproportionate.
For whom
Accounting firms, lawyers, SMEs signing 10+ documents/month and needing multi-signer workflow.
3. DocuSign
DocuSign is the historical worldwide player, US-based. Presence in France via subsidiary, listed on the EU Trust List for qualified signatures via European partnerships.
DocuSign pricing
- Personal: €9 ex. VAT/month, 5 sends/month at simple level. Rejected by INPI.
- Standard: €38 ex. VAT/month (€456 ex. VAT/year), simple/advanced level. Rejected by INPI.
- Business Pro: €52 ex. VAT/month (€624 ex. VAT/year), qualified signature available with limited quota.
- Enterprise: quote-based, from €1,500 ex. VAT/month.
User journey
Robust platform, advanced CRM integrations (Salesforce, HubSpot, etc.). Advanced identity verification available. French interface, European support.
Strengths
- Mature, feature-rich interface.
- API and CRM integrations.
- Complex workflows possible (clauses, integrated payment).
Limits
- Very expensive for the qualified level (€624/year minimum).
- US subsidiary — GDPR questions for some sensitive sectors (Cloud Act).
- No pay-as-you-go pricing.
For whom
Large international companies, sales teams with massive use and multi-country workflows.
4. AR24 (Docaposte / La Poste Group)
AR24 is a subsidiary of Docaposte, the digital arm of La Poste Group. Specialised in registered electronic mail and qualified signature. Listed on the EU Trust List.
AR24 pricing
- 5-signature pack: €99 ex. VAT (~€20 ex. VAT per signature).
- 10-signature pack: €179 ex. VAT (~€18 ex. VAT per signature).
- 25-signature pack: €399 ex. VAT (~€16 ex. VAT per signature).
- 50-signature pack: €749 ex. VAT (~€15 ex. VAT per signature).
Packs expire after 12 months.
User journey
Identity verification by photo + selfie + SMS, journey similar to Universign. Web interface. No mandatory subscription — it's a prepaid pack.
Strengths
- Prepaid model with no subscription (rare on the market).
- Attractive bulk pricing from 10 signatures.
- Backed by La Poste (trust image).
- 100% INPI acceptance.
Limits
- For 1 signature only, the 5-pack (€99 ex. VAT) is a bad deal (you pay 4 unused signatures).
- Less modern interface than Yousign or DocuSign.
- Unused signatures after 12 months are lost.
For whom
Someone who knows in advance they will sign at least 5 formalities in the year (notaries, lawyers, real estate agents).
5. Certigna (Tessi)
Certigna, subsidiary of Tessi Group, is a historical French Certification Authority. Listed on the EU Trust List. Specialised in physical-support certificates (USB tokens, smart cards).
Certigna pricing
- Qualified certificate on USB token: €100 to €250 ex. VAT for 1 to 3 years validity.
- Identity verification: face-to-face at a Certigna office or by notary.
User journey
Online request, physical identity verification, USB token delivery by secure courier. Total time: 1 to 4 weeks. The certificate is then used to sign via Adobe Acrobat Pro or a client software (FileSignerXP, Citizen Portal).
Strengths
- Persistent physical certificate — durable and personal.
- Accepted by all European administrations.
- No subscription, one-time purchase.
Limits
- Time to obtain: 1 to 4 weeks.
- Client software to install.
- Capricious browser compatibility.
- High cost for 1-2 signatures per year.
For whom
Accountants, lawyers, industrial directors who sign regularly and want a tool independent of SaaS platforms.
Summary table
| Provider | Model | Price/qualified signature | EU Trust List | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SignerSynthèse.fr (Universign) | Pay-as-you-go | €29 ex. VAT | ✅ | 2-5 min |
| AR24 (5-pack) | Annual pack | ~€20 ex. VAT | ✅ | 5-10 min |
| Universign direct API | Subscription | ~€8-15 ex. VAT (from €80/mo) | ✅ | 2-5 min |
| Yousign Pro+ | Sub. + €/sig | €5-12 ex. VAT (+ €360/yr min.) | ✅ | 5-10 min |
| DocuSign Business Pro | Subscription | €624/yr min. | ✅ | 5-10 min |
| Certigna (USB) | 1-3 year purchase | €100-250 ex. VAT upfront | ✅ | 1-4 weeks |
Recommended for 1 INPI formality: €29 ex. VAT, 2 minutes.
eIDAS qualified electronic signature via Universign (EU Trust List), 100% accepted by the INPI Guichet Unique.
Sign my summary →Recommendations by profile
Profile 1: SME director, 1-3 formalities/year
SignerSynthèse.fr (Universign white-label). €29 ex. VAT pay-as-you-go, no subscription, 100% accepted by INPI. Total annual cost stays below €100 even for 3 formalities, vs €300 minimum at Yousign Pro+.
Profile 2: Accountant, 5-10 formalities/month
AR24 25 or 50-pack (~€15-16 ex. VAT/signature) or Yousign Pro+ (~€12 ex. VAT/signature beyond 50/year). Choice depends on interface preference and need for multi-signer workflow.
Profile 3: Large structure, 50+ formalities/month
Universign direct API with negotiated annual contract, or DocuSign Enterprise on quote. Volume pricing around €5-10 ex. VAT/signature depending on commitment.
Profile 4: SaaS independence
Certigna with USB token 1 to 3 years. More expensive upfront but no platform dependency, signature applicable to any document type (not just INPI).
FAQ
Why does Universign appear several times (direct, AR24, SignerSynthèse)?
Universign is a B2B technical provider selling its service in white-label to several resellers. The signature engine is identical across the 3; what differs is the user interface, pricing and target. SignerSynthèse.fr is the white-label optimised for one-off INPI formalities.
Are all EU Trust List providers equivalent?
Cryptographically yes. In practice, identity journeys differ (some require a physical visit, others don't) and pricing varies considerably.
Can I sign with a German or Spanish provider?
Yes. The eIDAS regulation requires mutual recognition of qualified signatures across the EU. A signature from a German provider listed on the EU Trust List will be accepted by INPI. But in practice, a French-language identity journey makes things easier.
Does INPI prefer a specific provider?
No. The Guichet Unique checks the technical compliance of the signature, not the provider's identity. No official preference.
What happens if my provider loses qualified accreditation?
Very rare in France (ANSSI controls are strict). In case of withdrawal, signatures already issued remain valid; only new ones cannot be produced. Periodically check status on the EU Trust List.
Conclusion
The French market for qualified signature for INPI counts about ten players, but few are well suited to a director signing 1-3 formalities per year. For this profile — which represents the vast majority of users —, SignerSynthèse.fr (Universign white-label) at €29 ex. VAT pay-as-you-go remains unbeatable. For recurring use, AR24 or Yousign Pro+ become competitive beyond 5-10 signatures/month.
Avoid the traps: don't subscribe to Yousign Pro at €300/year for a single signature, and don't believe that an Adobe or DocuSign Standard advanced signature is enough for INPI — it will be rejected.