A digital certificate is needed to prove your identity online and to carry out many administrative procedures. This special electronic document works as a kind of signature that lets you obtain documents and certificates remotely.
How do you get this important document? What does the national signature give you? Which services are available to someone who holds a Spanish identification code? A simple guide will help you complete each step quickly and get the certificate faster.
What it is
The Certificado Digital is an online document assigned to a person that certifies their identity. It is linked to your identification number, so the first step is getting an NIE. It is a great help in obtaining official certificates. To deal with the administration you do not need to visit offices or stand in queues, because the applicant can complete every stage online.
The state certification system was created by the FNMT-RCM. After obtaining the signature, you should install the official software used to sign documents. The Certificado Digital is issued for 2 to 4 years, and it can be renewed remotely if necessary.
A digital certificate lets you sign automatically in one click, which makes dealing with administrative bodies easier. You can sign documents online, and the signature is legally binding. Full access to government platforms is not the only benefit. An official electronic document speeds up paperwork with the tax authorities, social services and immigration offices. Holders of the signature can enrol a child at school, apply for benefits, start a business and deal with other important matters.
What it gives you
A digital signature lets you deal with the tasks you need instantly. Online you can:
- apply for citizenship;
- submit documents for recognition of a degree;
- file your income tax return;
- file Modelo 100 and other returns, including the declaration of foreign assets;
- apply for unemployment benefit;
- update or renew your Spanish residence permit;
- obtain certificates of the cadastral value of property;
- request certificates confirming that you have no tax debts or other outstanding obligations;
- send requests to the Ministry of Economy and other public bodies.
With a certificate you will not have to waste time visiting government offices, filling in paperwork and waiting in queues. Renewing residence with the certificate is possible for any type of permit, but each has its own deadlines and document set; they are covered in our overview of grounds for a Spanish residence permit.
How to get it
The certificate is obtained on the website of the Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre (the Spanish Royal Mint) in several stages. The procedure consists of four steps that must be completed in order.
To get it, you need to take the following steps:
- Application. To obtain the certificate you need to fill in an application on the website or in the app. First enter your first name and surname, your identification number, your home address and your email. You also set the key length for the signature.
- Code. After you fill in the first page, a request code is sent to your email; it is needed to verify your identity and to download the issued certificate. It can be used within two days.
- Identity verification. To use the code you must prove your identity at the nearest Oficina de Registro. If necessary, you can go to the tax office for identification. You need to book an appointment in advance at a convenient office.
- Download. Once your identity has been confirmed, you can download the finished certificate. To do this, use the request code: enter your NIE or DNI and the code on the relevant page. When downloading the digital certificate, it is best to make backup copies on an external drive so that you do not lose the signature.
Anyone living in Spain can use this online document. It enables the holder to deal with bureaucratic matters quickly. It shortens the time taken to process applications, makes procedures more transparent and saves time.
Why you need the signature straight after approval: the case of a solo application, where a bank account, autónomo registration and social security follow right after the card.
