How to Get a Digital Certificate in Spain: Everything You Need to Know

As a language assistant who lives in Spain, dealing with the Spanish bureaucracy can be hectic when it comes to the paperwork. I, for one, had so many appointments I had to attend to in person, my first two weeks here, while looking for housing simultaneously. Luckily, however, if I do choose to renew my visa here, things will be less complicated since I have my Spanish digital certificate. What is a Spanish digital certificate, you may ask? A Spanish digital certificate is just a certificate that allows you to identify yourself online so that you can complete official tasks for your residency in Spain without having to go to in-person appointments.

Sounds neat, right?

Well, if you're wondering how to get a Spanish digital certificate as I did, keep reading! This post explains in detail what a Spanish digital certificate is, why you need it, and how to get it step by step.

What Is a Spanish Digital Certificate?

A Spanish digital certificate is your virtual ID in Spain. It informs the Spanish government of your identity whenever you access a website operated by them.

The Spanish digital certificate is also issued by the Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre (FNMT), the official institution in Spain responsible for digital identification.

By getting a Spanish digital certificate, you'll be able to:

• Log in to websites operated by the Spanish government
• Sign documents electronically
• Submit forms securely online
• Avoid in-person appointments

So, in other words, your Spanish digital certificate is essentially your digital signature in Spain,

Why You Need a Spanish Digital Certificate in Spain

You need a Spanish digital certificate if you live in Spain because it makes your life here 10x easier. Many Spanish government offices actually encourage you to get it and expect you to use it. 

With a Spanish digital certificate, you can:

• Access Social Security in Spain (not applicable to auxes)
• Handle the Hacienda (not applicable to auxes)
• Download certificates and other official documents
• Empadronarse (registering your address with the Spanish government)
• Manage your residency and other legal paperwork (includes your TIE)
• Get Cl@ve

So, if you're a language assistant right now and you're planning to renew for next year, not having a digital certificate will make renewing 10x harder for you, since you'll be forced to visit a lot of Spanish government offices in person, where they'll require you to have an appointment.

Who Can Get a Spanish Digital Certificate?

You are eligible to receive a Spanish digital certificate in Spain if you have:

• An NIE (an identity number for foreigners) or DNI (an identity number for Spanish citizens) number
• Legal presence in Spain (so if you're an aux, you'll need your physical TIE)
• A valid email address

What You Need Before You Apply 

Here is what you will need to apply for your digital certificate in Spain as a language assistant:

• A valid NIE and TIE 
• A working email address (This is how they will notify you that your digital certificate is ready to be downloaded.)
• Access to a personal computer
• A supported browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)

It is also essential to remember that you will need to use the same computer and browser throughout the entire application process.

How to Get a Spanish Digital Certificate Step by Step

Step 1: Get Your Personal Computer Ready

Before you apply, make sure to:

• Clear the browser cache on whatever browser you plan to use
• Use the same computer throughout the entire application process
• Disable any ad blockers on your browser if you have any
• Update your browser if it's out of date
• Make sure to avoid private or incognito mode when you open a tab

Step 2: Apply Online Through FNMT

Go to the FNMT website and click on "Sede Electronica" on the top menu, then "Private Individual" on the side menu, and "Certificate with in-person accreditation". (You will need to translate the web page from Spanish to English so that you can understand everything properly.)

Once that is done, you will see a page like this:

Click on "Pre-configuration".

Scroll down to where it says "Software required to apply for the certificate" and click on "FNMT Configurator Download Area" to download the certificate.

You should see something like this:

After this, head to Step 2 of the application process, "Request Certificate". The page will look like this:

This is where you will enter your email address, name, and NIE. Once you have submitted your personal details, you will be asked to set up a password.

DO NOT FORGET THIS PASSWORD.

If you do forget it, you will have to start the application process all over again since you won't be able to download the certificate without it. A code for your application will also be sent to the email address you entered as well.

Step 3: Verify Your Identity in Person

Now for Step 3, all that's left to do is to verify your identity in person at an Identity Verification Office.

Here is what you will need before you go to an Identity Verification Office:

• The application code that was sent to your email address
• Your TIE 
• Your Passport

You may also be wondering, however, which Identity Verification Office in Madrid is the best one to visit?

And the answer to this is...

The one that's closest to you using the office locator! In fact, as long as it says "Natural Person" or "Persona Fisica" on the map, you should be fine. 

Keep in mind, though, you may be required to make an appointment to visit an Identity Verification Office. The one that I went to, however, did not require appointments, so I just walked in when the office was open.

My Spanish was still a work in progress, though, so I had to use a translator the whole time, but I was in and out of there pretty quickly.

They also told me I would get an email when my digital certificate is ready to be downloaded. 

Step 4: Download Your Spanish Digital Certificate

Lastly, this will be the page you will go to download your digital certificate:

Once you get that email confirmation that your certificate is ready, enter all your details on this page. Make sure you're also using the same computer and browser as last time.

Then, click "Download Certificate". Once it is downloaded, it will automatically be in your browser.

How to Use Your Spanish Digital Certificate

Now that you have your Spanish digital certificate, you can use it to:

• Get Cl@ve
• Log in to websites operated by the Spanish government
• Submit official applications (like for your TIE renewal)
• Download official paperwork like your Volante after registering your address

How Long Is a Spanish Digital Certificate Valid?

The Spanish digital certificate is valid for 4 years. You can also renew it online before it expires, as long as you still have access to the old certificate.

Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

Here are some common mistakes people make when they're trying to get their Spanish digital certificate:

• Switching computers during the application process
• Using incognito mode to apply for the digital certificate
• Entering their NIE incorrectly in the application
• Missing the deadline to download their certificate

The best way to avoid these mistakes, in my opinion, is to bookmark this post as you go through the entire process. :)

Tips for Auxes Applying for a Spanish Digital Certificate

Here are some tips for language assistants in Spain who are applying for their digital certificate:

1. Make sure you enter your NIE exactly as it's shown on your visa
2. Spanish government websites are going to be in Spanish, obviously, so always use a translator.
3. Make sure you get to the Identity Verification Office early if you don't have an appointment
4. Ask for help if you're still confused

At the end of the day, the Spanish digital certificate is worth all of the stress.

FAQs About the Spanish Digital Certificate

• Is a Spanish digital certificate mandatory?
  • No, it's not mandatory, but it does make renewing your TIE 10x easier if you plan on renewing as a language assistant.
• Can I apply without a padrón?
  • If you can get your TIE without a padron then it's possible. The TIE is just the most important thing.
• Can I get a Spanish digital certificate outside of Spain?
  • This is extremely difficult to do because you will need to verify your identity in person.
• Is it safe to use?
  • Yes, the Spanish digital certificate is completely safe to use.