Imagine being able to complete all your official transactions in Spain without visiting government offices or standing in long queues, all thanks to the Digital Certificate (Certificado Digital).
In fact, you can achieve this level of efficiency. This essential electronic document is your digital identity that allows you, as an individual or a company, to interact securely and quickly with all official bodies.
Accordingly, in light of the rapid digital transformation, the Digital Certificate is no longer just an option, but a vital necessity for filing taxes, signing contracts, and gaining full access to public services.
Therefore, read on to learn about its types and how to obtain it, and use it to simplify your administrative life in Spain.
What is the Digital Certificate in Spain?
In short, the Digital Certificate (Certificado Digital) is an official electronic document that proves the identity of a person or legal entity when dealing with government or private bodies online.
Specifically, this certificate is used to electronically sign documents, file tax returns, access public services, and it also contributes to protecting transactions from forgery.
Main Types of Digital Certificates in Spain
When discussing digital authentication in Spain, there are two main types of trusted certificates used by individuals and companies in their official and electronic dealings:
First: Digital Certificate Integrated into the ID
Electronic ID Card Certificate (DNI-e): This is a digital certificate embedded directly within the electronic chip of the Spanish National Identity Document (DNI). This certificate serves as a strong personal proof of identity and electronic signature, and it is your main key to accessing the electronic services of the Spanish government authorities.
Second: Certificates from the National Mint and Stamp Factory (FNMT)
FNMT Certificates: These are considered the most comprehensive and diverse certificates, issued by the Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre (FNMT-RCM).
FNMT certificates are not limited to individuals; they cover a wide range of official and technical needs. The most prominent categories include:
- Natural Person Certificates: Designated for individuals (citizens and foreigners) to conduct personal transactions in their name.
- Legal Entities and Bodies Certificates (Companies).
- Website Authentication Certificates (SSL): To ensure the identity and security of websites.
- Electronic Stamp Certificates, Component Certificates, Cloud Service Certificates, and other specialised certificates.
Authorities Responsible for Issuing Digital Certificates
The issuance of Digital Certificates in Spain is entrusted to two main official bodies:
- National Mint and Stamp Factory (FNMT): This is the main source for the most widely used Digital Certificates in Spain (mentioned above). Individuals and companies can apply for the certificate either through the institution's website or through accredited registration offices.
- National Police Corps: This authority is responsible for issuing the Electronic ID Card (DNI-e) itself, and thus is the body that guarantees and oversees the digital certificate embedded within it, in cooperation with other technological institutions. This certificate is the tool you use to log into Spanish e-Government platforms.
How to Obtain the Digital Certificate in Spain
Obtaining the Digital Certificate requires following specific steps that ensure secure identity verification and protection of the certificate after its issuance. Here are the basic steps:
Step 1: Requesting the Digital Certificate
The certificate can be requested through official websites like FNMT or via imigrapro.com as an assisting service. During this stage, you fill out a basic data form, including your name, ID number, and email.
Step 2: Identity Verification
After completing the application, identity verification is mandatory to ensure the accuracy of the data:
- In-Person: Visiting an accredited office to show your ID card (DNI for citizens or TIE for foreigners).
- Video-identification: An option offered by FNMT for some cases, allowing identity verification via a legal online platform.
- Requirements: A secure video connection, availability of original identity documents, and compliance with Spanish laws.
- Legal Platform: FNMT Video-identification
Step 3: Downloading the Digital Certificate
Once identity verification is complete, you will be able to download the Digital Certificate in .CER format or other approved extensions. It is very important to save it securely on your device, as any loss may require re-application.
Step 4: Installation in Browser or Secure Storage
Following the download, the Digital Certificate can be imported into your browser (such as Chrome or Firefox) to facilitate digital signing and access to government services. Another alternative is to store it on a secure device or an encrypted USB for use when needed without the risk of hacking.
Step 5: Identity Requirements
Anyone who holds:
- DNI (National Identity Document) for Spanish citizens.
- TIE (Foreigner's Identity Card) for foreign residents in Spain.
How to Use the Digital Certificate in Spain
Once you obtain the Digital Certificate, you have a powerful tool to simplify your digital life and official dealings in Spain. Here are the most prominent practical uses:
1. Interacting with Electronic Government Services
The Digital Certificate enables you to access a large number of official platforms:
- Sede Agencia Tributaria: Managing taxes and filing tax returns quickly and securely.
- Monitoring Social Security contributions and health services.
- Submitting official applications to public administrations, such as requesting certificates or permits, without the need for paper transactions.
By using the Digital Certificate, you no longer need to wait in long queues or travel to government offices, which saves time and makes procedures more flexible.
2. Electronic Signature
The Digital Certificate is an official tool for electronically signing legal documents:
- Signing contracts and official documents for companies and individuals.
- Legally validating electronic documents with the same legal force as a wet signature.
- Verifying document authenticity and reducing the risk of forgery or tampering.
3. Security and Data Protection
The Digital Certificate ensures a high level of security:
- It protects your personal information and electronic transactions from unauthorised access.
- It ensures a trusted digital identity with government agencies and companies.
In short, the Digital Certificate in Spain transforms every digital interaction into a secure and reliable official procedure, opening the door for you to manage your daily transactions electronically in an efficient and fast manner.
Recent Legal Updates for the Digital Certificate in Spain (2024–2025)
In recent years, Spain has witnessed significant development in the digital identity and signature system, making the Digital Certificate a key element in official dealings for both individuals and companies. These updates aim to enhance legal security, facilitate government services, and align Spanish systems with new European regulations.
- MiDNI App for National Digital ID: The government has launched the MiDNI application, which grants citizens their digital ID via their phone. A full digital signature feature is expected to be added in 2026 to simplify official, paperless transactions.
- European Digital Identity Regulation (eIDAS2): The eIDAS2 regulation contributes to standardising digital signatures and identity mechanisms within the European Union, which enhances mutual trust and allows the use of the Spanish digital identity across EU countries.
- Mandatory Electronic Signature for Real Estate Appraisal Reports: Under Order ECM/599/2025, the electronic signature became a legal requirement for issuing real estate appraisal reports to ensure transparency and document integrity.
- Adoption of Digital Signature for Certified Translations: According to AUC/213/2025, certified translators can now electronically sign certified translations using a qualified Digital Certificate, eliminating the need for traditional printing or stamps.
Digital Certificate Validity and Renewal
The Digital Certificate in Spain has a specific validity period, and attention must be paid to renewing it to ensure continued ability to use it in official transactions:
FNMT Certificates
- Validity Period: 4 years.
- Renewal Possibility: The certificate can be renewed online only within 60 days before its expiry date.
Certificates within the Electronic DNI (“DNIe”)
- Validity Period: Relatively short, typically two years after some updates, even if the physical DNI card is valid for a longer period.
- This makes it important to check the certificate's validity periodically.
Procedures and Options When the Digital Certificate Expires
The stage after the Digital Certificate expires is the most difficult, as automatic online renewal stops, and the certificate becomes invalid for conducting any official transactions.
- Preventive Measures and Verification: It is highly recommended to check the expiration date before conducting any important digital transactions to avoid document rejection. To ensure continuous use of the certificate, it must be renewed online within the available time window, which is usually the last 60 days before the expiration date.
- Renewing the Digital Certificate After it's Too Late: If the Digital Certificate has expired or been revoked, the possibility of online renewal is lost, and you must take the following personal steps:
- Repeat the Original Issuance Process: You must repeat the entire original issuance process. This means the procedure becomes equivalent to obtaining a new certificate, not just a renewal.
- Mandatory Personal Presence: This procedure requires personal presence at an identity accreditation office (Oficina de acreditación de identidad) to re-verify your identity.
Note: If the certificate has expired, renewal will not be possible online at all. Re-application will be necessary to obtain a new certificate.
Tip: Always check your certificate's validity before any official dealings to avoid rejection of documents or digital transactions.
Security and Privacy of Digital Certificates
Despite their importance, Digital Certificates are a powerful tool for completing official transactions electronically, yet it is essential to handle them with caution to ensure security and privacy:
First: Legal Protection
In this regard, Spanish laws regulate the use of Digital Certificates through the Organic Law on Data Protection and Guarantee of Digital Rights (Ley Orgánica de Protección de Datos y Garantía de los Derechos Digitales). This law ensures the confidentiality of information and the protection of personal data when using Digital Certificates.
Second: Potential Risks
- Certificate Expiration: Leads to the rejection of signatures and official transactions.
- Theft of the Private Key or Certificate: May enable a hacker to sign in your name or access your personal information.
- Dealing with Untrusted Documents: May lead to data leakage or loss of legal security for the documents.
Tips for Protecting the Digital Certificate
- Secure Storage: Avoid storing it on public or unprotected devices.
- Backup: Keep a secure copy on encrypted media or reliable cloud storage.
- Use Strong Passwords: Ensure password complexity and change it periodically.
- Store Certificates in Protected Units: Such as DNIe cards or encrypted USB drives.
Tip: Maintaining the digital security of the certificate is the foundation for successful and reliable use in all official online transactions.
The Benefits and Challenges of Using Digital Certificates in Spain
Benefits
- Accelerating Official Transactions: Ability to conduct government and administrative transactions electronically without the need to go to offices, saving time and effort.
- Reducing Bureaucracy: Replacing traditional papers and documents with legally recognised digital signatures.
- Remote Signing Capability: Allows signing contracts, reports, or legal documents from anywhere, including real estate appraisals and certified translations.
- Easy Access to Digital Government Services: Accessing taxes, social security, or any public administration electronically with ease and security.
Challenges
- Personal Verification Requirements: Some certificates require personal presence or complex verification steps to obtain the Digital Certificate for the first time.
- Certificate Renewal: The certificate's validity must be tracked and renewed in a timely manner, or it will stop working.
- Costs: There may be minor fees for issuing or renewing some types of certificates, such as FNMT certificates.
- User Understanding of How to Use It: The average user needs to understand the correct procedures for saving the certificate, using the electronic signature, and dealing with digital services securely.
Tip: Nevertheless, the benefits outweigh the challenges if the correct procedures are adhered to and the digital security of the certificate is maintained.
A Future Guide to the Digital Certificate in Spain
With the continuous expansion of digital services, the Digital Certificate is expected to become a central tool for all official transactions in the coming years:
What is Expected in the Future:
- Full Expansion of the MiDNI app for national digital identity, including all digital signature features.
- Adoption of the digital signature in all official government and legal transactions, including contracts, reports, and official documents.
- Enhancing integration with the European Digital Identity System (eIDAS2) to facilitate transactions across European countries.
How Citizens Can Prepare:
- Early Registration to obtain the Digital Certificate or the MiDNI app to ensure the ability to use them as soon as new services become available.
- Monitoring certificate expiration dates and renewing them in a timely manner to avoid any interruption in their use.
- Using official and accredited platforms to conduct transactions, and ensuring digital security when saving the certificate and electronic signing.
Tip: Early preparation and adherence to correct procedures make the Digital Certificate an effective tool for simplifying your administrative and legal life in the future.
In the end, it is clear that the Digital Certificate is more than just an electronic file; it is a direct investment in your time and convenience in Spain. It has become an indispensable bridge for accomplishing everything, from taxes to signing legal contracts, reinforced by the latest laws.
Do not postpone the step of digitally empowering yourself.
- If you don't have it yet: Hurry up and apply now! to enjoy the flexibility of completing your transactions from anywhere.
- If you already have it: Check its expiry date immediately and renew it to avoid any interruption in your official services.
Leverage the digital transformation to turn your administrative dealings from a burden into a smooth and efficient experience!
(FAQ)
What is the difference between the Digital Certificate and DNIe?
- Digital Certificate: An electronic file you can use on any device to access government services and digitally sign documents.
- DNIe (Electronic ID Card): A physical ID card containing an embedded digital certificate, which can be used for signing and accessing digital services directly from the card.
How long does the application process take?
- The application for the FNMT Digital Certificate usually takes a few days after personal verification. Generally, depending on the type of certificate and the application method (online or in-person), the process may take from two days to two weeks.
Can foreign residents (with NIE or TIE) obtain the certificate?
- Yes, holders of NIE or TIE can apply for the Digital Certificate after submitting the required documents and personal verification.
What should I do if the certificate expires?
- Check the expiration date regularly. Renew the certificate electronically 60 days before expiration (for FNMT certificates). If it has expired, you may need to reapply for a new certificate to ensure its continued use.
Does the electronic signature have the same legal force as a written signature?
- Yes, a legally recognised electronic signature has the same legal force as a handwritten signature and is used in contracts, reports, and official transactions.