Digital Certificate in Spain: What It Is, What It’s Used For and How to Obtain It

Digital Certificate in Spain: What It Is, What It’s Used For and How to Obtain It

The Digital Certificate in Spain is one of the most important tools for anyone who needs to deal with Spanish public authorities in a practical, secure and fully online way.

Whether you live in Spain, own property, manage taxes, or simply need to access official services remotely, the digital certificate allows you to complete procedures without queues, without unnecessary appointments and with full legal validity.

In this article, you will learn what the digital certificate is, what it is used for, who can apply for it and how to obtain it correctly, even if you are not a resident in Spain.

🔐 What Is the Digital Certificate in Spain?

The digital certificate is an official electronic identification that allows you to prove your identity online before Spanish public administrations and authorised entities.

It works as your electronic ID and enables you to:

• Access public administration platforms

• Sign documents electronically

• Carry out legal and administrative procedures online

In Spain, the most commonly used certificate for individuals is issued by the Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre (FNMT).

💻 What Is the Digital Certificate Used For?

With a valid digital certificate, you can carry out many essential procedures online, safely and efficiently.

Some of the most common uses include:

• 📄 Filing and consulting tax returns with Hacienda

• 🏦 Managing procedures with Social Security

• 🏠 Handling property-related matters

• 📝 Signing documents and authorisations electronically

• 📬 Receiving official electronic notifications

• 🧾 Requesting certificates and official records

• 🌍 Completing immigration or residency-related procedures

For both residents and non-residents, the digital certificate simplifies daily administrative life in Spain.

🌍 Who Can Apply for a Digital Certificate in Spain?

One of the main advantages of the digital certificate is that you do not need to be a resident in Spain to apply.

The essential requirement is having a NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) — even if it is a non-resident NIE.

This makes the digital certificate ideal for:

• Non-residents with property in Spain

• Investors and business owners

• Foreign citizens with bank accounts in Spain

• Anyone with legal, tax or administrative interests in the country

📋 Basic Requirements

To obtain a digital certificate, you generally need:

• ✅ A valid NIE

• ✅ A valid passport or ID

• ✅ An email address

• ✅ A computer or mobile device

• ✅ Completion of the official identity verification process

- How to Obtain the Digital Certificate in Spain (Step by Step)

The process consists of three main steps:

1️⃣ Online Application

The first step is to submit the application online through the FNMT platform.

You can apply:

• Via the official FNMT website

• Or through the official FNMT mobile application

🔗 Official FNMT website:
https://www.sede.fnmt.gob.es/certificados/persona-fisica

📱 Official FNMT mobile app:
https://www.sede.fnmt.gob.es/certificados/obtener-certificado-digital/app-fnmt

2️⃣ Identity Verification (Very Important)

Identity verification is mandatory.

• 🔹 Foreign citizens must complete this step in person at an authorised verification office.

• 🔹 Spanish nationals may complete identity verification either in person or via video identification.

For foreigners, in-person verification is compulsory and cannot be replaced by video identification.

🔗 Official list of authorised FNMT offices:
https://www.sede.fnmt.gob.es/certificados/persona-fisica/obtener-certificado-digital/obtener-certificado-con-acreditacion-presencial

3️⃣ Download and Installation

Once your identity has been verified, you can:

• Download the digital certificate

• Install it on your computer or mobile device

• Start using it immediately

⭐ Benefits of Having a Digital Certificate

Having a digital certificate offers significant advantages:

• ⏱ Saves time and avoids unnecessary appointments

• 🔒 Provides secure access to official services

• 🖊 Allows legally valid electronic signatures

• 🌐 Enables full access to Spain’s electronic administration

• 📲 Makes managing your affairs in Spain much easier

For many people, it becomes an indispensable tool.

📍 Digital Certificate on the Costa del Sol

In areas such as Marbella, Estepona, Manilva and Casares Costa, demand for digital certificates continues to grow, especially among foreign residents and non-residents.

Professional assistance ensures the process is completed correctly, safely and without delays.

🤝 How We Help You Obtain Your Digital Certificate

At Marbella EU Residency Services, we assist you throughout the entire process, including:

• ✔ Reviewing your requirements

• ✔ Assignment of a NIE (a mandatory requirement)

• ✔ Preparing and submitting the online application

• ✔ Coordinating the identity verification step

• ✔ Accompanying you to the mandatory in-person appointment

We provide clear and personalised assistance in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

📞 Get Your Digital Certificate with Professional Support

If you need a digital certificate in Spain and want to obtain it safely, correctly and without complications, we will be pleased to assist you.

📍 Costa del Sol
🌍 Marbella · Estepona · Manilva · Casares Costa

Contact us today and let us handle the process for you.