Guide
How to get a digital signature as an expat in Spain
To reduce the time it takes to send paperwork to various entities and avoid paying intermediaries, obtain two digital certificates that will simplify your life.
To reduce the time it takes to send paperwork to various entities and avoid paying intermediaries, obtain two digital certificates that will simplify your life.
Citizen Electronic Certificate
Although it is called the Electronic Certificate of Citizenship, all foreigners with a residence permit can obtain it.
Visit the Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre (FNMT) website by clicking here and download two programs to request the certificate: Configurator and AutoFirma. Fill in your details, remember and write down (!) your password to the certificate. You will receive the code by email. Take it to one of the offices of your choice for verification. Some of them don't require an appointment. It takes only a few minutes to verify your identity by showing your card and bringing your passport just in case. Afterward, you will receive an email notification, which allows you to complete the registration and download your certificate!
What can I do with this certificate?
❗️The digital certificate is valid for four years. You can renew it without visiting the office and providing proof of identity 60 days before it expires. If you are late, you will have to go through the whole process again.
Cl@ve
This system is designed to facilitate interaction with different administrations and has different types and corresponding levels of security. Cl@ve PIN is intended for occasional use and works by sending codes to an app on your phone. Permanent Cl@ve is hosted in the cloud and allows for more transactions.
To obtain the basic features of this certificate, submit an application and confirm your identity via a video call. For more extensive features, visit the office. It is also possible to obtain this signature without any issues with the Citizen Electronic Certificate.
What can I do with this certificate?
❗️The Cl@ve PIN certificate is valid for two years, after which you will be asked to change your password. The Permanent Cl@ve expires after four years.
Citizen Electronic Certificate
Although it is called the Electronic Certificate of Citizenship, all foreigners with a residence permit can obtain it.
Visit the Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre (FNMT) website by clicking here and download two programs to request the certificate: Configurator and AutoFirma. Fill in your details, remember and write down (!) your password to the certificate. You will receive the code by email. Take it to one of the offices of your choice for verification. Some of them don't require an appointment. It takes only a few minutes to verify your identity by showing your card and bringing your passport just in case. Afterward, you will receive an email notification, which allows you to complete the registration and download your certificate!
What can I do with this certificate?
- Renew your residence permit and apply for permanent residence.
- Interact with all public authorities online.
- Submit reports to the tax office.
- Access the notification service to learn about all public authorities' concerns regarding your account.
- View information regarding your car, including fines, on the website of your local Vehicle Licensing Office.
❗️The digital certificate is valid for four years. You can renew it without visiting the office and providing proof of identity 60 days before it expires. If you are late, you will have to go through the whole process again.
Cl@ve
This system is designed to facilitate interaction with different administrations and has different types and corresponding levels of security. Cl@ve PIN is intended for occasional use and works by sending codes to an app on your phone. Permanent Cl@ve is hosted in the cloud and allows for more transactions.
To obtain the basic features of this certificate, submit an application and confirm your identity via a video call. For more extensive features, visit the office. It is also possible to obtain this signature without any issues with the Citizen Electronic Certificate.
What can I do with this certificate?
- In addition to tax, social services, and town halls, this certificate provides access to the electronic services of the European Union.
❗️The Cl@ve PIN certificate is valid for two years, after which you will be asked to change your password. The Permanent Cl@ve expires after four years.
