Getting a Spanish criminal record certificate for use abroad

Terms used

• Apostille — The apostille is an official stamp that makes a Spanish public document valid in other countries.
• Cita previa — Cita previa is an appointment you must book before visiting a public office.
• DNI — The DNI is the Spanish national identity card for citizens.
• NIE — The NIE is the identification number given to foreigners in Spain.

Key rules

• Age: You must be 18 or older to request the certificate.
• Apostille: For use abroad, the certificate needs an apostille from the Ministry of Justice or its Gerencia Territorial.
• Fee form: You pay with form 790 code 006, and the original receipt goes with in-person or postal applications.
• Translation: A translation is needed only if the receiving country requires one.

What you are getting

The certificado de antecedentes penales is issued by the Ministry of Justice. You must be 18 or older. For use abroad, the certificate alone is usually not enough: it needs an apostille, and sometimes a translation. Do it in that order.

Step 1: Choose how to apply

You have three options:

• Online. Use the Ministry's electronic office with a digital certificate, DNIe or Cl@ve. You receive an electronic certificate with a secure verification code. Keep that code.
• In person. Go to a regional office of the Ministry of Justice (Gerencia Territorial) or a citizen service office. You need an appointment (cita previa).
• By post. Send a signed application.

Step 2: Pay the fee

Pay with form 790 code 006. Online, you can pay by bank transfer or card, and the payment is built into the application. Otherwise, pay at a collaborating bank with the printed form. For in-person and postal applications, attach the original receipt.

The fee was 3.82 euros in 2024 and is updated each year. Check the current amount with the Ministry of Justice before paying.

Step 3: Show who you are

Bring or send your DNI, NIE or passport. If someone else applies for you, they need a power of attorney or a signed authorisation. The documents list below has the full detail.

Step 4: Get the apostille

The apostille is the stamp that makes a Spanish document valid in other countries. Request it from the Ministry of Justice or its Gerencia Territorial, using the certificate you received.

Step 5: Check if you need a translation

Ask the authority abroad that will receive the certificate whether it wants a translation. If it does, order the translation after you have the apostille.

Before you apply

Forms and procedures change, so check them on the Ministry of Justice's website before you start.

Documents you need

• Your DNI, NIE or passport, to prove your identity.

• A power of attorney or signed authorisation, only if someone else applies for you.

• The fee receipt for form 790 code 006. Attach the original if you apply in person or by post; online payment is built into the application.

• The criminal record certificate with an apostille from the Ministry of Justice or its Gerencia Territorial, for use abroad.

• A translation of the certificate, only if the receiving country requires one.

Checklist

• Choose how to apply: online with a digital certificate, DNIe or Cl@ve; in person with an appointment; or by post.

• Gather your DNI, NIE or passport, plus the original fee receipt for in-person or postal applications.

• Submit the application, signed if you apply by post.

• Get the apostille from the Ministry of Justice or its Gerencia Territorial.

• Ask the receiving country whether it needs a translation, and order one if so.

Frequently asked questions

Can someone else request my criminal record certificate for me?

Yes, another person can apply for you if they bring a power of attorney or a signed authorisation. They also need to show their own identity document. The certificate is only for people aged 18 or older.

How much does the criminal record certificate cost?

The fee is a small state charge, about 3.82 euros in 2024, paid with form 790 code 006. Online you pay by bank transfer or card and the receipt is attached automatically. In person or by post, pay at a collaborating bank first and attach the original receipt.

Do I need a translation of the certificate for use abroad?

You need a translation only if the country receiving it requires one. The apostille comes first, from the Ministry of Justice or its regional office (Gerencia Territorial). Ask the receiving authority whether it wants a translation.