Digital ID (Cl@ve) and certificates

It is for anyone thinking about, planning or carrying out a move to Spain. You will know which digital ID you need, how to get it and how to keep it working.

Start with "The digital ID options in Spain and what each one does". It explains the choices in plain terms, so the later steps make sense.

Key rules

• Certificate cost: The FNMT personal software certificate is free of charge.
• TIE and certificates: The TIE (foreign resident ID card) has a chip but carries no usable electronic certificate for authentication or signing; if you need a digital certificate, obtain the FNMT Certificado de Persona Física or use Cl@ve instead.
• Certificate validity: The FNMT personal software certificate is valid for 4 years from the date of issue.
• Download window: You have 90 days after your request to download the certificate, using the same computer, user profile and browser you requested it with.
• Renewal window: You can renew online only in the last 60 days before the certificate expires; after that you repeat the full process with in-person identity verification.
• TIE: Your TIE cannot act as a digital certificate, so use Cl@ve or get the FNMT certificate.

Digital ID (Cl@ve) and certificates: the whole process, step by step

• Get your NIE (see the Cl@ve with only an NIE and passport article if you have no TIE yet): First step, often together with a visa or residence application

• Register your address at the town hall (empadronamiento): After the NIE; the padrón certificate is often needed for the TIE appointment, though not strictly for Cl@ve

• Apply for and collect your TIE (non-EU residents; EU citizens get a registration certificate instead): Fingerprints within one month of arrival

• Register for Cl@ve with your TIE or NIE (Registering for your online login (Cl@ve) as a foreigner): After the TIE, since most online channels accept it

• Request the FNMT certificate online and verify your identity in person (Getting your electronic certificate step by step): Any time once you have your NIE

• Download and install the certificate on the same computer, user profile and browser: Within 90 days after your request

• Renew the certificate online (Renewing, backing up and cancelling your digital certificate): Only in the last 60 days before it expires; it is valid for 4 years.

• Keep Cl@ve Permanente active: No fixed expiry, but use it regularly and confirm your registration if asked (Regaining access to your online login (Cl@ve))

Documents you may need

Identity and residence

• Valid passport — Getting your online login (Cl@ve) with only an NIE and passport, Getting your electronic certificate (certificado digital) step by step
• Original TIE — Getting your electronic certificate (certificado digital) step by step

Other documents

• Application code you receive by email after your online request — Getting your electronic certificate (certificado digital) step by step
• Your current FNMT certificate — Renewing, backing up and cancelling your digital certificate
• The registration form — Should you give your gestor your login (Cl@ve) or certificate?
• The proof of registration you receive after validation — Should you give your gestor your login (Cl@ve) or certificate?
• Print your certificate application confirmation if you can — Registering for your online login (Cl@ve) as a foreigner
• FNMT Certificado de Persona Física — The digital ID options in Spain and what each one does
• Electronic certificate — Do you need an online login (Cl@ve), a certificate or both?

Each article lists the other documents it asks for, where you need them.

Digital ID (Cl@ve) and certificates: questions that cross several articles

Can Cl@ve replace the certificate completely?

No, Cl@ve cannot replace the certificate in every case, because it mainly handles login. It covers tax, Seguridad Social, traffic and your citizen folder. You still need the certificate with Autofirma to sign documents, act for another person or company, and for some registry and court filings.

Do I need Autofirma if I only use Cl@ve?

No, you do not need Autofirma if you only log in with Cl@ve, because plain Cl@ve login does not use it. Autofirma is a free desktop app for signing with a certificate. If a form asks you to sign with a certificate, see "Why your digital certificate does not work in your browser".

Which Cl@ve method should I set up?

Cl@ve Permanente (username and password plus a one-time code) and the Cl@ve app are the main methods to choose from. See The digital ID options in Spain and what each one does.

How can I register for Cl@ve as a foreigner?

You can register online with a certificate or video identification, in person at a registration office, or through an app route. A letter with an activation code is available if you have a NIE and have filed a Renta return. Read "Registering for your online login (Cl@ve) as a foreigner" and, if you only have an NIE, "Getting your online login (Cl@ve) with only an NIE and passport".

Is every service open to both Cl@ve and the certificate?

No, the main services accept both, but some actions need the certificate. Tax, Seguridad Social, traffic and your citizen folder accept both, while some actions, especially for representatives or companies, need the certificate. See "What you can do online with a login (Cl@ve) or certificate", and "Should you give your gestor your login (Cl@ve) or certificate?" if an adviser acts for you.