Getting your electronic certificate (certificado digital) step by step

Key rules

• Cost: The FNMT personal software certificate is free of charge.
• Download window: You have 90 days after your request to download the certificate.
• Same browser: Download with the same computer, user profile and browser you requested with, or you must start again.
• In-person check: First-time foreign applicants usually have to verify their identity at an accreditation office.
• Backup: After installing, save a .pfx backup copy of the certificate.

The three stages

The certificate is free of charge. You get it in three stages, in this order: request it online, verify your identity, then download it in the same browser you used for the request.

Stage 1: request online

Go to the FNMT website and ask for the personal certificate (Certificado de Persona Física). Enter your NIF/NIE, your first surname and your email. You then receive an application code by email. Keep it, because you need it twice: at the office and at the download.

Use the computer, user profile and browser you plan to keep using. The request stores a private key there, and you need it later.

Stage 2: verify your identity

You prove who you are in person at an accreditation office. These include Agencia Tributaria offices, Social Security offices, many town halls, police stations that issue DNIs and passports, and some consulates abroad. The FNMT website has an office locator by postcode. Most offices ask for a cita previa, which you book on the office's website or by phone. Which offices take part, and whether they need an appointment, varies by area.

Bring the application code from your email and your original documents. The documents box below lists exactly what to take. Bring both your TIE or registration certificate and your passport. Some offices accept the paper NIE only, and others do not.

Remote verification is mostly not available to first-time foreign applicants. If you already have an electronic DNI or a still-valid certificate, you may be able to use it instead. Remote options have been expanding, so check the FNMT website for what is offered now.

Stage 3: download

After the office confirms your identity, download the certificate with the same code, NIF and surname. Do it on the same computer, user profile and browser as the request. You have 90 days after your request to do this.

You can download it only once. If you change browser or format the computer first, you must start again from stage 1.

Once it is installed, make a backup copy in .pfx format and store it somewhere safe. The certificate is valid for 4 years.

Watch for

• Do not change browser, profile or computer between the request and the download.
• Book the appointment soon after you request, so you do not run out of the 90 days.
• The free certificate is the software one. Other FNMT products, such as a physical card, may carry a fee.

The timeline, documents, checklist and questions below cover the details.

Timeline and deadlines

• Request the certificate online and receive your application code by email: start of the process; your 90-day download window begins now (earliest on application date)

• Verify your identity at an accreditation office: after the request and within 90 days (latest 90 days after application date)

Documents you need

• Application code you receive by email after your online request

• Original TIE, or the green EU citizen registration certificate together with your NIE certificate

• Valid passport or EU national ID. Many offices accept the NIE paper alone only when shown with your passport, so bring both

• Printed application confirmation: helpful, but not usually required

Checklist

• Request the certificate online on the FNMT website with your NIF/NIE, first surname and email

• Keep the application code that arrives by email

• Find an accreditation office with the FNMT office locator and book a cita previa

• Use your electronic DNI or a still-valid certificate for remote verification if you have one

• Make a backup copy (.pfx) of the certificate after installing it

Frequently asked questions

Can I verify my identity online instead of going to an office?

Usually not for a first request as a foreigner. If you hold an electronic DNI or a still-valid FNMT certificate, you can use it instead. Foreigners without a TIE generally still need to attend in person.

Where can I verify my identity, and do I need an appointment?

Tax agency offices, Social Security offices, many town halls, police stations that issue IDs and some consulates abroad do it. Most need a prior appointment (cita previa). Use the office locator on the FNMT website to find one by postcode.

What if I change browser or format my computer before downloading?

You must start the request again. The private key is stored in the browser you used, and the certificate can only be downloaded once from the FNMT site.

Do I need to print my application confirmation?

It helps but is not usually required. The application code from your email and your original documents are what the office needs.