Why Digital Certificates Matter in 2026

Spain has been steadily moving its government services online for years, and in 2026 the shift is essentially complete. Immigration applications, tax filings, Social Security inquiries, healthcare portal access, and official document requests are now handled through digital platforms. Without a digital certificate or Cl@ve access, you are locked out of the system.

This is not optional. If you want to check the status of your residency application, file your annual tax return, download your Social Security employment history, or even schedule certain government appointments, you need digital access. Setting this up early — ideally within your first two weeks in Spain — saves enormous frustration later.

The Three Types of Digital Access

Spain offers three main methods for authenticating with government digital services. Each has different capabilities and use cases.

1. Cl@ve PIN (Temporary Access)

Cl@ve PIN provides a one-time-use code sent to your mobile phone each time you need to access a government portal. It is the simplest option and suitable for occasional use.

Best for: People who rarely interact with government portals and just need occasional access.

Limitations: You need to request a new PIN code each time. It expires quickly (typically within minutes). Not all government procedures accept Cl@ve PIN — some require a higher level of authentication.

2. Cl@ve Permanente (Password-Based Access)

Cl@ve Permanente gives you a username and password that you can reuse across government platforms. It also supports two-factor authentication via a code sent to your phone, adding a layer of security.

Best for: Regular access to government portals. This is the option most residents use day-to-day for checking tax information, Social Security status, and healthcare records.

Capabilities: Works with the Agencia Tributaria (Tax Agency), Seguridad Social, immigration portals (Mercurio/PORTEX), and most other government digital services.

3. FNMT Digital Certificate (Full Certificate)

The Certificado Digital issued by the FNMT (Fabrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre — Spain’s Royal Mint) is the most powerful form of digital identification. It is an electronic certificate installed in your web browser or on your device that allows you to both authenticate your identity and digitally sign documents.

Best for: Anyone who needs to sign documents electronically, submit official applications, or use government services that require the highest level of authentication. Essential for autonomos (self-employed workers) who need to file quarterly tax returns and submit invoices to the Tax Agency.

Capabilities: Everything Cl@ve can do, plus the ability to sign legal documents, submit binding applications, and act as a full digital identity.

How to Register for Cl@ve

Step 1: Online Pre-Registration

1. Visit the Cl@ve registration portal at clave.gob.es.
2. Select “Registrarse” (Register).
3. Enter your NIE number, the support document number (your passport number), and your personal details.
4. Choose whether you want Cl@ve PIN, Cl@ve Permanente, or both.
5. Provide a valid Spanish mobile phone number.
6. Complete the online form and note your reference number.

Step 2: In-Person Identity Verification

Online registration alone is not enough. You must verify your identity in person at an authorized office. The following offices can verify Cl@ve registrations:

• Agencia Tributaria (AEAT) — Tax Agency offices
• Instituto Nacional de la Seguridad Social (INSS) — Social Security offices
• Oficinas de la Seguridad Social (TGSS) — Treasury of Social Security
• Many Ayuntamientos — Municipal offices (varies by city)

Book a cita previa with any of these offices. Bring your passport (original), your NIE certificate or TIE, and your mobile phone. The clerk will verify your identity and activate your Cl@ve account on the spot.

Step 3: Activation

After in-person verification, you will receive an activation letter or code (depending on the office). Use this to set your Cl@ve Permanente password. For Cl@ve PIN, your account becomes active immediately after verification — you can request PIN codes via SMS going forward.

How to Get the FNMT Digital Certificate

The FNMT digital certificate is a separate process from Cl@ve, though you can use Cl@ve to simplify parts of it.

Step 1: Request the Certificate Online

1. Visit the FNMT certificate portal at sede.fnmt.gob.es.
2. Select “Certificado de Persona Fisica” (Individual Certificate).
3. Click “Solicitar Certificado” (Request Certificate).
4. Enter your NIE number and confirm your details.
5. The system generates a solicitation code. Save this code — you will need it for the next step.

Step 2: Verify Your Identity In Person

Within 30 days of the online request, you must verify your identity at an authorized office. Accepted offices include:

• Agencia Tributaria (AEAT) offices
• Oficinas del INSS (Social Security)
• Designated municipal offices

Book a cita previa, bring your passport, NIE, and the solicitation code. The clerk verifies your identity and authorizes the certificate issuance.

Step 3: Download and Install the Certificate

After verification (usually within 1-24 hours), return to the FNMT portal and download your certificate. Install it in your web browser (Firefox or Chrome) and, critically, create a backup copy. If you lose the certificate and have no backup, you must repeat the entire process.

Tip: Export the certificate as a .p12 or .pfx file and store it securely. You can then import it on other devices — your laptop, tablet, or phone.

What You Can Do With Digital Certificates

Once you have Cl@ve or an FNMT certificate set up, the following services become available:

• Check immigration application status on the Mercurio/PORTEX platform
• File income tax returns (Modelo 100) through Renta Web
• Submit quarterly tax filings (Modelo 130, 303, 390) if you are autonomo
• Access your Social Security records — employment history, contribution statements
• Download official certificates — tax residency certificates, debt-free certificates
• Access the healthcare portal (SIP online) to see appointments, medical records, and prescriptions
• Sign contracts and official documents digitally
• Register for or modify your empadronamiento online (in participating municipalities)
• Schedule cita previa appointments with various government agencies

Common Issues and Solutions

“The FNMT website says my certificate request has expired.” You have 30 days from the online request to verify in person. If you miss this window, simply start a new request — there is no penalty.

“My digital certificate does not work in my browser.” FNMT certificates work best in Firefox. If you are using Chrome, make sure the certificate is installed in your operating system’s certificate store rather than just the browser. On macOS, import it into Keychain Access.

“I cannot register for Cl@ve because I do not have a Spanish phone number yet.” Get a Spanish SIM card first. Prepaid SIMs from carriers like Vodafone, Orange, or Movistar are available at any phone shop or electronics store without a contract. You only need your passport to purchase one.

“The verification office turned me away.” Not all offices handle all types of verification. AEAT offices are the most reliable for both Cl@ve and FNMT certificate verification. When in doubt, go to your nearest Tax Agency office.

Recommended Setup

For most new residents, the best approach is to register for both Cl@ve Permanente and the FNMT digital certificate. Use Cl@ve for everyday access to government portals and the FNMT certificate when you need to sign documents or access services that require higher authentication. The in-person verification for both can often be completed in a single visit to an AEAT office if you prepare both requests in advance.