Step by Step guide on how to get a digital certificate in Spain

Since the release of the online NIE renewal service, the digital certificate has become very popular for its simple procedures, high level of flexibility, and faster resolution time. However, the online NIE renewal application involves an indispensable extra step, which might be ignored: obtaining a digital certificate/electronic signature. This article will talk in-depth about how to obtain an electronic signature.

The digital certificate is an encrypted document that public entities use to identify people and companies when accessing a government website. It can also be called a digital signature or electronic signature.

 

1. How to configure your computer for the software:

2. How to request the online certificate:

3. How to get offline identity accreditation:

4. How to download your user certificate:

5. What else you can do with the electronic signature?

 

The whole process is shown in Spanish on the official website of The Royal Mint of Spain

 

 

1. Configuration:

 

For the first step in getting your unique electronic signature, you will need to download software to generate the document. You should bear the following things in mind before the installation:

 

• Do not format the computer from the moment you download the software until the moment you download your certificate, this might take several days since you need to present the document in person at the office.
• The entire process of obtaining the certificate needs to be carried out on the same computer and by the same user.
• It’s recommended to read the certification practice statement before initiating the application, as it contains conditions under which the certification services are provided.
• You need to open the websites using the latest version of the following browsers:
  • Mozilla Firefox
  • Google Chrome
  • Microsoft EDGE
  • Opera
  • Safari

 

The software you are required to download:

 

• FNMT-RCM CONFIGURATOR:

 

This is the software you need to complete the application process. In theory, it can be done in any browser and operating system. You don't need to do anything once the software is downloaded and installed. It will run automatically when needed. This installation of this software is key to the next step.

 

• Autofirma:

 

This is the electronic signature application. You must permit electronic signature applications on electronic administration websites when needed. Although we will not use this software until the last step, it's recommended to download it at the beginning in case of any incompatibility.

 

 

Note for Mac users: You may encounter a message stating that the two pieces of software cannot be downloaded because they are from unidentified developers. In that case, you should go to System Preferences – Security & Privacy – General, and permit the installation of the app.

 

 

2. Online certificate request:

 

• In this step, you need to fill in the form with your details.
• When you finish filling in all the information, it’s important to accept the conditions of the expedition.
• It’s necessary to accept the cookies that appear at the top.
• Then click on “enviar petición”. When receiving notifications on the website, you need to permit the FNMT-RCM CONFIGURATOR to function properly.
• If everything goes well, you will receive a code on the same website and an email with the same code. You need to take this code to the office to finish the identity accreditation process.

 

This seemingly easy step can sometimes lead to different technical issues. If after clicking on "enviar petición", you get an error message on the website instead, you will find a link to the solutions to common errors on the same website.

 

3. Offline identity accreditation:

 

After successfully obtaining the application code, you need to make an appointment with one identity accretion office to prove your identity personally. We recommend making the appointment by phone to confirm everything.

 

If for any reason you cannot do it personally, you can authorize another person to go on your behalf, but you need to previously authorize this person with your signature in the presence of a notary.

 

The documents you need to present are the following:

 

1. If you are an EU citizen:

 

• The application code that has been sent to your email account
• Identity proof (any of the following options):
  • National Identification Document for Foreigners, where the NIE is shown together with your passport or identity document of the country of origin
  • Certificate of Citizen of the European Union where the NIE appears together with a Passport or identity document of the country of origin
  • Official NIF / NIE concession document, along with the passport or identity document of the country of origin

 

2. If you are a non-EU citizen:

 

• The application code that has been sent to your email account
• Identity proof (any of the following options):
  • TIE card containing the NIE along with the passport
  • Official NIF / NIE grant document along with the passport.

 

 

4. Download your user certificate:

 

To download the certificate, you must use the same computer and the same user with which you made the request and enter the required data exactly as before.

 

You need to present at least 3 pieces of information to be able to download your certificate:

 

• Number of the identification document
• First surname
• Application code

 

Again, you are required to accept the terms of conditions and cookies if there are any.

 

Then, if everything goes well as before, you should have your certificate now!

 

 

5. What else you can do with the electronic signature?

 

 

Except for the TIE renewal application, you can also use this certificate to:

 

• Access official government notifications on your application status.
• Add corrected or missing documents to an online application.
• Download and pay government processing fees for applications online.

 

You made it! Now you can collect your documents to renew your NIE online! Here at innoinsure, we want to remind you that Spanish medical insurance is still necessary for renewal. Take a look at our Expat insurance, which meets all visa/NIE requirements and has a reputation for great customer satisfaction.

 

If you are interested in reading another blog, maybe one of these may be of interest:

• Guide to get a social security number (número de Seguridad social) in Spain
• Tax identification number: differences among NIF, NIE, CIF
• Guide to cl@ve: the common identification and authentication electronic signature
• Empadronamiento: how to obtain, cancel, renew, change address, and download the document on your own
• Apps you should install when starting your new life in Spain

 

 

Reference:

 

Obtener Certificado Software - Sede. (2021). Retrieved 16 August 2021, from https://www.sede.fnmt.gob.es/en/certificados/persona-fisica/obtener-certificado-software