If you have lived in Spain and plan to work, study, immigrate, apply for residency, or move abroad, you will likely need to present a Spanish Criminal Background Check. Officially known as the Certificado de Antecedentes Penales, this document is issued by the Ministry of Justice of Spain and certifies whether a person has any criminal convictions registered in Spain.
Both Spanish and non-Spanish citizens may request this certificate, provided they have previously resided in Spain.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of:
- How to obtain a Spanish Criminal Background Certificate in 2026
- The different application methods: online, in person, by proxy, and by mail
- Required documents and applicable government fees
- Apostille and legalization procedures for international use
In brief
- ● A Spanish Criminal Record Certificate is often required when applying for certain public or private sector jobs, immigration procedures, residence permits, visa applications, or Spanish nationality.
- ● Both Spanish citizens and foreign nationals who have previously resided in Spain may request this certificate, including from abroad.
- ● It can be obtained online using a recognized Spanish digital certificate, by post, through a legal representative, or in person at the offices of the Ministry of Justice of Spain.
- ● Processing times are typically short. However, delays may occur when the procedure involves coordination with foreign authorities, or when additional requirements such as sworn translations or legalization (Apostille) are necessary.
What is the Criminal Record certificate in Spain?
The Spanish Criminal Record Certificate, or certificado de Antecedentes Penales, is an official document issued by the Ministry of Justice of Spain that verifies whether an individual has any criminal convictions recorded in Spain’s Central Criminal Registry.
When no convictions are registered, the certificate expressly states that the individual has no criminal record. If convictions do appear, the document specifies the offense, the date of the final judgment, and the penalty imposed.
It does not include pending criminal proceedings, police records, administrative sanctions, or convictions issued by foreign courts. For matters involving other countries, separate criminal record certificates must be requested from the relevant authorities in those countries.
Who Can Request a Spanish Criminal Record Certificate?
In Spain, the person entitled to request a Criminal Record Certificate is the individual to whom the record relates (the “interested party”), whether a Spanish citizen or a foreign national who has previously resided in Spain.
In certain cases, an authorized representative may also apply on behalf of the individual, provided they have the proper legal authorization to do so.
For What Reasons Can It Be Required?
In Spain, a criminal background certificate may be required in a wide range of legal, professional, and administrative contexts, particularly for positions involving trust, public safety, or vulnerable groups.
It is commonly requested for access to public or private positions of responsibility, including roles in law enforcement, private security, childcare, education, healthcare, and certain financial services.
The certificate is also required for various administrative procedures, such as:
- Applying for Spanish nationality
- Obtaining work permits in Spain or abroad
- Applying for professional licenses in regulated professions
- Initiating national or international adoption procedures
Additionally, courts may request it in judicial proceedings, for example, in matters concerning custody, guardianship, or other cases where proof of the absence of criminal convictions is relevant.
Where Is the Certificate Issued?
The certificate is issued by the Spanish Ministry of the Presidency, Justice and Relations with the Courts (Ministerio de la Presidencia, Justicia y Relaciones con las Cortes). Criminal records are maintained by the Central Registry of Sentences (Registro Central de Penados y Rebeldes).
Both residents and non-residents can apply for the certificate within Spain or through Spanish embassies and consulates abroad. Note that consulates do not issue the “Certificado de Antecedentes Penales” directly, but they provide the means to request it when applying from abroad.
Types of Criminal Background Checks
The main document in Spain is the Criminal Record Certificate (Certificado de Antecedentes Penales), which confirms whether an individual has a criminal record. It includes information on final criminal convictions, such as the type of offence and the penalties imposed.
This certificate was previously known as the Certificate of Good Conduct (Certificado de Buena Conducta), a term that disappeared in 1979 but is still sometimes used informally.
There is another broader certificate, called the Police Clearance Certificate (Certificado de Antecedentes Policiales), which also includes any police interactions or reports, regardless of whether they led to a conviction. Police records are governed by a different legal regime and are typically relevant only in specific administrative or legal procedures.
Lastly, there is the Certificate of Crimes of a Sexual Nature (Certificado de Delitos de Naturaleza Sexual). This official document certifies whether a person has convictions for sexual offences and is mandatory for anyone working or volunteering in Spain in activities involving regular contact with minors.
In general terms, when proof of no criminal record in Spain is required, the correct document to obtain is the Spanish Criminal Record Certificate (Certificado de Antecedentes Penales).
How to Apply for a Spanish Criminal Record Certificate
The Spanish Criminal Record Certificate (Certificado de Antecedentes Penales) can be requested online, in person, by post, or through an authorised representative.
Step 1: Determine Your Application Method
The fastest and most convenient method is through the electronic headquarters (Sede Electrónica) of the Ministry of Justice of Spain. However, this option requires a recognized Spanish electronic signature or digital certificate, which can present practical difficulties for foreign nationals who no longer reside in Spain or who have not previously obtained digital credentials.
For this reason, it is important to explain the different application options so that applicants can choose the method that best suits their situation.
Applicants may choose one of the following methods:
- Online Application (Fastest Option)
The fastest and most convenient way to obtain the certificate is through the Ministry of Justice’s website.
You may apply online if you have:
- A valid Digital Certificate (Certificado Digital).
- Cl@ve PIN or Cl@ve Permanente.
- Electronic DNI (DNIe).
The process involves:
- Completing the online form via the Ministry’s Sede Electrónica.
- Pay the administrative fee (€3.86) electronically as part of the online process.
- Verify your identity digitally.
The certificate is often issued within a few business days and may be available immediately in some cases (although legally up to 10 working days).
If the certificate is to be used abroad, an apostille must be requested separately after issuance.
!! Online applications do not require submission of Form 790 in paper format.
- In-Person Application
If you do not have a digital access, you must attend an appointment at:
- Territorial offices of the Ministry of Justice (Ministerio de Justicia).
- Certain Civil Registry offices.
The required documents are:
- Valid original identification (DNI, NIE, or passport).
- Completed Form 790 – Code 006 .
- Proof of payment of the administrative fee (€3.86).
An appointment may be required depending on the office.
- Postal Application
If you cannot apply in person or online, you may submit your application by mail to the Ministerio de Justicia, at:
- Within Spain, applications go to the Territorial Offices of the Ministry of Justice, or in Madrid to the Criminal Records Section of the Central Citizen Service Office.
- Applicants abroad should preferably submit through their nearest Spanish Consulate or Embassy.
Territorial Offices’ postal addresses and emails can be found here: Ministry of Justice – Territorial Offices
The required documents are:
- Certified or notarized copies of identification documents (DNI, NIE, or passport)
- Completed Form 790 – Code 006
- Proof of payment of the administrative fee (€3.86).
- Authorization to the Ministry to send the certificate by ordinary mail or email
!! It is not possible to send the application by email if the certificate requires diplomatic/legalization or contains information from another EU member state of which the applicant is a national.
- Application Through an Authorised Representative
If you cannot apply personally, you may appoint a representative in Spain or submit the application through a Spanish consulate or embassy abroad.
Requirements for a Representative in Spain:
- Your signed authorization allowing them to act on your behalf.
- A copy of your passport, DNI, or NIE.
- The representative’s own valid identification.
- Completed Form 790 – Code 006 and proof of payment of the administrative fee (€3.86).
The representative must present both their identity and your authorization when submitting the application at a Territorial Office of the Ministry of Justice.
Requirements for Applications Through a Spanish Consulate or Embassy:
- A completed and signed application form.
- Original valid identification (passport, DNI, or NIE).
- Completed Form 790 – Code 006 and payment as instructed by the consulate.
Notes:
- Certificates issued abroad may require additional legalization or an apostille for use in other countries.
Processing times vary depending on whether it’s submitted via a representative in Spain or through a consular office.
Step 2: Receiving the Certificate (Processing Times)
- Online Applications: Usually available as a PDF immediately or within a few business days.
- In-Person or Postal Applications: Delivery times vary depending on location; generally 1–3 weeks.
International Use: If the certificate will be used abroad, you may need an apostille (issued by the Ministry of Justice) or consular/legalization certification.
Step 3: Apostille or Legalization (If Required)
The apostille is a separate step needed only for international use, not for use in Spain. It certifies that the certificate is genuine and issued by the Spanish Ministry of Justice. It is issued under the Hague Apostille Convention (1961) for countries that are members of the convention.
You can request the apostille via the Ministry of Justice’s website or in person at a Territorial Office of the Ministry of Justice. And in some cases, through a Spanish consulate abroad.
Notes:
- EU countries generally do not require an apostille.
- For non-EU countries, an apostille or further consular/legalization may be required.
- Always confirm with the foreign authority whether an apostille or additional legalization is needed before requesting it.
For foreign nationals:
While the general process described above applies to all applicants, some countries may have minor variations in consular procedures, document requirements, or payment methods.
To simplify the process, we have created country-specific guides for US, UK, Australia, and Canada, which provide step-by-step instructions, required documents, and practical tips.
Explore our country-specific guides:
Common Issues and How to Avoid Them
When applying for your Spanish Criminal Record Certificate, you may encounter some common issues. Here’s how to avoid them:
-
- Incorrect or Incomplete Documentation: Ensure all required documents are provided and double-check that forms (e.g., Form 790 – Code 006) are correctly completed.
- Non-Payment of Fees: Be sure to include proof of payment for the administrative fee (€3.86); missing payment will delay processing.
- Delays in Processing: Processing times can vary, but submitting your application online often results in faster service. Postal or in-person applications may take 1–3 weeks.
- Errors on the Certificate: If there is an error on your criminal record or the information is incorrect, you have the right to appeal and request a correction from the Ministry of Justice.
!! Carefully checking documents, payment, and personal details before submission will save time and prevent delays.
Frequently asked questions (FAQS)
How long is the criminal background check valid?
The Spanish Criminal Record Certificate has no legal expiration date. It certifies your criminal record status as of the date of issuance. In practice, most authorities require a certificate issued within the previous three months.
Can someone apply on my behalf?
Yes. A representative can apply for your certificate if they have a signed authorization, a copy of your identification, their own identification, and proof of payment of the administrative fee.
Can a Lawyer Apply for a Spanish Criminal Background Check on My Behalf?
Yes. A lawyer or authorized representative can apply for your criminal background check. Typically, you will need a signed power of attorney or authorization letter, a copy of your passport or NIE, and any other documentation required by the Ministry of Justice.
In some cases, the power of attorney may need to be notarized or apostilled, especially if you are granting authorization from abroad.
What if I have a criminal record?
The certificate will reflect any final criminal convictions registered at the time of issuance. It does not include arrests or pending proceedings. Records remain until legally canceled.
Is the certificate internationally recognized?
Yes, provided it is properly legalized. For use abroad, you may need a Hague Apostille or diplomatic legalization, depending on the destination country.
Can I get a criminal background check if I no Longer Live in Spain?
Yes, you can still obtain a Spanish criminal background check even if you no longer live in Spain. You can still apply even if your NIE is no longer active. The Ministry of Justice can locate your records using your passport details and personal information.
Is the certificate issued in English?
No. The certificate is issued in Spanish. If you need to use it abroad, a sworn translation may be required.
Conclusion
Obtaining a Spanish Criminal Record Certificate is often a key requirement for employment, residency applications, legal procedures, or international relocation. Completing the process correctly, whether online, in person, through an authorized representative, or by mail, is essential to avoid unnecessary delays or complications.
By following the official procedures established by the Spanish Ministry of Justice and ensuring that all documentation is accurate and complete, applicants can secure this important document efficiently and with confidence.
If you need expert guidance on obtaining a Spanish criminal record certificate or any related legal processes, you can reach out through our contact form, visit our contact page, or give us a call. We are here to help you navigate every step of the process smoothly.
This article is written in collaboration with Xènia Rigola, a member of the Legal Support Team at Klev&Vera.
