How To Apply For A Criminal Record Certificate In Spain
Expat Tips
Published: 14 August 2023 21:04 CET
Updated: 02 May 2025 21:04 CET
How To Apply For A Criminal Record Certificate In Spain (2025 Update)
Whether you’re applying for Spanish citizenship, renewing your residency card, seeking certain jobs, or going through a legal process, you may be required to present a Criminal Record Certificate — known in Spanish as the Certificado de Antecedentes Penales.
This official document is issued by Spain’s Ministry of Justice and confirms whether or not you have any criminal convictions registered in the country. In 2025, the process is relatively straightforward and can be completed online, in person, or by post — but knowing which method to use and what’s required will save you time and frustration.
In this updated guide, we’ll explain:
- What the criminal record certificate is and when it’s needed
- The difference between general and sexual offence certificates
- How to apply online, by mail, or in person
- How much it costs
- How to cancel (clear) your criminal record
- Useful official links and supporting resources
What Is a Criminal Record Certificate in Spain?
This certificate is an official document that confirms whether an individual has any final criminal convictions on record within Spain. It is issued by the Central Registry of Convicts and managed by the Ministry of Justice.
- Only final convictions (those that can no longer be appealed) appear on this certificate.
- Minor infractions and misdemeanours do not appear — only true criminal convictions.
- The certificate can show additional info such as duration of the sentence, release status, or special liberty arrangements (if applicable).
When Do You Need a Criminal Record Certificate?
This certificate is required for many legal and administrative processes, including:
- Applying for Spanish citizenship
- Residency or visa renewals
- Certain types of employment (especially in public or legal sectors)
- Volunteering or working with government-funded programs
- Adopting a child or becoming a legal guardian
- Studying, teaching, or working with minors (see separate certificate below)
<strongIMPORTANT: If your goal is to work or volunteer with children or vulnerable groups, this general certificate is not sufficient. You will also need a Certificate of Sexual Offences (Certificado de Delitos de Naturaleza Sexual), which is issued separately.
Apply for a Certificate of Sexual Offences
How To Apply for a Criminal Record Certificate in Spain
There are three ways to apply:
- Online (fastest and most convenient)
- In person at a government office
- By postal mail
1. Online Application (Immediate Download)
This is the quickest and easiest way to get your certificate — especially if you already have a digital ID.
<strongRequirements:
- Visit the Ministry of Justice portal: Apply online here
- Authenticate with your digital ID
- Pay the fee using the Tax Agency’s payment gateway
- Download your certificate — in most cases, immediately (within 24h max)
<strongAdvantages: No appointment, no queues, digital certificate in PDF
2. In-Person Application
If you don’t have a digital ID, you can apply in person at any designated government office (Gerencia Territorial del Ministerio de Justicia or Oficina de Atención al Ciudadano).
€3.86 per certificate
Find a local office here: Search administration offices
<strongTurnaround: Same-day in most cases, or within 3 working days
3. Postal Mail Application
If you cannot apply online or in person, you may apply by mail.
- Completed Form 790
- Photocopy of valid ID (certified or notarised)
- Payment receipt
- A return envelope with your contact details
<strongAddress: Your nearest Gerencia Territorial del Ministerio de Justicia — check official instructions here
<strongTurnaround: 3–10 working days depending on location
How To Cancel a Criminal Record in Spain
Criminal records in Spain are not permanent. If enough time has passed since your sentence ended — and you have not committed new offences — you may request that your record be erased (cancelación de antecedentes penales).
- You have served your sentence fully
- You've met your civil liabilities (e.g. fines or restitution)
- You haven’t committed another crime during the relevant waiting period
- for minor penalties
- for sentences under 1 year or negligent offences
- for other lesser penalties
- for serious offences
Use the same Form 790 as when applying for the certificate, and submit it via the Ministry of Justice’s online or in-person channels. Indicate that your purpose is to cancel (borrar) your criminal record.
- Always request the correct type of certificate. For jobs involving children, use the Sexual Offences Certificate.
- Plan ahead. While online delivery is usually immediate, postal applications can take up to 10 days.
- Keep your payment proof and digital copy in case you need to reissue later.
- If applying for Spanish nationality or visas, your certificate may need to be no older than 3 months.
Need a Digital Certificate To Apply Online?
If you plan to apply for your criminal record certificate online — or manage other legal admin in Spain — you’ll need a digital certificate or Cl@ve system access.
Read our guide to getting a digital certificate in Spain
Useful Official Links
