Thanks to the digital certificate (certificado digital), a large number of administrative procedures can be carried out online from home. For example, tax advisers and lawyers can be appointed, tax returns can be filed, certificates from the municipal register can be obtained or the status of Social Security contributions can be checked. Spain is one of the most advanced EU Member States in the field of electronic public administration.
Unlike in some other EU Member States, the electronic signature is available free of charge to all residents in Spain and provides quick and straightforward access to the online administrative portals of the various public authorities. For example, taxes can be paid, driving licence points can be checked, certificates from the municipal register can be obtained or the status of your contributions to the Spanish Social Security system can be consulted. A further advantage is that many certificates can be obtained and printed at home immediately after applying for them, meaning that it is no longer necessary to visit the relevant authority in person.
To obtain the electronic signature, you only need a Spanish N.I.E. number, which can be applied for in Spain, by means of a power of attorney or through Spanish diplomatic missions and consular offices abroad: Applying for an NIE
Applying for the Electronic Signature:
The application for the electronic signature is submitted online via the website of the "Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre" (FNMT). To apply, follow the steps below. Please note that the application should be submitted from the same computer on which you subsequently intend to download the certificate:
1. Enter your N.I.E. on the FNMT website and make a note of the confirmation number: FNMT website
2. Visit one of the authorised offices to verify your identity. For this purpose, you will need your NIE, your identity card or passport and the confirmation number previously sent to you by the FNMT by email. The easiest way to verify your identity is usually at the nearest office of the Spanish Tax Agency (AEAT). During the appointment booking process, you can enter your postcode to find the nearest Tax Agency office. Appointments can also be booked online: AEAT appointments
3. Two hours after your identity has been verified, you can download your digital certificate from the FNMT website by entering your NIE and confirmation number: FNMT website. Most browsers install the certificate directly when it is downloaded.
4. Once you have installed the electronic signature, it is advisable to create a backup copy. To do so, open your browser settings, go to the "Certificates" section and click on "Export". It is important to select the option to export the private key and to assign a PIN during the export process.
Electronic Application Through a Law Firm or Gestoría
In addition to the FNMT digital certificate, there are a number of other providers whose certificates are accepted by most public authorities without difficulty.
One of the main advantages of these digital certificates is that, in most cases, it is not necessary to appear in person before a public authority in order to obtain them. Instead, your identity is verified by the service provider using an image showing you together with your identity document (selfie), and the certificate can usually be downloaded within 24 hours.
This option is particularly suitable for individuals who are not currently in Spain or who require an electronic signature at short notice.
Examples of How the Electronic Signature Can Be Used:
Spanish Tax Agency
Appointing and granting powers of attorney to a tax adviser
Applying for tax residence certificates
Registration of business activities and withholdings on rental income
Ministry of Justice
Granting powers of attorney for court proceedings to lawyers and court representatives (no notary required)
Applying for a criminal record certificate
Social Security
Checking Social Security contributions
Employment history report "vida laboral"
Traffic Authority
Checking the points on your driving licence
Land Registry / Cadastre
Obtaining cadastral information for your property
Property Registry
Applying for Land Registry extracts
Obtaining Commercial Registry extracts
Our firm will be pleased to assist you in analysing your specific situation and can also assist you with the preparation and filing of the relevant tax returns. If you are interested in our services or have specific questions regarding this topic, please feel free to contact us by email or telephone.
Author:
Nicole Gottschling
Management & Non-Resident
info@sspartners.es
Tel: (+34) 951 12 13 06
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