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IberiGo guide
FNMT digital certificate or Cl@ve in Spain
Choose the right electronic identity for Spanish government portals, understand when FNMT and Cl@ve differ, and set up a reliable fallback for online administration.
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National digital-access tools · accepted methods depend on each serviceDigital access: choose FNMT certificate or Cl@ve
Spain uses several accepted electronic-identification methods. The FNMT citizen certificate and Cl@ve are separate systems: the certificate is installed on your device, while Cl@ve identifies you through the government's shared login system. A portal decides which methods it accepts, so regular residents often benefit from setting up both.
Procedure
Choose the FNMT Certificado de Persona Física, register in Cl@ve, or set up both. One does not automatically create the other.
Where to go
For FNMT, use the official FNMT electronic office: configure the device, submit the certificate request, receive the request code, prove your identity and then download the certificate. For Cl@ve, start from the official Cl@ve registration service. If you need an in-person appointment, direct AEAT and Seguridad Social appointment links are below. For AEAT Cl@ve registration, choose Other procedures → Electronic identification → Register in Cl@ve. For FNMT identity accreditation, first check the FNMT accreditation-office guidance because not every public office or appointment category performs FNMT accreditation.
Which one to choose
- FNMT certificate: useful when a portal accepts certificate-based identification or electronic signing; some procedures also use AutoFirma.
- Cl@ve Móvil: convenient for routine identification on services integrated with Cl@ve, using the app/QR confirmation flow.
- Cl@ve Permanente: designed for frequent access with a lasting password; higher-security services can add a one-time SMS code.
- For the widest practical fallback, set up both if you are eligible. The specific portal always decides what it accepts.
Registration and cost
Neither route uses Modelo 790. The FNMT citizen certificate itself is free. Cl@ve has basic and advanced registration levels; basic registration does not unlock every service or Cl@ve Firma. Optional FNMT mobile video identification is a separate paid identity-verification service and is currently limited to a valid Spanish DNI.
Prepare
- Your DNI or NIE and the identity document required by the chosen route
- For the standard FNMT office route: the request code sent by email
- EU citizens using FNMT: NIE evidence plus passport or national identity document, as required by FNMT
- A mobile phone number and email address for Cl@ve registration
- For FNMT software certificate: keep using the same computer and user account from request through download
What happens after
After FNMT identity accreditation, download the certificate using the same computer and user account used for the request, then make a protected backup. After Cl@ve registration, you can use Cl@ve Móvil and, if needed, activate Cl@ve Permanente. Some higher-security functions require advanced registration, and not every public service offers every identification method.
Official FNMT citizen certificateFNMT identity accreditationOfficial Cl@ve registrationBook AEAT appointmentSeguridad Social appointments (INSS/ISM)How Cl@ve works
Official sources checked:
Cl@ve or FNMT digital certificate
What they are: The FNMT citizen certificate and Cl@ve are separate electronic-identification systems. The FNMT software certificate is installed on a device and can be used where a public service accepts certificate-based identification or signing. Cl@ve is the shared government identification platform used by participating public services.
FNMT route: For the standard software certificate, configure the device, submit the online request, keep the request code, prove your identity and then download the certificate using the same computer and user account used for the request. FNMT accepts specific NIE evidence together with a passport or national identity document for EU citizens. After download, make a protected backup; some signing procedures also use AutoFirma.
Cl@ve route: Current Cl@ve registration has basic and advanced levels. Cl@ve Móvil lets registered users identify through the app/QR confirmation flow. Cl@ve Permanente is intended for frequent access with a lasting password and can add a one-time SMS code for higher-security services. Basic registration does not work for every service and does not enable Cl@ve Firma.
Which should you use? Use the method the specific public portal accepts. If you handle Spanish administration regularly, having both FNMT and Cl@ve gives you a useful fallback when one method is unavailable for a particular service.
This app is a planning guide, not legal advice. Spanish immigration and administration rules, document lists, fees, and appointment labels can change. Always verify your procedure with official sources before filing.
Documents that often slow people down
Identity and civil records
- Valid passport or EU national ID.
- Birth, marriage, or partnership records where relevant.
- Legalization or Hague apostille for many foreign public documents.
- Sworn Spanish translations when documents are not accepted as-is.
Spain-side basics
- Address in Spain and, when requested, padrón certificate.
- Immigration appointment confirmation.
- Correct EX form for your procedure.
- Paid tasa receipt, often Modelo 790 with the matching code.
Money, health, purpose
- Proof of economic means for routes that require it.
- Health insurance or public coverage proof where required.
- School admission, remote-work evidence, family link, or permit approval.
- Criminal record certificate for some visas and residence routes.
Not every document applies to every route. The guide should help you narrow this down.
Official sources
Appointments and fees
Identity and residence
Digital access
Residence routes
This app is a planning guide, not legal advice. Spanish immigration and administration rules, document lists, fees, and appointment labels can change. Always verify your procedure with official sources before filing.
Last reviewed: July 2026