The criminal record certificate makes it possible to attest to the absence or existence of criminal records registered in the Registro Central de Penados and is issued by the Ministerio de la Presidencia, Justicia y Relaciones con las Cortes. The certificate can be obtained online, using a digital certificate, through the sede electrónica del Ministerio de la Presidencia, Justicia y Relaciones con las Cortes. It may also be requested directly from the Ministry by post or in person.
Spanish citizens residing abroad who wish to apply for the criminal record certificate by post must provide a copy of their ID card or passport certified by the Consular Office.
Spanish nationals and foreign citizens who have previously resided in Spain may also request the certificate from abroad through the methods described below. However, nationals of other EU Member States and foreign citizens residing in an EU country other than Spain must submit their application to the Criminal Records Register of their country of nationality or residence.
Application through the Consular Office
Personal appearance of the applicant is mandatory. The required documents are:
· Original valid ID card or passport of the applicant.
· Form 790-006 (“Copy for the Administration”), duly completed and signed.
· Proof of payment of the fee, which may be made through one of the following methods:
1. Online banking payment:
If the applicant has a bank account and electronic signature with any financial institution collaborating with the Agencia Tributaria, payment may be made through its electronic services. To do this, the applicant must first download Form 790 and include its reference number in the “Tasas Administrativas 790” section of the online banking system and, if available, “Código 006 Tasas Administrativas Ministerio de Justicia”. Proof of payment will be the receipt issued by the bank, which includes the NRC (Complete Reference Number) and must be submitted together with the “Ejemplar para la Administración” of Form 790.
2. Payment through a Spanish financial institution collaborating with the Agencia Tributaria:
Applicants may present the completed Form 790 at a financial institution collaborating with the Agencia Tributaria that has a branch in the country from which the certificate is requested. Proof of payment will be the
mechanical validation or authorised signature of the bank on the “Ejemplar para la Administración”.
3. Payment by bank transfer:
The fee may be paid by bank transfer from a bank account held outside Spain (transfers from Spanish IBAN accounts are not accepted). Transfer details:
· BANK: BBVA.
· ACCOUNT HOLDER: Ministerio de Justicia – Cuenta Restringida Recaudación Tasas Extranjero.
· TAX ID (NIF): S-2813610-I
· IBAN: ES62 0182 2370 4202 0800 0060
· BIC: BBVAESMMXXX
· FEE: €3.86
The exact amount must be paid. If an incorrect amount is transferred, a refund must be requested through a formal procedure for undue payments.
Proof of payment in this case will be the receipt issued by the bank.
Once the certificate has been issued by the Ministerio de la Presidencia, Justicia y Relaciones con las Cortes, the applicant will receive an SMS or email notification allowing them to download the certificate with a Secure Verification Code (CSV), whose authenticity can be verified via the Ministry’s electronic headquarters. Applicants are advised to check their spam or junk mail folder.
Application through a representative in Spain
Applicants may designate a representative, who must prove their identity and authorization when submitting the application in Spain. To do so, the applicant must personally submit at the Consular Office:
· A duly completed and signed application form including both the applicant’s and the representative’s details, as well as the selected Territorial Office. Application form (PDF)
· Original valid ID card or passport of the applicant.
The authorised person must prove their identity and submit, at the office chosen by the applicant, Form 790-006, “Copy for the Administration”, duly completed and signed, together with proof of payment of the fee. The certificate will preferably be issued in paper format, unless expressly requested otherwise. Appointment
Applications may be submitted in person on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 to 11:00, by prior appointment requested via email at emb.dublin.cesp@maec.es.
Spanish citizens detained abroad
Spanish citizens detained abroad may authorise the Consular Office in writing to request the certificate on their behalf. In this case, the certificate is processed ex officio and free of charge.
Legalisation or apostille of the criminal record certificate
The application must indicate the country where the certificate is to have effect. The Ministerio de la Presidencia, Justicia y Relaciones con las Cortes will issue it with an apostille or legalisation, as appropriate.
Certificate of sexual offences
The criminal record certificate does not authorise work with or care of minors in Spain. For this purpose, a specific certificate of sexual offences is required, which must be obtained directly through the Ministerio de la Presidencia, Justicia y Relaciones con las Cortes in Spain.