Quick Guide to Electronic Identification Systems in Spain: Electronic Certificate and Cl@ve

🫆 What Is It and What Key Identification Systems Exist? 

An electronic identification system is a secure method to verify your identity online when carrying out procedures with public administrations. 

In Spain, the most commonly used systems are: 

• Cl@ve: A Government platform that uses agreed keys (username and password, Cl@ve PIN or Cl@ve Móvil with QR codes) to quickly access most public services without having to remember complex passwords.

• Digital (or electronic) certificate: A file installed on your computer or mobile phone that identifies you with high security and allows you to sign official documents with the same validity as your physical DNI/TIE.

• Electronic DNI (DNIe): The physical national identity document that includes a secure cryptographic chip to authenticate and sign online using a reader. 

Some autonomous communities, such as Catalonia and Madrid, have also developed their own electronic identification systems that streamline procedures within them:

• idCAT Móvil or Certificat: An identification system of the Generalitat de Catalunya based on one-time passwords sent via SMS to the mobile phone.

• IDentifica: Identification systems of the Community of Madrid based on a password and a temporary code sent by SMS or email.

🔀 What Are the Differences Between One System and Another?

In any case, we are going to dedicate this blog to making a comparative table between the different methods in order to save you time and understand which is the best option for you. 

*The security level of a digital identification system is determined by the European eIDAS framework (EU Regulation 910/2014) and the National Security Scheme (ENS) in Spain. These regulations classify systems into three levels: Low, Substantial and High.

👀 Which System Do We Recommend?

As a simple method for carrying out occasional procedures, we recommend the Cl@ve system, provided you have a TIE or EU Citizen Registration Certificate (you can start your official registration in Cl@ve here). If you want to carry out more complex actions such as filing taxes or managing administrative tasks because you are self-employed, then the digital (or electronic) certificate is the most suitable (request it step-by-step on the FNMT website).

How Can Identity Be Proven?

It depends on the system you use. If you want to request the Cl@ve system, then you must have one of the documents mentioned below: 

• The Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) + passport, or 

• The EU Citizen Registration Certificate (also known as the "green NIE") + passport, or 

• The National Identity Document (DNI) or Spanish passport.

If you use the digital or electronic certificate system, then you can present one of the following mentioned below: 

• The Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) + passport, or  

• The EU Citizen Registration Certificate (also known as the "green card") + foreign national identity document or foreign passport, or 

• The official NIE allocation and granting document (also known as the "white sheet") + passport, 

• The document for international protection applicants (also known as the "red sheet") + passport, or 

• The National Identity Document (DNI) or Spanish passport.

Currently, the system is improving significantly and already allows identification via video call; however, for the moment, this is strictly reserved for Spanish citizens who already hold a DNI. Furthermore, the procedure is completely free of charge.

🗺️ Questions and Answers for Foreigners

Can a foreigner without a residence permit apply for any of these systems? 

Yes, a foreigner without specific authorisation, even in an irregular situation, can apply for a digital identification system, although not all of the systems mentioned above can be used. While registering in Cl@ve as a foreigner with a NIE requires proof of an EU citizen registration certificate, a TIE or a residence permit, there is a specific pathway for the FNMT electronic certificate to prove the NIE using the official NIE granting document alongside the passport.

It is worth remembering that having a NIE is often confused with having a residence permit, meaning being regularly in Spain or, colloquially, "having papers". It is important to note that a residence authorisation, the NIE and the TIE are three different concepts, and that anyone, even in an irregular situation, can request a NIE to identify themselves before the public administration.

If you are not clear on the difference, you can check the blog post on this topic called “NIE, TIE, EU Citizen Registration Certificate?”. 

Can a foreigner who simply wants to carry out an economic transaction in Spain (such as buying a property or accepting an inheritance) apply for any of these systems? 

Yes, just like in the previous question. For the electronic certificate system, they only ask for an assigned foreigner identification number (NIE) and you can prove this with the "white sheet". Having the white sheet with a NIE assignment does not entail having a permit to stay, reside or work in Spain. For example, if you need to identify yourself electronically to carry out certain tax procedures related to a specific transaction, the FNMT certificate can allow you to carry out those steps online. 

That being said, this topic is very broad, which is why we have left some helpful links throughout this blog post. Additionally, we have also provided a link to the public administration's own website where you can find more information about common electronic services.