How to Obtain the Spanish Criminal Record Certificate (Certificado de Antecedentes Penales)
The Certificado de Antecedentes Penales—Spain’s criminal record certificate—is often required for immigration, employment, or legal processes. Whether you’re applying for residency, nationality, or a visa renewal, this document proves your criminal record status in Spain.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to obtain the Spanish criminal record certificate, both in person and online.
🔍 What Is the Certificado de Antecedentes Penales?
It’s an official certificate issued by the Ministerio de Justicia that confirms whether or not you have a criminal record in Spain.
You may need it for:
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Spanish nationality applications
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Visa and residency renewals
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Work permits
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Volunteering, childcare, or academic positions
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Certain legal or business procedures
🧑💻 How to Apply for the Criminal Record Certificate
There are three ways:
1. 🖥 Online (With Digital Certificate)
Apply through the Sede Electrónica del Ministerio de Justicia:
🔗 https://sede.mjusticia.gob.es
Requirements:
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Valid digital certificate (certificado digital) or Cl@ve
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Payment of Modelo 790 code 006 (€3.86)
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Digital submission of form + proof of payment
Once approved, the certificate is downloadable as a PDF with digital signature.
2. 🏢 In Person
Apply at the Oficina Central de Atención al Ciudadano or Delegación del Ministerio de Justicia in your province.
Bring:
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Original passport/NIE/TIE
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Proof of Modelo 790 payment
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Completed application form
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Power of Attorney, if someone is applying on your behalf
👉 You can download and pre-fill Modelo 790 code 006 from:
🔗 https://sede.mjusticia.gob.es
3. 📬 By Post
You can also apply by mail, but it takes longer.
Send:
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Completed Modelo 790
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Proof of payment
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Certified photocopy of passport/NIE
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Prepaid envelope for return (optional)
Addressed to:
Ministerio de Justicia
Oficina Central de Atención al Ciudadano
C/ Bolsa 8, 28012 Madrid, Spain
💳 How to Pay Modelo 790 (Código 006)
You can pay:
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At any bank using the printable Modelo 790 form
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Online through the Agencia Tributaria with Cl@ve/DNIe
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At some ATMs if they support tributes/tax payments
Retain the justificante de pago for your application.
🌐 Translations and Apostilles
If you’re submitting the certificate abroad, you may need:
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Sworn translation (traducción jurada)
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Apostille of The Hague for international recognition
You can request the apostille at the Ministerio de Justicia or online if you applied digitally.
⏱ How Long Does It Take?
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Online: Often immediate or within 24–48 hours
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In-person: Same day or within a few days
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By mail: Up to 2–3 weeks, depending on postage
The certificate is valid for 3 months from the issue date.
🧑💼 Need Help Getting It?
Borderless Lawyers helps individuals and businesses secure Spanish criminal record certificates quickly and correctly.
We assist with:
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Digital certificate setup
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Completing and submitting Modelo 790
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In-person applications (or via Power of Attorney)
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Getting apostilles and official translations