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Why do you need a digital certificate?
Because with the advances in the world of technology we can do everything online, leaving home to buy your digital certificate is a thing of the past. Nowadays, most of the procedures can be carried out online, whether it is about immigration, tax, business or any other administrative issue. You can, for example, register as a self-employed worker, file your tax returns or carry out procedures related to your residence permit from the comfort of your home.
But to enjoy this facility, you will need to apply for a digital certificate. This will save you a lot of time and make many administrative procedures easier. If you don’t want to lose part of your life waiting in line for assistance and help to solve your problems, it’s time to apply for a digital signature for your electronic certificate. Doing so is very very simple. You will see!
What exactly is a digital certificate?
A digital certificate is nothing more than an identification document that allows you to carry out procedures with the public administration through the Internet. The most common way to formalize any type of official procedure is simple. You go to the corresponding office, complete the specific document and sign it, and then the person in charge asks you for your ID card or passport to verify your identity.
But what happens if you do the paperwork online?
As it is really impossible to present your ID, the digital certificate is created to help you verify the identity and automatically sign any type of document just by pressing a button. Specifically, this certificate will allow you to communicate and do paperwork online with:
- The Tax Office, for example by uploading your tax returns or reviewing the tax returns of previous years.
- Social Security, so you can see on your computer how many years you have left before you can retire or request your work life report.
- Court and justice system, to file appeals.
- Bank of Spain.
- Immigration offices, so you can, for example, make an appointment to submit your visa application, pay fees online, or provide missing documents.
- Other procedures such as consulting fines, verifying registration in the census, etc.
Types Digital Certificate
To verify and validate any online procedure with the Spanish authorities through the Internet, there are currently two different certificates:
- The one that comes from the DNI-E chip (electronic ID)
- Those issued by the Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre.
In the vast majority of situations, you will be able to sign and verify your identity with both. However, sometimes you may only be able to use your electronic ID card. For its simplicity, we recommend that you use the digital certificate in the second option. Since using the E-ID requires you to install a specific application on your cell phone and a PIN. Both have expiration dates and require periodic renewals.
How to request a digital certificate
Now show us in a synthetic and orderly way the steps to follow to get the digital certificate in Spain.
1. Select your browser
Although it seems ridiculous, this step is very important. You can request the digital certificate through Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox. In addition, Firefox in its new versions will not work for you either, so you will most likely have to install an older version. If you do not have any of them installed, that is the first step you should take.
2. Enter the FNMT website
This is where you will do all the paperwork. First, access the website of the Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre. On the top bar, click Ceres. Then select “certificates”.
3. Select the type of certificate you want to apply for
As you can see, there are different options. But you only have to concentrate on the first two.
Now you know how to obtain a digital certificate in Spain? If you have any comments, please contact us.
