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If you need to prove your legal record in Spain, you may be asked to provide a criminal record certificate as part of certain administrative procedures. This can include some residency applications, public sector roles or other official processes where background checks are required.

 

For expats in Spain, Heniam & Associates also provide legal and administrative support designed to make paperwork less stressful, with services including immigration help, NIE and TIE applications, company set-up, contracts, digital signatures and wider legal guidance.

 

For certain roles, especially those involving children, a standard criminal record certificate is not enough. In these cases, the authorities require a separate certificate confirming that you do not have any criminal record relating to sexual offences.

 

As the Ministry of Justice explains, the certificate “certifies the existence or absence of a criminal record” at the time it is issued. In practice, this means it confirms whether you have any final criminal convictions recorded in Spain. Minor offences are not included, and it may also indicate whether a sentence has been served.

 

There are three main ways to request the certificate in Spain, all through the Ministry of Justice.

 

The simplest option is to apply online via the official Ministry of Justice page. From there, you can access the application service.

 

To complete the process online, you will need an electronic identification method such as a DNIe, Cl@ve PIN or permanent password. You will be asked to fill in form 790-006 and pay the €3.82 fee.

 

Payment can be made online during the process or through your bank, and you should keep proof of payment.

 

The certificate may be issued immediately, although in some cases it can take between one and three working days. Legally, the Administration has up to 10 business days to provide it.

 

If you prefer not to apply online, you can request the certificate by post. First, download and complete form 790.

 

You will need to include proof of payment, a certified copy of your identification document and authorisation for delivery by post or email. The application should be sent to the territorial management office of the Ministry of Justice in your province. You can find a list of offices here.

 

It is also possible to apply in person. You will usually need to book an appointment in advance.

 

At your appointment, you complete form 790-006, pay the €3.82 fee at a collaborating bank and return with proof of payment and your ID to finalise the process. In some cases, the certificate is issued on the same day, although the official timeframe is up to 10 working days.

 

If you are outside Spain, you can still apply online or by post using the same Ministry of Justice process. You may also be able to apply through a Spanish consulate, which will forward your request. In that case, a representative in Spain may be required to collect the certificate on your behalf.

 

This certificate only covers offences recorded in Spain. If you have lived in another country in recent years, you may also need to request a criminal record certificate from that country.

 

As guidance explains, “these are obtained in your country of origin, not in Spain,” and the process will depend on the authorities there. These documents may also need to be officially translated and legalised before they can be used in Spain.

 

Heniam & Associates have two offices in the Region of Murcia, in La Manga Club and Los Belones, and work with expats across Spain, particularly on the Costa Cálida and Costa Blanca.

 

Their services cover conveyancing, legal and professional communication assistance, Spanish health and administrative services, support with regulatory bodies, will writing and intestate inheritance advice in both the UK and Spain, contract drafting, dispute resolution, and help with foreign currency transfers.

 

They also provide translation services for written documents and appointments such as visits to the doctor or to administrative offices.

Email info@heniam.es or call 0034 602 622 059 for more information.

 

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