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Criminal record certificate

Certificado de antecedentes penales

What it is

The criminal record certificate shows whether a person has criminal records in the Central Register of Convicted Persons on the date it is issued. It does not qualify for working with minors; a Sexual Offences Certificate is needed for that.

Official wording
Es un certificado que permite acreditar la carencia o existencia de antecedentes penales que constan en el Registro Central de Penados en la fecha que son expedidos.

Official sources

Where it applies
All of Spain

Official information

Official sources

When

When a procedure asks you to prove you have no criminal record in Spain. If the certificate will be used abroad, it must be legalised: tick the apostille option when you apply.

Official wording
Cuando el certificado de Antecedentes Penales ha de surtir efectos en el extranjero, necesita ser legalizado.

Official sources

Steps

  1. Step 1: Choose how to apply

    Online on the Ministry of Justice e-office, paying the fee through the Tax Agency gateway; in person at a registry office (in Madrid, the Central Citizen Service Office; elsewhere, the Ministry's Territorial Offices), with an appointment; or by post.

    Official wording
    En el proceso, deberá realizar el pago telemático de la tasa asociada a la solicitud a través de la pasarela de pagos de la AEAT.

    Official sources

  2. Step 2: Fill in form 790 and pay

    In person or by post, fill in form 790 and pay at a bank that collaborates with the Tax Agency (the bank stamps the "copy for the Administration") or by online banking (bring the receipt with the NRC together with that sheet).

    Official wording
    Puede acudir con el formulario 790 cumplimentado a una entidad financiera colaboradora con la Agencia Tributaria para efectuar la liquidación.

    Official sources

  3. Step 3: Submit the application and ID

    Hand in form 790 and the payment receipt with the original or a certified photocopy of your valid ID (residence card, passport…). In Madrid, bring what the appointment confirmation says.

    Official wording
    Original o fotocopia compulsada del DNI, Tarjeta de Residencia española para extranjeros, pasaporte, carnet de conducir español, documento de identificación comunitario o equivalente, en vigor

    Official sources

  4. Step 4: Receive the certificate

    Online and in person it is normally issued on the spot; if not, generally within 3 working days. By post, normally within 3 working days of receipt. The legal deadline is 10 working days.

    Official wording
    Cuando la solicitud se realiza de forma presencial, el certificado se emite normalmente en el momento.

    Official sources

Documents

Your ticks are saved on this device only.

🖨 Printable bilingual document card (you can show it at the counter)

Fees

The fee is €3.86. If the wrong amount is paid, the bank cannot refund it: you must request a refund of undue payments.

Official wording
PRECIO DE LA TASA: 3,86 €

Official sources

FAQ

Is it valid for working with children?

No. To work with children in Spain you need the Sexual Offences Certificate.

Official wording
El certificado de Antecedentes Penales NO HABILITA para trabajar con menores en España, siendo necesario un certificado de Delitos de Naturaleza Sexual.

Official sources

Can it be sent to me by email?

If you apply by post, you can authorise delivery by post or email; but not by email if it needs diplomatic legalisation.

Official wording
No es posible enviarlo por correo electrónico si necesita legalización diplomática

Official sources

Related procedures

Terms used on this page