Many of our clients come to us without a digital certificate. We believe that a digital certificate is very useful, especially in the increasingly computerised society we live in, which is why one of the first things we recommend to our clients is to get one.
What is a digital certificate for and how do I apply for it?
While we used to have to handle all bureaucratic procedures by going to the relevant counter, which meant waiting in queues and spending a lot of time, now, thanks to digitisation, we can handle most procedures online, faster and without having to travel. To complete these formalities via computer, you need a digital certificate, which is easy to obtain. This is how you can obtain a digital certificate.
What is a digital certificate?
A digital certificate is an electronic document that identifies a person with a public law code that allows them to perform procedures on the Internet. This certificate is issued and signed by an accredited entity recognised as a certification authority. The certificate has a unique serial number and a validity period of four years, so it must be renewed periodically. Any adult or emancipated minor in possession of an identity card can apply.
What is the certificate for?
The digital certificate is used to speed up the completion of various procedures over the internet, reducing time and allowing the procedure to be carried out at any time, without time limits. Currently, many procedures of state, regional and local government departments, as well as other entities such as professional associations or universities, among others, are carried out with the certificate. Signing a document with the digital certificate has the same validity as signing in person.
For the self-employed, it is mandatory to have a digital certificate because the tax authorities have required the submission of certain documents via the internet for several years.
How do I get a digital certificate?
The process to obtain the digital certificate consists of three stages.
In the first place, the certificate must be applied for via the internet from a certification authority. Generally, this is done through the Fábrica de La Moneda y Timbre, but there are also other bodies, such as the Certification Authority (ANF AC) or Camera Firm. Once the certificate is applied for, a certificate application code is sent by e-mail. The FNMT recommends using Internet Explorer or Firefox browsers for this procedure.
Second, with this code, you have to go in person to a registration office, such as the be l a s t i n g k a n to re n a dm i n i s t r a t i o n s ( A g e n c i a Tr i bu ta r i a ) a n d s o m e social security offices, which is a necessary step to download the certificate.
The third step is to download the certificate from the FNMT website on the same computer where the application was made and install it in the browser to work. The certificate is stored on the computer’s hard drive. You can check if it is installed by going to the Tools tab – Internet options – content – certificates.
It is also advisable to make a backup copy of the certificate on an external storage medium.
How can you get accreditation if you are outside Spanish territory?
Citizens who are not Spanish residents can obtain their electronic certificate through Spanish consulates abroad, provided it is one issued by the Spanish Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre.
Obtaining a certificate from the FNMT basically consists of three steps: the application through the FNMT’s website, the in-person accreditation at the consulate or embassy (you have to present the code obtained at the time of application and the requested documentation) and, finally, the downloading of the certificate, also from the website of this certifying body. The fourth recommended step is to make a backup copy of the certificate obtained so that you can restore it if necessary.
What procedures can be performed with the digital certificate? The most common procedures that can be performed with the digital certificate include:
• Filing and paying tax returns. Paying taxes such as income tax, and in the case of the self-employed, paying VAT.
• Submission of claims and appeals .
• Consult and pay fines with the DGT . You can also pay traffic fines online if you have the certificate.
• Grant applications and procedures . It speeds up grant processing.
• Enter population and housing census data.
• Registration in the municipal census .
• Electronic signing of official documents and forms .
• Obtaining social security reports . One of the documents that can be requested is employment history, which is important to know when you can retire.
• Handling certain cases at the unemployment office . Going to the unemployment office to get your unemployment card stamped is one of the functions you can now avoid with the certificate.
• Manage your income tax return .
Finally, you should know that you can only have one digital certificate in force, which must be renewed when it expires. Once you have your digital certificate, you can safely conduct all your online procedures.
Note: The content of this article is purely informative.
Do not take risks, always contact a lawyer. All practising lawyers in Spain must be registered with a bar association. For your safety, you can check this at: https://www.abogacia.es/ servicios…/censo-de- letrados/
Nathalie Zanolie
Lawyer (registered with the Tenerife Bar Association with registration number 3.033 – Ilustre Colegio de Abogados de Santa Cruz de Tenerife ICATF).
info@asilf.com
