ReloVictory
+34 613 625 197Discuss your case

Roadmap · stage 6 of 12

NIE and digital access: FNMT, idCAT and Cl@ve

How FNMT, idCAT Certificat and idCAT Mòbil differ. How to choose a way to sign in and sign for a specific online procedure.

This stage was prepared by the ReloVictory team from primary sources; it has not yet been checked by a lawyer, and each item is marked with the date it was verified.

Choosing between FNMT, idCAT Certificat and idCAT Mòbil

FNMT and idCAT Certificat are digital certificates issued by different providers. idCAT Mòbil is a separate electronic identification service; it does not supply a certificate file for signing any PDF. The right option depends on what your particular online procedure accepts. Check that service first, then the chosen provider’s identity verification requirements. Having an NIE does not mean that a digital certificate has already been issued or activated.

Next steps

  1. Open the official procedure and check its accepted identification and signing methods.
  2. Choose a provider and application route; FNMT and AOC publish their own requirements.
  3. For FNMT with in-person verification, follow the sequence: setup, application code, identity appointment and download.
  4. Check accepted identity documents and appointment requirements with the relevant office.
  5. Test access and signing, make a protected certificate backup and keep the submission receipt.

Related guidance

Official sources

In brief

  • During a permit procedure the NIE is assigned ex officio; otherwise you request it in person with form EX-15 and the 790-012 fee of €9.84
  • NIE decision within 5 days, silence means refusal; reposición 1 month, court 2 months
  • The FNMT certificate is free, but a foreign national with an NIE can only verify their identity in person; Cl@ve cannot be set up through a representative
  • Extranjería notifications are accepted in DEHú; Mi Carpeta Ciudadana only shows them; without a certificate do not tick “consiento”
Edit profile

Item 112

What is an NIE and does it give you the right to live in Spain?

Under article 205 of Real Decreto 1155/2024, the NIE (número de identidad de extranjero) is a personal, unique and sequential number that goes on all of a foreign national’s documents [1]. The Dirección General de la Policía assigns it de oficio, without an application, to anyone for whom a procedure for a stay document has been opened, and for visas that allow a stay of more than 90 days without a separate autorización de estancia or residencia (article 205.3) [1]. The number itself gives no status.

  • Online
  • Free
Where, how to book, documents, cost, timeframe
Where
Dirección General de la Policía
Cost
free

More: full article · glossary term · glossary term

Checked against the source on 03.10.2026. This is guidance, not a legal opinion.

Item 113

When do you need to request an NIE yourself before applying for a residence permit?

You need to apply for an NIE when the number is not assigned ex officio: under article 205.3 of RD 1155/2024, foreign nationals with economic, professional or social interests in Spain request it themselves, provided they are not in Spain irregularly and state their reasons [1]. You apply in person to the Policía, through the Oficina de Extranjería or a comisaría, or from abroad through the consulate [1][2]. The FNMT issues a certificate to a foreign national who has an NIE [3], so for a DNV filed from Spain it is better to get the number in advance.

  • In person
  • Government fee
  • Lawyer needed
Where, how to book, documents, cost, timeframe
Where
Comisaría de Policía Nacional or Oficina de Extranjería of the province of Barcelona; from abroad, a Spanish consulate
How to book
Cita previa on the sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es portal, Policía Nacional section
Documents
  • passport
  • form EX-15 stating the reason for the request
  • 790-012 payment receipt
Cost
state fee €9.84, form 790 code 790-012
Period
decision within 5 days of the application being registered

More: full article · route card: DNV

Checked against the source on 03.10.2026. This is guidance, not a legal opinion.

Item 114

How do you fill in form EX-15 for an NIE?

Form EX-15 “Solicitud de NIE y Certificados” is on the Policía Nacional procedure page [1]. Article 205.3 of RD 1155/2024 requires you to state the reasons for the request, so give the reason straight away [2].

  • Online
  • Free

Checked 03.10.2026 more in the article

Item 115

How much is the NIE fee and how do you pay it?

The state fee for asignación de NIE a instancia del interesado under modelo 790 código 012 is €9.84 as of 03.10.2026: the amount is in the Policía Nacional tasas table and in the annex to Orden PJC/617/2025, item 5.12 [1][2]. You generate the form in the Policía online form by choosing this procedure, and pay at a bank or other credit institution without opening an account [3]. The order is indexed by the budget law, so check the amount before paying.

  • Online
  • In person
  • Government fee
Where, how to book, documents, cost, timeframe
Where
Online form Tasa 790-012 at sede.policia.gob.es; payment at any bank
How to book
No appointment needed
Documents
  • passport details for the form
  • printed 790-012 form
Cost
state fee €9.84, form 790 code 790-012
Period
pay before the visit; the paid copy is filed with EX-15

More: full article · glossary term

Checked against the source on 03.10.2026. This is guidance, not a legal opinion.

Item 116

How do you book a cita previa for an NIE in Barcelona?

The cita previa de extranjería portal at sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es splits appointments into two streams: Oficinas de Extranjería procedures (Delegaciones and Subdelegaciones del Gobierno) and Cuerpo Nacional de Policía procedures (Dirección General de la Policía) [1]. For an NIE on application, choose the province of Barcelona and the Policía Nacional section: according to the Barcelona Delegación notice of 20.05.2025, “Asignación de NIE” is handled at Policía comisarías [2]. Booking is free.

  • Online
  • Free
Where, how to book, documents, cost, timeframe
Where
Cita previa extranjería portal, province of Barcelona
How to book
Online at sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es/icpplus
Documents
  • passport for the booking details
Cost
free
Period
free slots change; there are no official waiting-time statistics

In detail: full article

Checked against the source on 03.10.2026. This is guidance, not a legal opinion.

Item 117

What should you bring to the Policía appointment to get an NIE?

On its procedure page the Policía Nacional lists two documents: a completed EX-15 form and proof of payment of the tasa modelo 790 código 012 [1]; the passport is needed for identification, and Article 205.4 RD 1155/2024 says the NIE is requested in person [2]. You apply to the Dirección General de la Policía directly, through the Oficina de Extranjería or at a comisaría. The page does not list what proof of your reason they will ask for at the appointment: bring documents that explain why you need it.

  • In person
  • Free
Where, how to book, documents, cost, timeframe
Where
Comisaría de Policía Nacional in the province of Barcelona, by appointment
How to book
Cita previa, Policía Nacional section
Documents
  • passport
  • EX-15 form
  • paid 790-012 form
  • documents proving the reason (contract, preliminary contract, bank letter)
Cost
free
Period
appointment at the set time; decision within 5 days

In detail: full article

Checked against the source on 03.10.2026. This is guidance, not a legal opinion.

Item 118

How long does an NIE decision take, and what does silence from the authority mean?

Under Article 205.4 RD 1155/2024 and the Policía Nacional page, an NIE application is decided within five days of its entry in the register of the competent body, the decision is notified within the same period, and if there is no reply the application is deemed refused (silencio desestimatorio) [1][2]. Against the decision, the Policía lists a recurso de reposición within 1 month and a claim before the contencioso-administrativo courts within 2 months [2]. The wait for an appointment does not count towards these 5 days.

  • In person
  • Free
Where, how to book, documents, cost, timeframe
Where
Policía Nacional; appeals to the same body or to the Juzgado Contencioso-Administrativo
Documents
  • copy of the submitted EX-15 with the entry stamp
Cost
free
Period
5 days for the decision; reposición 1 month; court 2 months

More: full article · glossary term

Checked against the source on 03.10.2026. This is guidance, not a legal opinion.

Item 119

How do you get a certificado de residente or de no residente?

Article 205.5 RD 1155/2024 applies the NIE application procedure to the certificado de residente and the certificado de no residente: EX-15 form, in-person application, 5-day deadline [1]. The state fee for “certificados o informes emitidos a instancia del interesado” under modelo 790 código 012 is €7.31 per document, according to the Policía table and item 5.13 of the annex to Orden PJC/617/2025 [2][3]. Banks or a notary, for example, ask for this certificate.

  • In person
  • Government fee
Where, how to book, documents, cost, timeframe
Where
Comisaría de Policía Nacional, by appointment
How to book
Cita previa, Policía Nacional section
Documents
  • passport
  • EX-15 with the required certificate ticked
  • paid 790-012 form for the number of certificates you need
Cost
state fee €7.31, form 790, code 790-012
Period
decision within 5 days

More: full article · glossary term

Checked against the source on 03.10.2026. This is guidance, not a legal opinion.

Item 120

How does a foreigner with an NIE apply for an FNMT certificado digital?

FNMT-RCM (Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre) issues the certificado electrónico de ciudadano free of charge to any adult Spaniard or foreigner with a DNI or NIE [1]. The route for an NIE holder: configure the software beforehand on sede.fnmt.gob.es, apply online with your NIE number, after which a código de solicitud arrives by email, then confirm your identity in person [1][2]. Apply from the same computer and the same user profile you will later use to download the certificate.

  • Online
  • Free
  • Lawyer needed
Where, how to book, documents, cost, timeframe
Where
sede.fnmt.gob.es, Certificado de ciudadano con acreditación presencial section
How to book
Online application, no appointment needed
Documents
  • NIE
  • a working email address
  • computer with the FNMT software installed
Cost
free
Period
the application code arrives by email after you submit

More: full article · glossary term

Checked against the source on 03.10.2026. This is guidance, not a legal opinion.

Item 121

Where can a foreigner confirm their identity for the FNMT certificate?

For an FNMT certificate with in-person identity confirmation, first get the application code. Then check which documents are accepted and whether the accreditation office you choose needs an appointment. For a foreign applicant the requirements depend on the documents presented; use the current FNMT list. Once your identity is confirmed, download the certificate following the instructions. Do not assume these conditions also apply to idCAT Certificat, idCAT Mòbil or another way of obtaining a certificate. Official source

  • In person
  • Free
  • Lawyer needed
Where, how to book, documents, cost, timeframe
Where
Oficinas de Acreditación de Identidad: AEAT, Seguridad Social and others on the FNMT list
How to book
At AEAT and Seguridad Social offices by cita previa
Documents
  • código de solicitud from the FNMT email
  • TIE card or NIE assignment document
  • passport
Cost
free
Period
the certificate is available for download right after confirmation

In detail: full article

Checked against the source on 03.10.2026. This is guidance, not a legal opinion.

Item 122

How do you download and save the FNMT certificate?

FNMT: the certificate is downloaded on the same computer and under the same user as the application [1]. The download is available right after confirmation at the office; make a backup copy [2]. Do not give the file or the password to anyone.

  • Online
  • Free

Checked 03.10.2026 more in the article

Item 123

What is Autofirma for and where do you download it?

Autofirma is a free electronic signature application for e-government pages [1]. Versions for Windows, macOS and Linux are in the Descargas section of the firmaelectronica.gob.es portal [1]. You need it to file through Mercurio.

  • Online
  • Free

Checked 03.10.2026 more in the article

Item 124

How do you register for Cl@ve with an invitation letter and your NIE?

Without a certificate, you register for Cl@ve with an invitation letter: on the Registro Cl@ve portal or in the app you enter your NIE and the document’s número de soporte, and then a letter with a 16-character Código Seguro de Verificación (CSV) is sent by ordinary post to the domicilio fiscal recorded in the Agencia Tributaria database [1]. You complete registration with the code, a mobile number and an email; this is the basic level, without Cl@ve Firma [1][2]. The portal does not explain how the letter reaches someone who is not in the AEAT database.

  • Online
  • By post
  • Free
Where, how to book, documents, cost, timeframe
Where
clave.gob.es, Registro Cl@ve portal or the Cl@ve app
How to book
No appointment needed
Documents
  • NIE and the document’s número de soporte
  • mobile number (one number per DNI or NIE)
  • email
  • up-to-date address at the AEAT
Cost
free
Period
the letter comes by post; the page does not say how long the code is valid

In detail: full article

Checked against the source on 03.10.2026. This is guidance, not a legal opinion.

Item 125

Can you get the advanced Cl@ve level online with an FNMT certificate?

Yes. The Cl@ve portal classes registration “por Internet con certificado electrónico o DNIe” as the advanced level (registro avanzado), which opens procedures with stricter requirements and Cl@ve Firma [1]. The basic level, by letter or video identification, does not work for all services [1]. So once you have the FNMT certificate, registering for Cl@ve takes minutes and needs no letter or office visit.

  • Online
  • Free
Where, how to book, documents, cost, timeframe
Where
clave.gob.es, login with a certificate
How to book
No appointment needed
Documents
  • installed FNMT certificate
  • mobile number
  • email
Cost
free
Period
a confirmation SMS arrives right after registration

In detail: full article

Checked against the source on 03.10.2026. This is guidance, not a legal opinion.

Item 126

Can you register for Cl@ve in person at an office or through a representative?

In-person registration at an Oficina de Registro gives the advanced Cl@ve level; the offices belong to the AEAT, Seguridad Social, SEPE and Delegaciones del Gobierno networks, many require cita previa, and you find them in the Punto de Acceso General buscador with the Cl@ve filter [1]. The portal does not allow registration through another person: you must be there yourself [2]. Video identification is temporarily open only to Spanish citizens with a DNI [3]. Check before your visit which foreigner’s document the office will accept.

  • In person
  • Free
Where, how to book, documents, cost, timeframe
Where
Oficinas de Registro Cl@ve: AEAT, Seguridad Social, SEPE, Delegación del Gobierno
How to book
At many offices by cita previa
Documents
  • TIE or a document with your NIE, and your passport (the page describes only the DNI)
  • mobile number
  • email
Cost
free
Period
on the day of the visit

In detail: full article

Checked against the source on 03.10.2026. This is guidance, not a legal opinion.

Item 127

Can you link a foreign phone number to Cl@ve?

Cl@ve FAQ: you can register with a foreign number; the country code is entered without the plus sign, and your operator must accept SMS from other countries [1]. One number is linked to one DNI or NIE; if someone registers with your number, you will be left without a phone in the system [1]. You can change the number only on the AEAT sede or in the app with a certificate, or at an office [1].

  • Online
  • Free
Where, how to book, documents, cost, timeframe
Where
clave.gob.es; number changes via the AEAT sede or an Oficina de Registro
Documents
  • a mobile number not linked to another person
Cost
free

In detail: full article

Checked against the source on 03.10.2026. This is guidance, not a legal opinion.

Item 128

How do you tell the AEAT your address with modelo 030?

Modelo 030 of the Agencia Tributaria is filed by individuals who do not carry out a business or professional activity: they use it to report their domicilio fiscal, a change of address and changes to personal details [1]. For these people Article 17.2 RD 1065/2007 allows three months to report a change of address; for businesspeople it is one month, using modelos 036 and 037 [2]. You need an up-to-date address at the AEAT so that the Cl@ve letter and paper notifications reach you.

  • Online
  • In person
  • Free
Where, how to book, documents, cost, timeframe
Where
AEAT sede online or an AEAT office by appointment
How to book
Online with no appointment; at an AEAT office by cita previa
Documents
  • NIE
  • residential address
  • to file online: Cl@ve or a certificate; otherwise a paper form at the office
Cost
free
Period
a change of address is reported within 3 months

More: full article · glossary term

Checked against the source on 03.10.2026. This is guidance, not a legal opinion.

Item 129

How do you get idCAT Mòbil for Catalan services?

idCAT Mòbil is the Generalitat de Catalunya digital ID for people over 16: according to idcat.aoc.cat you can get it from anywhere in the world with a phone and a passport or national identity document, and registration can be online or in person [1]. For in-person registration at an Entitat de Registre you show a DNI, NIE, TIE or passport [1]. It works for most procedures with ajuntaments and the Generalitat [1].

  • Online
  • In person
Where, how to book, documents, cost, timeframe
Where
idcat.aoc.cat or an idCAT Mòbil Entitat de Registre from the map on the page
How to book
For in-person registration, check with the entitat de registre whether you need an appointment
Documents
  • passport, NIE, TIE or DNI
  • mobile phone
Cost
the idCAT Mòbil page does not mention a fee; check with the entitat de registre

In detail: full article

Checked against the source on 03.10.2026. This is guidance, not a legal opinion.

Item 130

What does Mi Carpeta Ciudadana show and how do you log in?

Mi Carpeta Ciudadana (carpetaciudadana.gob.es) opens only after identification: Cl@ve, DNIe, any recognised certificate, Cl@ve PIN or Permanente [1]. The account itself stores almost no data: requests are forwarded to the authorities, and an error in your data is corrected with the authority that holds it, not in the account [1]. Notifications can only be seen there; they are accepted through DEHú [1]. Log in once you have your NIE and check that the authorities can see you.

  • Online
  • Free
Where, how to book, documents, cost, timeframe
Where
carpetaciudadana.gob.es, website and app
Documents
  • Cl@ve or a certificate
Cost
free

In detail: full article

Checked against the source on 03.10.2026. This is guidance, not a legal opinion.

Item 131

Where do you accept electronic notifications from the authorities?

Punto de Acceso General: electronic notifications are accessed through the Dirección Electrónica Habilitada Única (DEHú) or through Carpeta Ciudadana, and you need a certificate or Cl@ve to log in [1]. The Mi Carpeta FAQ explains that notifications can only be viewed in the account, while the comparecencia is done in DEHú [2]. A notification is deemed rejected after 10 calendar days only if the electronic channel is mandatory or you chose it (Article 43.2 Ley 39/2015) [3]; Article 197.2 RD 1155/2024 on mandatory electronic communication was annulled by the Tribunal Supremo [4].

  • Online
  • Free
Where, how to book, documents, cost, timeframe
Where
dehu.redsara.es, login with a certificate or Cl@ve
Documents
  • certificate or Cl@ve
Cost
free

More: full article · glossary term

Checked against the source on 03.10.2026. This is guidance, not a legal opinion.

Item 132

What does the “consiento” box for electronic notifications mean, according to the Madrid Delegación guide?

Delegación del Gobierno en Madrid guide: when “consiento” is ticked, Oficina de Extranjería notifications are posted for 10 days in DEHú or Carpeta, are not sent by email, and can only be opened with the certificate of the person named in the notification address field [1]. Without a certificate you do not tick the box, and letters come by post [1]. If you chose the channel, the notification is deemed rejected after 10 days (Article 43.2 Ley 39/2015) [2]. The Barcelona information note of 20.05.2025 does not describe this [3].

  • Online
  • By post
  • Free
Where, how to book, documents, cost, timeframe
Where
Application form (EX-xx) at the Oficina de Extranjería; the procedure is described in the Madrid Delegación guide
Documents
  • a certificate held by the person named in the notification address, if consent is given
Cost
free
Period
10 calendar days to open an electronic notification

In detail: full article · route card: no lucrativa · route card: work · route card: family · route card: arraigo · route card: renewal

Checked against the source on 03.10.2026. This is guidance, not a legal opinion.

Item 133

How do you give a representative authority without handing over your certificate?

Article 5 Ley 39/2015 requires representation to be proven to file applications and appeals: apud acta, by appearing in person or electronically at the sede, or by entry in the Registro Electrónico de Apoderamientos (REA) [1]. For extranjería, Article 197.4 RD 1155/2024 lists a notarised proxy, apud acta in the register and authorisation through the Registro de Colaboradores [2]. For Ministerio de Inclusión permits, the UGE sede gives the apodera code 201361 [3]. Whether you need to file through a representative is for a lawyer to decide in your case.

  • Online
  • In person
  • Costs
Where, how to book, documents, cost, timeframe
Where
REA (sede.administracion.gob.es) online or an Oficina de Asistencia en Materia de Registros; a notary
How to book
Electronic appearance without an appointment; at a notary by arrangement
Documents
  • representative’s details
  • certificate or Cl@ve for an electronic apud acta
  • for a notarised proxy: passport and NIE
Cost
apud acta in the register is free; a notarised proxy at the notary’s rate
Period
apud acta is valid from the moment it is entered in the register

More: full article · glossary term

Checked against the source on 03.10.2026. This is guidance, not a legal opinion.

What you can do yourself and what we take on

You can complete every item of this stage on your own: each one says where to go, how to book and what to bring. Where going ahead without a lawyer is risky, there is a separate panel with options for help, including free ones. ReloVictory prepares the document set, accompanies the filing and handles the case: 15 minutes free, a full consultation €121 for 45 minutes, case handling priced by quote, fees and translations extra. Book a consultation

Frequently asked questions

Do you need to get an NIE separately before applying for a residence permit?
It depends on your route. If a permit procedure has been started for you or you have been issued a visa for more than 90 days, the Dirección General de la Policía assigns the NIE de oficio (Article 205.3 RD 1155/2024), and no separate application is needed. You have to request it yourself when you have economic, professional or social interests in Spain and need the number earlier: for an FNMT certificate, a bank, a transaction. The Moscow consulate asks for the EX-15 together with the DNV visa application: that is its own practice, and whether to pay in advance is for a lawyer to decide.
How much does an NIE cost in 2026?
The fee for asignación de NIE a instancia del interesado under modelo 790 código 012 is €9.84, according to the Policía Nacional page and the annex to Orden PJC/617/2025 (item 5.12) as of 03.10.2026. You pay it to the state at a bank with the printed form; you do not need an account at that bank. The amount is updated every year, so check the form before paying. Translations and a proxy are not included.
How does a foreigner get an FNMT certificado digital?
An application on sede.fnmt.gob.es gives you a code by email; then a personal visit to an Oficina de Acreditación de Identidad with a document showing your NIE and your passport; after confirmation the certificate is downloaded on the same computer and in the same user profile. The certificate is free. Video identification costs €2.99 plus taxes and requires an electronic DNI, so it is not available to NIE holders.
How is Cl@ve different from a certificate, and do you need both?
Cl@ve is a way to log in to a sede with a password, SMS or app; a certificate is a file with a signing key. Either of them is enough to log in to Mi Carpeta Ciudadana and DEHú, while the UGE pages name a certificate or DNIe for filing. A sensible order: NIE, then the FNMT certificate, then advanced-level Cl@ve online with that certificate. Cl@ve cannot be set up through a representative.
Where do you accept electronic notifications in a residence permit case?
In DEHú (Dirección Electrónica Habilitada Única): Mi Carpeta Ciudadana only shows that there is a notification, and you accept it in DEHú. The Delegación del Gobierno en Madrid guide warns that when “consiento” is ticked, the document is posted for 10 calendar days, does not arrive by email, and can only be opened with the certificate of the person named in the notification address field. If you chose the channel or it is mandatory, a notification not accessed within 10 days is deemed rejected (Article 43.2 Ley 39/2015).
Are idCAT Mòbil and idCAT Certificat the same thing?
No. They are independent, compatible systems. idCAT Certificat lets you sign documents; idCAT Mòbil works in the procedures that support it.
Is one certificate accepted by every electronic service?
Do not assume so. Before applying, check the identification and signature methods on the page of the specific procedure.

How does this apply to your situation?

Choose your first step with a short quiz or discuss your questions with the ReloVictory team.

Find the first stepDiscuss your situation