How to get a criminal records check in Spain, with help from Heniam & Associates

Everything you need to know about requesting your criminal record certificate in Spain, including online, in person and from abroad

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.

How to apply for a criminal record certificate

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.

Applying from abroad

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.

What about records from other countries?

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

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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Heniam & Associates for Conveyancing, paperwork, legal advice and immigration throughout the Region of Murcia

Catering for the needs of expats living all over Spain, and particularly in the Costa Cálida and the Costa Blanca, Heniam & Associates offer a wide range of services including conveyancing, legal and administrative advice.

At the same time, their team of dedicated professionals appreciate the need to assist you in an easy and reliable manner, allowing you as much time as possible to enjoy your freedom, relax and make the most out of life in Spain. Without sacrificing efficiency, they offer personalised services to each and every client, listening to their needs in order to provide exactly the right service and desired outcome.

In the all-important field of Legal and Administrative Services, Heniam & Associates provide help in a wide range of matters including (but not limited to):

Conveyancing
Legal and professional communication assistance
NIE and TIE Applications
Commercial and company set-up and licensing
Spanish health and administrative services
Support and assistance with regulatory bodies
Professional will writing services and advice on intestate inheritance laws (both in the UK and in Spain)
Contract drafting (for businesses and individuals)
Dispute resolution
Digital signatures and certificates

Whether taking advantage of our conveyancing services or any other legal matter Heniam & Associates’ business partner HeniamLegal will represent you in the best possible way, excelling especially in their conveyancing service.

When buying a property in a foreign country it can be challenging to understand all of the steps that have to be taken. Heniam knows that buying a home can be stressful and they want to ensure that you have the resources that you need to make sure that the transaction is as smooth as possible so that you can start to enjoy your new home without worrying about the details and any purchase pitfalls.

HeniamLegal will be on hand to assist you with every part of the process. They have dedicated professionals on hand to assist you every step of the way ensuring that all of the relevant checks and investigations are carried out and, of course, negotiating on your behalf and protecting your interests. You will always have the support you need with HeniamLegal and Heniam & Associates.

Heniam & Associates In addition, translation services are provided either for written documents or for occasions such as visits to the doctor or to administrative offices, and assistance is provided in finding the best deal on foreign currency transfers.