If you are buying or selling a property in Spain, or need to file tax returns with the Spanish Tax Agency (AEAT), a digital certificate is an essential tool. It allows you to identify yourself securely to any Spanish public authority from your computer, without having to visit any office in person. This guide explains how to obtain and install the FNMT (Royal Mint of Spain) digital certificate on a Windows computer, step by step.
What is a digital certificate and what is it used for?
A digital certificate is an electronic file that verifies your identity online. It is issued by the FNMT-RCM, an official Spanish state body. With it you can file your income tax return, pay taxes such as ITP or Modelo 210 (IRNR for non-residents), register documents with the Land Registry, manage your NIE or NIF, and access the electronic headquarters of any Spanish public authority.
Prerequisites
- Valid DNI or NIE.
- Computer running Windows 10 or 11.
- Compatible browser: Internet Explorer, Edge or Firefox (Firefox recommended for the initial request).
- Access to a registration office (AEAT office, town hall or Spanish consulate for residents abroad).
Step 1: Request the certificate on the FNMT website
Go to the official FNMT website (www.sede.fnmt.gob.es) and select "Certificates > Individual > Obtain software certificate". Enter your DNI or NIE and your email address. The FNMT will send a request code to that email. Keep that code: you will need it in the following steps. It is important to complete the entire process on the same computer and the same browser. Do not reformat the computer or change the browser until the process is finished.
Step 2: Verify your identity at a registration office
With your request code, you must visit a registered office in person (AEAT offices, Social Security offices, town halls, or Spanish consulates abroad). They will verify your identity using your original identity document. This in-person step is mandatory and cannot be completed online for the software certificate. Once verified, you will receive confirmation and can continue the process online.
Step 3: Download and install the certificate
Once you have visited the office and received confirmation, you can go home and finish the process from your computer. Do not worry: it is simpler than it sounds. Just follow these steps calmly, one at a time.
1. Open the same browser you used at the beginning
The browser is the programme you use to access the internet. It could be Firefox (orange and purple logo), Edge (blue logo, comes with Windows) or Internet Explorer. It is very important to open exactly the same one you used when you requested the certificate in Step 1. If you cannot remember, try Firefox first.
2. Go to the FNMT website
In the address bar at the top of the browser (where the website address is shown), type: www.sede.fnmt.gob.es and press the Enter key. The official website of the Spanish Royal Mint, which issues digital certificates, will open.
3. Find the "Download certificate" option
Once on the page, look in the menu for "Certificates" and then "Individual". You will see several options: find the one that says "Download certificate" and click on it. If you cannot find it straight away, look at the top of the page where there is usually a menu with several words.
4. Enter your details
The page will ask for two things: your DNI or NIE (the number on your identity document, for example: 12345678A) and the request code sent to your email in Step 1. Type them carefully, with no extra spaces, then click the button that says "Download certificate" or "Accept".
5. The certificate installs itself
If everything goes well, the computer will ask whether you want to open or save a file. Click "Open" or "Run". Windows will then install the certificate automatically. A window may appear asking you to confirm the installation: click "Yes" or "Accept". When it finishes you will see a message saying the certificate has been installed successfully. That is it — your digital certificate is now working.
6. Check that it works
To make sure everything went correctly, go to the Spanish Tax Agency website (www.agenciatributaria.es), find the "Electronic Office" section and try to identify yourself with your certificate. The browser will show a window with your name and ask you to confirm. If you see it, congratulations: the certificate is installed and ready to use.
How to export the certificate as a backup
- Open the Windows Control Panel and search for "Manage user certificates".
- Under "Personal > Certificates" you will find your installed certificate.
- Right-click > All tasks > Export.
- Select to export the private key and choose .pfx format.
- Set a strong password and save the file in a safe place (USB drive, external hard drive or encrypted cloud storage).
How to import the certificate on another computer
If you need to use the certificate on another device or browser, simply copy the .pfx file and run it on the new computer. Windows will launch the import wizard: accept the terms, enter the password you set when exporting, and confirm. The certificate will be available on the new computer without needing to repeat the process with the FNMT.
Frequently asked questions
Need help with tax or property procedures in Spain?
At Benavides Real Estate we have tax advisors and lawyers specialised in real estate transactions in Mallorca. If you have questions about taxes, digital certificates, NIE or other procedures related to your property, get in touch.
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