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How to obtain the criminal record certificate in Barcelona (2026)

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Cost

Free

Free of charge (no fee for standard application)

Time at office

15-20 minutes (in person)

Estimated time

Immediate online / 1-3 business days by mail

Quick summary

Guide for applying for the criminal record certificate in Barcelona. Online or in-person procedure, free of charge, necessary for working, residence, or adoptions.

Required documents

  • Valid DNI, passport or NIE

    Valid identity document of the applicant.

  • ?

    Digital signature or Cl@ve (for online application) Optional

    A digital FNMT certificate, DNI e, Cl@ve PIN, or Cl@ve permanente is needed for online application.

    ⚠️ Only for online application

0 €
Free of charge (no fee for standard application) €0.00
€0.00
€0.00

: 2026

Step by step

  • 1

    Choose the application method: online or in person

    The criminal record certificate can be applied for online (recommended, immediate) with a digital signature, or in person at the Central Registry of Penitentiaries of the Ministry of Justice or its delegated offices.

    !

    Expert tip

    "The online route is much faster. If you have a digital signature or Cl@ve, it takes less than 5 minutes and the certificate is downloaded immediately."

  • 2

    Online application (recommended option)

    Go to official site

    Access the Ministry of Justice's electronic portal, identify yourself with your digital signature or Cl@ve, and apply for the certificate. It is immediately downloadable as a PDF with an e-signature.

    !

    Expert tip

    "The online downloaded certificate has full legal validity. You do not need to apostille it for use in Spain."

  • 3

    In-person application in Barcelona (if you don't have a digital signature)

    Go to official site

    You can apply in person at the Territorial Branch of the Ministry of Justice in Catalonia, located at Av. de la Marquesa de Castellbell. Present your DNI/passport at the counter.

    !

    Expert tip

    "If you are going to present it abroad, you need a Hague Apostille. Consult with the entity or country that requires it."

  • 4

    Receive the certificate

    Online: immediate download as PDF. In person: received immediately or in 1-3 business days if there is high demand.

Offices and service points - Barcelona

Territorial Branch of the Ministry of Justice in Catalonia

Av. de la Marquesa de Castellbell, 25-29, 08014 Barcelona

+34 934 18 33 00
Monday to Friday: 09:00 - 14:00

Frequently asked questions

What is the criminal record certificate used for?
It is necessary for: working with minors (Child Protection Law), visa or residence in other countries, adoption processes, certain State body examinations, and some private sector employment contracts.
Is the criminal record certificate free of charge?
Yes, the application is completely free, both online and in person. There are no fees.
How long is the criminal record certificate valid for?
It does not have a fixed legal expiration date, but most organizations and companies accept certificates up to three months old.
Can an international resident in Barcelona apply for this certificate?
Yes. International residents in Spain can apply for the Spanish criminal record certificate with their NIE or passport. For records from their home country, they should contact the relevant consulate.
What is a Hague Apostille and when do I need it?
The Apostille is an international certification that validates the document for use in other signatory countries under the Hague Convention. If the certificate is to be used abroad, you must apostillize it at the Catalan High Court or at the Ministry of Justice office.

Trámites relacionados

This procedure in other cities

Official sources and useful links

This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check the official source for current information.