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How to obtain the criminal record certificate in Hospitalet de Llobregat (2026)

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Cost

Free

Free (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 obtaining the criminal record certificate as a resident of Hospitalet de Llobregat. The process can be done online or in person in Barcelona, free of charge, necessary for work, residence, or adoptions.

Required documents

  • Valid DNI, passport or NIE

    Valid identification document of the applicant.

  • ?

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

    A digital certificate FNMT, electronic DNI, Cl@ve PIN or Cl@ve Permanent are needed for online applications.

    ⚠️ Only for online application

0 €
Free (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 certificate, or in person at the Territorial Directorate of the Ministry of Justice in Catalonia (Barcelona). For residents of Hospitalet, the online option is especially convenient to avoid traveling.

    !

    Expert tip

    "The online method is much faster. If you have a digital certificate 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 electronic portal of the Ministry of Justice, identify yourself with a digital certificate or Cl@ve, and apply for the certificate. It downloads instantly in PDF format with an electronic signature.

    !

    Expert tip

    "The online downloaded certificate has full legal validity. You do not need to apostille it for use within Spain. From Hospitalet, this option saves you a trip to the offices in Barcelona."

  • 3

    In-person application (if no digital certificate)

    Go to official site

    If you don't have a digital certificate, you must go in person to the Territorial Directorate of the Ministry of Justice in Catalonia, located at Avinguda de la Marquesa de Castellbell, 25-29, 08014 Barcelona. From Hospitalet, it's about a 20-minute metro ride on lines L1 or L5.

    !

    Expert tip

    "If you are presenting it in foreign countries, you will need the Apostille of The Hague. Consult with the relevant entity or country."

  • 4

    Receive the certificate

    Online: immediate download in PDF format. In person: issued on spot or within 1-3 business days if there is high demand.

Offices and service points - Hospitalet De Llobregat

Territorial Directorate of the Ministry of Justice in Catalonia (closest to Hospitalet)

Avinguda de la Marquesa de Castellbell, 25-29, 08014 Barcelona

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

Frequently asked questions

Why is the criminal record certificate needed?
It is required for: working with minors (Child Protection Law), visa or residence applications in other countries, adoption processes, certain state body competitions, and some private sector employment contracts.
Is the criminal record certificate free?
Yes, the application is completely free both online and in person. There are no fees.
Is there an office in Hospitalet where one can apply for criminal record certificates?
There is no Ministry of Justice office in Hospitalet de Llobregat. For residents, the best option is the online application (if you have a digital certificate), which is immediate and free. If you need to do it in person, you must go to the Territorial Directorate in Barcelona.
How long is the criminal record certificate valid?
There is no fixed legal validity period, but most organizations and companies accept certificates with a maximum age of 3 months.
Can an expat resident of Hospitalet apply for a criminal record certificate?
Yes. Foreign residents in Spain can obtain the Spanish criminal record certificate using their NIE or passport. For records from their home country, they should contact the relevant consulate.
What is the Apostille of The Hague 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 you are presenting the certificate in a foreign country, you must apostillize it at the Court of Justice of Catalonia or the Ministry of Justice office.

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Official sources and useful links

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