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How to obtain a criminal record certificate in Tarragona (2026)

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Cost

Free

Free (no charge for standard application)

Time at office

15-20 minutes (in person)

Estimated time

Immediate online / 1-3 business days by post

Quick summary

Guide for requesting the criminal record certificate in Tarragona. Free online or in person, necessary for working, residency, or adoptions.

Required documents

  • Valid DNI, passport or NIE

    Valid identification document of the applicant.

  • ?

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

    For online application, you need a digital certificate FNMT, DNI e-Card, Cl@ve PIN, or Cl@ve Permanente.

    ⚠️ Only for online application

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

: 2026

Step by step

  • 1

    Choose the application method: online or in person

    The criminal record certificate can be requested online (recommended, immediate) with a digital certificate, or in person at the Central Registry of Penal Offenders of the Ministry of Justice or its delegated offices in Catalonia.

    !

    Expert tip

    "The online option is much faster. If you have a digital certificate or Cl@ve, it takes less than 5 minutes and the certificate is downloaded instantly. For an in-person request in Tarragona, the Territorial Office of the Ministry of Justice in Catalonia has its main office in Barcelona."

  • 2

    Online application (recommended option)

    Go to official site

    Access the electronic portal of the Ministry of Justice, log in with a digital certificate or Cl@ve, and request the certificate. It is immediately downloaded as an encrypted PDF file.

    !

    Expert tip

    "The online-downloaded certificate has full legal validity. You do not need to apostille it for use in Spain. This option avoids traveling to Barcelona."

  • 3

    In-person application (if you don't have a digital certificate)

    Go to official site

    If you need to request the certificate in person, you can go to the Territorial Office of the Ministry of Justice in Catalonia, located in Barcelona (Av. de la Marquesa de Castellbell, 25-29, 08014 Barcelona). You can also send your application by post to the Central Registry of Penal Offenders.

    !

    Expert tip

    "If you don't want to travel to Barcelona, online or postal options are more convenient from Tarragona. By post, the delivery time is 1-3 business days."

  • 4

    Receive the certificate

    Online: downloaded immediately as a PDF file with an electronic signature. By post: received at your address in 1-3 business days. In person in Barcelona: delivered on the spot or in 1-3 business days if there is high demand.

Offices and service points - Tarragona

Territorial Office of the Ministry of Justice in Catalonia (Barcelona)

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

For what purposes is the criminal record certificate needed?
It is necessary for: working with minors (Child Protection Law), visa or residency applications in other countries, adoption processes, certain public service competitions, and some private sector employment contracts.
Is the criminal record certificate free of charge in Tarragona?
Yes, the application is completely free both online, in person, or by post. There are no fees.
Is there a Ministry of Justice office in Tarragona for this procedure?
The Territorial Office of the Ministry of Justice in Catalonia has its headquarters in Barcelona. From Tarragona, the most convenient option is to apply online (with a digital certificate or Cl@ve) or by post. You can also travel to the office in Barcelona.
How long is the criminal record certificate valid?
There is no legal expiration date, but most organizations and companies accept certificates with a maximum age of 3 months.
Can an extraterritorial resident in Tarragona apply for this certificate?
Yes. Foreigners residing in Spain can request 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 countries party to the Hague Convention. If the certificate is for presentation abroad, you must get it apostilled at the TSJ of Catalonia or the Ministry of Justice office in Barcelona.

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.