Getting a Spanish Background Check from Abroad

(Certificado de Antecedentes Penales)

If you are getting a Spanish background check for a Spanish visa application, first check in with your respective consulate (If your consulate uses BLS, check with them first!). Although visa applicants need to provide a background check from countries they have resided in during the past 5 years, Spain is usually excluded from this requirement.

In 2024, certain Spanish consulates have requested that applicants fill out a declaration of no criminal record in lieu of an official background check from Spain.

You would have to change “Washington” to wherever you signed the document (city/town).

Signed declaration templateDownload

For those of you that still need a background check (Certificado de Antecedentes Penales), you can apply for one online or through the mail.

Online applicants need to have Cl@ve
https://clave.gob.es/

Link for online applicants:
https://sede.mjusticia.gob.es/en/tramites/certificado-antecedentes

If you don’t have Cl@ve, you will have to mail in your application.

Link for mail in applicants:
https://www.mjusticia.gob.es/en/ciudadania/tramite?k=solicitud-certificado-antecedentes-penales-presencial

Requirements and process:

Step by Step instructions

Simplified explanation:

Formulario 790 – dutifully paid with proof of payment.

Proof of ID: Copy of passport or TIE.
*The document needs to be up to date and include information that identifies you.

Additionally, foreign documents (to Spain) must be certified at a Spanish embassy or consulate. If you are using this document for a Spanish process, neither legalization nor Apostille will be required.

Within the mail in application, you should also include your request to receive the background check via email. Make sure to include your contact details.

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