If you freelance in Spain, a digital certificate is basically your online ID card for almost every tax and Social Security task. AEAT, Social Security and even your town hall expect you to use it to prove who you are online - because apparently a password was not enough. The process is the same for everyone and managed by FNMT, the public body that issues most digital certificates.
You can now prove your identity in three ways: at an office, by video identification from home, or through the FNMT mobile app. This guide walks you through what you need, how to request the certificate, how to prove your identity, how to download and activate it, and how to renew it - all in clear language for self-employed people who would rather be working with clients than fighting with government websites.
FAQ
Do freelancers need a digital certificate to file taxes?
Yes. All autónomos must use a digital certificate or Cl@ve (a government code-based login system) to file AEAT forms online.
Can I get the certificate from my mobile?
Yes, on Android devices using the FNMT app. You can request the certificate and choose in-person or video identification. iPhone cannot request the FNMT certificate directly.
Do I need a separate certificate for my freelance activity?
No. One personal FNMT certificate works for your freelance activity.
Where can I verify my identity in person?
AEAT offices, Social Security offices, town halls, other authorised public offices, or Spanish consulates abroad.
Can I verify my identity by video instead of going to an office?
Yes. FNMT offers video identification: you record your ID document and a short video of yourself, and they review it remotely. The review usually takes a couple of working days and the service has a small fee.
Can I renew after it expires?
No. If it expires, you must verify your identity again.
Obtain digital certificate Spain
Freelancers follow one simple flow to obtain their digital certificate. You request the certificate online, verify your identity (in person or by video), and then download and activate it on the same device where you started the process.
You can use the FNMT certificate with AEAT, Social Security, local administrations, official notifications, and many online public services.
You must complete all steps from the same computer and browser. If you switch devices or browsers during the process, you will need to start again.
Digital certificate for autónomos
Freelancers use the same FNMT digital certificate as any individual in Spain. You do not need a separate business certificate unless you operate as an SL (limited company).
With one certificate, you can file taxes, manage your RETA status (the Social Security system for self-employed workers), submit VAT books (your VAT sales and purchases records), and receive official notifications.
Requirements to obtain a digital certificate in Spain
Device requirements (computer)
You need a computer with Windows or Mac. Firefox ESR is the browser that tends to work best with FNMT tools but it's not mandatory.
You must install the FNMT configuration tool, which is a small program the website uses to create the certificate. You cannot switch browsers or devices during the process. If you do, you must start again.
Device requirements (mobile)
The app guides you through the request and identity check, either in-person or by video.
Personal requirements
You must have a valid DNI or NIE. NIE holders must make sure that the identity number matches AEAT’s records.
Use an email address you can access, because FNMT sends you the request code there.
Some town halls may ask you to be registered in the padrón (local population register), but FNMT itself does not require this.
Software requirements
Install the FNMT configurator. Allow the browser permissions it asks for and accept pop-up windows.
For freelancers, one personal certificate covers both your private and your freelance activity. You do not need a second one.
FNMT digital certificate steps
The classic flow is done from your computer through the FNMT website. For freelancers this is still the most stable option.
Step 1: Start the application
Open the FNMT portal.
Select "Persona Física".
Click "Obtener Certificado" and then "Por Internet".
Enter your DNI or NIE, first surname, and email.
Accept the conditions.
You will get a “Código de solicitud” (request code) by email. Keep it safe.
Step 2: Verify your identity (in person or by video)
You now choose how to prove your identity.
Option A - In person at an office
- Book an appointment at an AEAT office, Social Security office, your local town hall, or another authorised registry office.
- Bring your DNI or NIE and the request code you received by email.
- At the desk, they scan your ID, type your request code, and confirm your identity.
This is the traditional method. It is free, but you must physically go to the office.
Option B - Video identification from home (only valid with DNI, not NIE).
FNMT also lets you complete identity verification by video, without visiting an office. Instead of standing in front of a civil servant, you stand in front of your phone camera.
In the standard PC flow:
- You finish the online request and get your request code.
- The FNMT site shows a QR code on your computer screen.
- You scan this QR code with your mobile phone to start the video process.
- The system asks you to:
- Take clear photos of your DNI.
- Record a short video of your face.
- Show your DNI in the video and say your name and surname.
- FNMT staff review the video. They usually respond within about 2 working days, approving or rejecting the identification.
- The video identification service has a cost, but the certificate itself is free.
Video identification is only for adults and you must have a valid DNI in good condition. If the video is dark, blurry or the ID is not readable, they may reject it and you will have to repeat it or go to an office.
Step 3: Download the certificate
Once your identity has been approved (either in person or by video), you can download the certificate.
Use the same device and browser you used in Step 1.
Enter your DNI or NIE, surname, and application code.
Accept the terms of use and start the download.
The certificate installs automatically inside the browser profile.
Export a backup copy with a private key and password and store it somewhere safe, for example on an encrypted USB drive.
Request digital certificate with mobile
You can also request the FNMT certificate from a phone using the official FNMT app. The process is split into four steps: download app, request certificate, prove identity, and download the certificate.
Requirements
- Valid DNI or NIE.
- FNMT app installed.
- Enable any permissions the app requests, such as camera and geolocation.
Process
- Open the FNMT app.
- Request the certificate with your DNI or NIE and email.
- Receive the request code by email.
For the identity step, you can choose:
- In-person identification at an office, or
- Video identification directly from the app, where available.
If you choose video identification in the app, the flow is similar: you follow on-screen instructions, take photos of your DNI, and record a short video of yourself showing the ID and stating your name. FNMT reviews the video within a couple of working days and notifies you by email. This video service also has a small fee.
Once approved, the certificate is stored in the secure area of your device.
Limitations
Certificates created on mobile cannot always be exported easily to a computer.
They mainly work inside mobile apps and mobile browsers. If you plan to file taxes from your computer, it is usually easier to run the whole process on the computer and then export or import the certificate if needed.
Activate digital certificate
Activation happens during the download, but you should check that the certificate is installed correctly.
Open your browser security settings and confirm the certificate appears under "Your certificates" or similar.
Export a backup copy with a private key and password for safety.
Some signature tools may ask you to install FNMT root certificates, which are the main trust files that tell your browser to accept FNMT signatures. Follow the instructions of the tool if this appears.
To test the certificate in AEAT, try entering “Mis expedientes” or starting a Modelo 130 or 303 draft. These are the main income tax and VAT forms for freelancers.
If AEAT shows “No se encuentra certificado”, the browser might be using the wrong user profile or a different installation. Switch to the profile where you installed the certificate.
Using the digital certificate as a freelancer
Freelancers use the certificate for almost every mandatory process:
- AEAT: file Modelo 130, 131, 303, 349, 390, register or modify activity (036 or 037), check notifications, submit VAT records.
- Social Security: manage RETA, get your vida laboral (work history report), request benefits, update your bank account.
- DGT: pay fines and access vehicle data.
- Municipalities: obtain padrón certificates and pay local taxes.
- Digital notifications: read official messages that replace paper letters. You are legally required to check them.
If you use renn, once your digital certificate is working, the software and your accountant team can file your taxes for you, so most of these tasks become much faster inside one platform instead of jumping between government websites.
Renew digital certificate
Renew the certificate before the expiry date shown inside the certificate details.
Expired certificates cannot be renewed; you must verify your identity again as if it were the first time.
Renewal must be done from the same browser and device where the certificate is installed, because the renewal process checks the existing key.
Steps
- Open the FNMT renewal portal.
- Confirm your current certificate.
- Follow the renewal instructions on screen.
- Download the renewed certificate and create a new backup copy.
Freelancers should renew at least 30 days before expiration to avoid losing AEAT access during a tax deadline.
Common errors and fixes
Code not recognized
The email or DNI/NIE does not match the original request, or you are typing the wrong request code. Check the FNMT email again and copy-paste the code.
Browser errors
You changed the Firefox profile or updated the browser in a way that deleted the profile. Switch back to the profile used in Step 1 if it still exists.
Chrome-based browsers often fail during certificate creation because of how they manage profiles and security. Use Firefox ESR whenever possible.
Device mismatch
You started on one device and tried to continue on another. The certificate process links the request to a specific device and browser. You must restart the whole process on a single device.
Certificate not visible in AEAT
The browser profile is wrong or the FNMT root certificates are missing.
Check that the certificate appears in the browser and test it on another public website. If it works elsewhere but not in AEAT, review your AEAT settings or try a clean Firefox profile and import the certificate there.
Mobile issues
The Android device does not support the secure module or fails security checks. In that case, use a computer-based request instead.
Video identification rejected
The video was dark, the ID could not be read, the audio was unclear, or the data on the DNI did not match the request.
Repeat the process in a well-lit room, with the ID clean and visible, and follow the instructions exactly. If it still fails, use in-person identification at an office.
Cl@ve vs digital certificate
Digital certificates allow full legal signature and access to almost all AEAT and Social Security procedures. They work as a digital ID card inside your computer or browser.
Cl@ve PIN is faster to use on mobile and good for quick access, but it is limited and cannot sign many tax models.
Freelancers should use a digital certificate for all tax obligations and keep Cl@ve as a backup for simple online tasks.
Bottom line
This is how to obtain a digital certificate for freelancers in Spain. You request it, verify your identity (at an office or by video), download it, and activate it on the same device. Freelancers need this certificate for almost all tax and Social Security procedures. Once it works, tools like renn can use it securely in the background so you spend less time wrestling with forms and more time on work that actually pays your bills.
