Last Updated on April 18, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi
Question
How can I request a Spanish Background Check from Spain while I’m in the US? Their website is so confusing, any help is appreciated!
Answers
These are the answers of Spainguru’s Facebook group members:
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Start the Moving to Spain Hub →“If you have a digital certificate it’s super easy to mostly you can download it in minutes though occasionally it won’t be available for 10 days. If you are ordering it digitally you will need to pay with a card in your own name. (It’s a little under 4 euros)”
“I think you do it by post. Maybe via your nearest Spanish consulate?”
“If you have a digital certificate, here: https://sede.mjusticia.gob.es/es/tramites/certificado-antecedentes“
Conclusion
Requesting a Spanish criminal background check while in the US can be a straightforward process if one has a digital certificate, allowing the request to be completed online in minutes and at a minimal cost.
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Explore Cities →However, without a digital certificate, the process appears more cumbersome, potentially requiring the individual to request the background check by post or through their nearest Spanish consulate. This conversation highlights the importance of having or obtaining a digital certificate to simplify the process and the need for clear, accessible information for those unfamiliar with Spain’s digital administration platforms.
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