Our removals company to the Canary Islands is proactive and we want our communication with clients to be as clear as possible.To that end, over the years we have encountered a series of very common problems when carrying out Canary Islands Customs procedures.
One of these is the difficulty of knowing how to request certain documents from the public administration. Follow our steps and obtain your digital certificate, making these formalities easier.
What is a digital certificate?
A digital certificate is an electronic file that has a signature authenticated by a certification service provider. To put it simply and explain what a digital certificate is for, we can summarise by saying that it is the tool by which the signatory legally identifies themselves as a natural or legal person, enabling them to validate a signature on any electronic document. APPLICABLE LEGISLATION
How to obtain a digital certificate?
To obtain a digital certificate, a formal request is first made to a certification authority. This request can be made electronically. In this tip we will explain how to obtain it through the certification authority of the Royal Mint and Stamp, although there are other authorities, this one has an intuitive and straightforward web portal, simplifying the processes to obtain it.
1.- Computer setup: You must ensure that the web browser installed on your device is up to date; the use of GOOGLE CHROME is recommended.
2.- Request a submission number: Access the web portal of the Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre and look for the option to request a natural person certificate in the drop-down menu on the left. From here you will need to enter all your personal details and you will be able to obtain a certificate submission number. It is very important to keep the submission number provided by the system somewhere visible, as you will need to bring it with you to the Tax Agency office.
3.- Book an appointment at the Tax Agency: Proceed to access the Spanish Government Tax Agency website to book an appointment at the office closest to your address. The purpose of this appointment is solely for a civil servant to legally associate your DNI number with the request made on the FNMT web portal. To do this, access the TAX AGENCY WEBSITE, request an appointment and enter your details; once you access the available procedures, select the option: Census Management, Cl@vePIN and digital certificate accreditation, then simply select an office. On the day of the appointment you must attend with your digital certificate submission number and your DNI.
4.- Download the digital certificate: Now that your identity has been verified at the Tax Agency, you must access the Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre again and request the download of the certificate by going to the digital certificate download area. In conclusion, we hope that this brief description of how to obtain a certificate can help you. If you would like to hire our personalised advisory service and have us guide you through this procedure, you can write to us by clicking on the following link.
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Frequently asked questions about digital certificates and removals to the Canary Islands
Why do I need a digital certificate before moving to the Canary Islands?
The digital certificate (FNMT or Cl@ve) greatly simplifies removal and subsequent formalities: online DUA submission, communications with AEAT, online registration of residence in many municipalities, dealings with the Tax Agency, form 036/037 if self-employed, tax returns, communication with the Social Security Treasury. Without a certificate, everything must be done in person and takes much longer.
How do I obtain the FNMT digital certificate?
Three steps: request the certificate at sede.fnmt.gob.es (you receive a submission code), verify your identity in person at an office (AEAT, town hall, Social Security, various entities), download the certificate on the same device from which you submitted the request. Total time: 2–3 days, free of charge.
Can I use my DNIe instead of a digital certificate?
Yes, almost all public administrations accept the DNIe (electronic national identity card with chip) as an alternative to the FNMT certificate. You need: a valid and activated DNI with chip (obtainable at any police station), a compatible USB card reader, and up-to-date software. The DNIe is valid for the entire validity period of the physical DNI.
What is Cl@ve and what is it for?
Cl@ve is the State's electronic identification system: a simpler alternative to the certificate for many procedures. Types: Cl@ve PIN (temporary PIN by SMS) and Cl@ve Permanente (username + password). It covers most common procedures (Tax Agency, Social Security, town halls). For advanced business or import/export procedures, a digital certificate is better.
Does my FNMT certificate still work in the Canary Islands?
Yes. The FNMT certificate is valid throughout Spain, regardless of your place of residence. After registering your address in the Canary Islands, you do not need to renew or change anything. Your current certificate continues to identify you before all national, regional Canarian and local administrations. More about formalities: registration of residence in the Canary Islands.
