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Digital signature in Spain: Why do I need a digital certificate and how do I get one?
Paperwork and admin in Spain can be made much easier with the help of an electronic signature, which you can obtain online
In Spain, digital signatures have become much more commonplace and used across the board in various administrative bodies. They are a legally recognised method of authenticating electronic documents and transactions, and so are incredibly useful when trying to take care of any administrative tasks online.
They provide a secure and legally valid method of signing electronic documents, reducing the need for paper-based processes and enhancing efficiency in various sectors. Whether it’s property paperwork, admin about your pension or tax returns information, having a digital signature is by far the easiest way to go.
But how can you get a digital signature in Spain?
Digital signatures are governed by the Ley 59/2003, de 19 de diciembre, de Firma Electrónica (Electronic Signature Law). Digital signatures can be obtained from various places, for example authorised agents such as Heniam & Associates, town halls and also from the FNMT (La Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre).
Once generated by any of the above listed agencies, they can be installed on your computer or mobile phone and can be used to access a whole host of administrative services. The certificate does have an expiry date, but it can be easily renewed.
Digital signatures are the way of the future. Here’s why:
- Legal framework: The Electronic Signature Law establishes the legal framework for digital signatures in Spain. It defines the requirements for digital signatures to be considered legally equivalent to handwritten signatures and specifies the responsibilities of certification service providers (CSPs).
- Legal validity: Documents signed with digital signatures are legally valid in Spain, provided they meet the requirements specified in the Electronic Signature Law. Digital signatures are considered evidence in legal proceedings and have the same legal effect as handwritten signatures.
- Cross-border recognition: Spain recognises digital signatures issued by other EU member states that comply with the requirements of the eIDAS Regulation (Regulation (EU) No 910/2014). Likewise, digital signatures issued in Spain are recognised in other EU countries under the principle of mutual recognition.
Digital signatures can be used to access most Spanish administrative offices:
- See your Citizen File at the town hall, where you can request a copy of your padrón without the need to visit an office
- Contact your doctor and request an appointment
- Send your GP a text message or view your prescriptions
- Use the DGT app and view your driving licence, any fines, see what vehicles are registered in your name
These are just a few examples, but there are so many more. And all this from the comfort of your living room without the need for a face-to-face appointment or to travel to individual offices!
For help getting your digital signature in Spain to make your life easier, contact Heniam & Associates now using the details below:
