How to Get a Criminal Record Check in Spain for Your Visa or TIE Card Application

Criminal record check TIE CARD Spain information guide

If you’re applying for a Spanish visa or a TIE card, one document causes more confusion, refusals, and last-minute panic than almost any other:

👉 The criminal record check.

Between police certificates, background checks, apostilles, translations, time limits, and country-specific rules, it’s easy to get this wrong — and immigration offices are not forgiving.

This guide explains exactly how criminal record checks work in Spain, which one you need, how to apply, and how to avoid the most common mistakes that delay or destroy applications.

Why Spain Requires a Criminal Record Check

Spain requires proof of a clean criminal record to ensure that applicants for residency:

Do not pose a public security risk
Meet EU and national immigration standards
Comply with Schengen and Spanish law

This requirement applies to most long-term visas and residency permits, including:

Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)
Work visas
Self-employment visas
Digital Nomad visas
Family reunification
Student visas (long-term)
TIE card applications following visa approval

The legal basis comes from Spain’s immigration regulations enforced by the Ministerio del Interior and implemented by Spanish immigration offices nationwide.

Important: There Are TWO Different Criminal Record Checks

This is where most people go wrong.

1️⃣ Foreign Criminal Record Check (Your Home Country)

This is the most commonly required certificate.

You must provide a criminal record certificate from:

Your country of nationality
And/or any country where you lived for more than 6 months in the last 5 years

For UK passport holders, this is usually:

ACRO Police Certificate (UK)

For other nationalities:

FBI check (USA)
National police certificate (Canada, Australia, etc.)

🔴 This certificate usually must be:

Issued within the last 3–6 months
Legalised or apostilled
Officially translated into Spanish

2️⃣ Spanish Criminal Record Certificate (Certificado de Antecedentes Penales)

This is issued by Spain and only applies if:

You have already lived in Spain, and
You are switching status, renewing, or applying for residency from within Spain

This certificate is issued by the Ministerio de Justicia.

Not everyone needs this — but if required and missing, your application can be refused.

Which One Do You Need for Your Visa or TIE?

Applying for a Visa From Outside Spain

You usually need:

✅ Foreign criminal record certificate
❌ Spanish certificate not required

Applying for a TIE After Visa Approval

Usually:

❌ No new criminal record needed
(Unless requested due to time gaps or changes)

Applying From Within Spain (Status Change / Amnesty / Regularisation)

Often:

✅ Foreign criminal record certificate
✅ Spanish criminal record certificate

Always check your specific route — requirements differ by visa type and timing.

How to Get a Spanish Criminal Record Check (Step by Step)

Option 1: Apply Online (Digital Certificate)

You can apply online via the Ministry of Justice if you have:

A digital certificate
Or Cl@ve system access

This is the fastest method (often same day).

Option 2: Apply In Person

You can apply at:

Territorial offices of the Ministry of Justice
Some public administration offices

You’ll need:

Passport or NIE
Completed application form
Payment of the official fee (Modelo 790)

Option 3: Apply via a Representative

You can legally authorise someone else to obtain it for you — common if:

You’re abroad
You lack digital access
You’re short on time

How Long Is a Spanish Criminal Record Certificate Valid?

This is crucial.

Spain does not state an official validity period, but in practice:

Immigration offices usually accept certificates issued within 3 months
Some accept up to 6 months, depending on context

Always aim for fresh documents close to submission.

Apostille & Translation Rules (Where People Mess Up)

Apostille

Foreign criminal records must be apostilled (usually Hague Apostille)
Spain will not accept uncertified documents

Translation

Must be done by a sworn translator recognised in Spain
DIY translations or non-certified translators are rejected

Spanish criminal record certificates do NOT need apostille or translation.

Common Mistakes That Get Applications Rejected

❌ Using the wrong country’s certificate
❌ Certificate issued too early
❌ Missing apostille
❌ Non-sworn translation
❌ Uploading scans that are unclear or incomplete
❌ Assuming an old certificate is “still fine”
❌ Thinking a visa refusal bans you permanently

Spanish immigration works on formal compliance, not common sense.