How are criminal records certified?

In Spain, the Ministry of Justice is the department in charge of managing, recording and issuing the documents stating if a person has committed a crime in accordance with the Spanish authorities.

There are two different documents certifying this status:
  • A criminal record certificate is an official document that certifies that a person has been convicted of having committed a crime in a country. If the certificate is negative, it means that no criminal offences have been reported and registered in the Central Registry of Criminal Records.
  • A certificate of sexual offences is an official document that certifies that a person has been convicted of having committed a sex-related crime in a country. If the certificate is negative, it means that no sexual offences have been reported and registered in the Central Registry of Sexual Offences.

Why are these documents issued?

Both documents are normally required to be submitted to certain public or private institutions or entities to certify that no criminal records have been reported. They are also issued for applying for specific positions,

In Spain, the certificate of sexual offences is the only valid document that must be submitted to the corresponding authorities if a person is working with minors (schools, extracurricular activities, camps, etc.).

In other countries, authorities will ask you to get your criminal record certificate even if you are working with minors or in any other activities in which children may be involved. Some authorities may accept the certificate of sexual offences. However, this should be confirmed in advance.

Is it necessary to have them translated?

The translation of these documents is normally required since they are issued in Spanish. However, some authorities may accept these certificates in Spanish.

EU Member States cannot require their citizens to submit a translation of these documents as stated in Regulation (EU) 2016/1191 of the European Parliament and of the Council, of 6 July 2016, on promoting the free movement of citizens by simplifying the requirements for presenting certain public documents in the European Union and amending Regulation (EU) No. 1024/2012.

 This regulation establishes that no translation will be required for the said documents if an official standard form is attached as translation aid. However, EU authorities will have the right to require a sworn or certified translation of these documents if they consider that it is necessary to ensure the procedure is completed. Moreover, the answers in the forms are normally included in the language of the country of origin.

Is it necessary to authenticate these documents with an apostille?

Both documents must be authenticated if they are required by foreign authorities or entities. Apostilles are no longer necessary if a public document issued by an EU Member State is submitted or presented in a different EU Member State.


For more information about translations and apostilles procedures within the EU, please see the 'Notaries' section.

How can I get my certificate?

In Spain, this certificate can be requested online, by post/mail or in person. The best option is to request your document through the official website of the Ministry of Justice. This can only be completed if you have a valid digital certificate.

Both documents can be obtained here.