What is a digital certificate

A Digital Certificate (DC) is basically a digital file that gets added to your NIE, TIE, or DNI in Spain. It's used to safely access and sign documents on various Spanish government websites like The Council, Tax offices, SES Hospedajes, SEDE, and more.

A DC is an encrypted file, which means it's secured with something you have (the DC file itself) and something you know (the password). This is what tech folks call Two Factor Authentication or 2FA. It's a super secure way to protect data and make sure only the right person uses the DC. It's kind of like using your bank card at an ATM; even if someone steals your card, they can't access your account without the PIN.

A DC isn't a physical document like a PDF that you can see and edit. It's a file, usually with a .p12 or .pfx extension. Once you get your digital certificate, you just download it to your computer (Windows or Mac) or mobile device and install it to access those government sites. On a Mac, you open the file, and your Keychain Access app will pop up asking for your password, which you should have gotten from whoever set up the DC for you. Without this password, the DC is pretty much useless.

What do I do with my DC?

If you don't need to access any of the Spanish government sites, you probably don't need to install your DC. The main reason you might use it, other than registering your property with SES Hospedajes, is to give it to your accountant so they can file your tax returns online for you.

What is Autofirma?

Autofirma is like a helper app for your DC. Some tasks require you to sign data (like when you add your info to the SES Hospedajes system). Autofirma lets you use your DC to sign off on data, kind of like a digital signature. It's your way of confirming that the data is correct.

Once you have your DC, if you want to add your property to the SES, you'll need to install Autofirma to sign any data you enter. You can download the app here - https://autofirma.net/descargar/

While you can log in to SES Hospedajes with just your DC, if you want to add your property, you'll need to sign for it, so Autofirma is necessary. It only works on Windows, Mac, and Linux, so you can't use it on an iPad, iPhone, or Android device.

How can I get myself a DC?

If you're a Spanish citizen, you can apply for it online with your DNI. If you're a resident or non-resident, you'll need to set up a meeting at your local Council office (near your rental property, not your home) to prove your identity, and they'll give you the DC soon after.

If you can't visit your local Council office in person, Villa Check In can help you get your DC remotely. Find out more here - https://www.villacheckin.com/digital-certificate