Cl@ve in Spain: How to Register and Use Cl@ve Móvil

Cl@ve is Spain’s common electronic-identification system for accessing public administration services online.

Once registered, you can use Cl@ve Móvil to identify yourself with many Spanish government websites without installing a digital certificate on every device or remembering a separate password for every administration.

For the broader picture, see our Digital Administration in Spain guide.

What Is Cl@ve?

Cl@ve is a common electronic-identification platform used across Spanish public administration.

It allows participating government bodies to identify you without requiring each administration to maintain a completely separate login system.

Depending on the procedure, Cl@ve can be used to:

• identify yourself;
• access personal government records;
• submit applications;
• check administrative files;
• perform tax procedures;
• access Social Security services; and
• complete other electronic transactions.

What Is Cl@ve Móvil?

Cl@ve Móvil is the current mobile authentication system within Cl@ve.

The usual process is simple:

1. start a government procedure on a website;
2. choose Cl@ve Móvil;
3. scan the QR code with the Cl@ve app, or receive the authentication request in the app;
4. check that the request matches the procedure you are performing; and
5. approve it on your phone.

Do You Need the Cl@ve App?

The app is strongly recommended because it makes Cl@ve Móvil much easier to use.

The app allows you to:

• receive authentication requests;
• scan QR codes;
• approve logins;
• access registration options; and
• perform other Cl@ve-related functions.

Can You Use Cl@ve Without the App?

In some cases, yes.

If the app cannot be used during authentication, the system can offer an alternative involving a PIN sent by SMS to the mobile number registered in Cl@ve.

Available methods can depend on the particular service and authentication flow.

Cl@ve Móvil vs Cl@ve PIN

Many long-term residents will remember the older Cl@ve PIN app and terminology.

The system has been progressively consolidated around the newer Cl@ve app and Cl@ve Móvil experience.

Older authentication methods may still appear in some services during the transition, but Cl@ve Móvil is now the main mobile-access method.

Cl@ve Móvil vs Cl@ve Permanente

These are related but different parts of the Cl@ve system.

Cl@ve vs Digital Certificate

Cl@ve and the FNMT digital certificate are not the same thing.

See our How to Get a Digital Certificate in Spain guide.

Which Is Better: Cl@ve or Digital Certificate?

For most residents who regularly deal with Spanish administration, the most practical answer is:

Cl@ve is often easier for routine mobile access.

A digital certificate remains very useful for advanced procedures, signing and situations where certificate authentication is specifically supported or required.

Who Can Register in Cl@ve?

Registration is based on your official Spanish identity record.

Both Spanish citizens and foreign citizens with the required Spanish identification information can use Cl@ve.

For foreigners, the relevant identifier is normally the NIE.

Can a Foreigner Register in Cl@ve?

Yes.

Foreign residents can register using their NIE and the identification information required by the chosen registration method.

The system can ask for the número de soporte shown on the relevant foreigner document.

What Is the Número de Soporte?

The número de soporte is an identifying number printed on certain Spanish identity and foreigner documents.

It is not the same as your NIE.

During online Cl@ve registration, foreign applicants may be asked for both:

• their NIE; and
• the support number from the relevant document.

Does Cl@ve Give You a NIE?

No.

Cl@ve is an electronic-identification system.

It does not replace the immigration or identification procedure used to obtain an NIE.

Does Cl@ve Prove Spanish Residence?

No.

Being registered in Cl@ve does not by itself establish:

• immigration residence;
• tax residence;
• padrón registration;
• healthcare entitlement; or
• any particular benefit entitlement.

Basic and Advanced Cl@ve Registration

Cl@ve currently distinguishes between two registration levels:

• basic registration; and
• advanced registration.

The distinction matters because not every government procedure accepts the basic level.

What Can Basic Registration Do?

Basic registration allows access to many government services.

However, official Cl@ve guidance warns that it is:

• not sufficient for every procedure; and
• not valid for Cl@ve Firma.

What Is Advanced Registration?

Advanced registration provides a stronger verified identity level.

It can be obtained through current methods including:

• digital certificate or DNIe;
• in-person registration; or
• successful manual review of qualifying video-identification evidence.

How Can You Register in Cl@ve?

Current official guidance provides several methods.

Method 1: Register With a Digital Certificate

If you already have an electronic certificate or DNIe, registration is straightforward.

The general process is:

1. open the Cl@ve registration service;
2. choose registration with certificate or DNIe;
3. identify yourself electronically;
4. enter the requested identity-document information;
5. register a mobile phone number;
6. add an email address; and
7. confirm registration.

What Level Do You Get With a Digital Certificate?

Registration using an accepted electronic certificate or DNIe gives you:

Can the Mobile Number Be Foreign?

Yes.

Current Cl@ve guidance allows registration of a Spanish or foreign mobile number.

If you use a foreign number, enter the corresponding international country prefix when requested.

Can Several People Use the Same Mobile Number?

Cl@ve applies restrictions linking identity records and mobile numbers.

Do not assume that one shared family mobile number can simply be attached independently to several DNI or NIE registrations.

If you are registering several family members, use the current Cl@ve instructions and check whether separate numbers are needed.

Method 2: Register With an Invitation Letter

If you do not have a digital certificate, you can request a carta de invitación.

The letter is sent by post to the fiscal address recorded for you by the Agencia Tributaria.

It contains a Código Seguro de Verificación, or CSV, which is then used to complete registration online.

How Does Invitation-Letter Registration Work?

The general process is:

1. open the Cl@ve registration service;
2. enter DNI or NIE;
3. provide the additional identification data requested;
4. request the invitation letter;
5. wait for it to arrive at your registered fiscal address;
6. return to the registration service;
7. enter the CSV from the letter;
8. register your mobile number and email address; and
9. complete registration.

What Level Does the Invitation Letter Give You?

The invitation-letter method gives:

Why Does Your Fiscal Address Matter?

The invitation letter is sent to the fiscal address held by AEAT.

If that address is old or incorrect, the letter may not reach you.

See our How to Update Your Tax Address and Details guide.

Method 3: Register In Person

You can also register at an authorised Cl@ve registration office.

In-person registration provides:

Where Can You Register In Person?

Cl@ve registration offices exist in different public administrations.

Depending on location and service availability, participating offices can include:

• Agencia Tributaria offices;
• Social Security offices;
• other state administration offices; and
• other participating registration offices.

Check the official office locator before travelling.

Do You Need an Appointment?

That depends on the office.

Some offices require a prior appointment.

Always check the current instructions for the office you intend to use.

Method 4: Video Identification

Cl@ve now provides automatic video identification through the Cl@ve app.

However, there is an important current limitation:

Foreign residents with an NIE should therefore use another available registration route unless the official conditions change.

How Does Automatic Video Identification Work?

For an eligible Spanish citizen, the current process involves:

1. installing the Cl@ve app;
2. entering the requested personal information;
3. verifying a mobile number;
4. providing an email address;
5. allowing camera and audio access;
6. showing the identification document; and
7. recording the requested facial and identity-verification actions.

What Level Does Video Identification Give?

Successful automatic video identification initially gives:

However, the evidence can later be manually reviewed by an authorised public employee.

If that review is successful, the person can be upgraded to:

Do You Need to Request the Manual Upgrade Separately?

Current official Cl@ve guidance says that after successful video registration, the evidence can be reviewed later by a public employee without the citizen needing to repeat the entire registration process.

What About Registration by Video Call?

Older guides may mention registration through a live video call with a public employee.

The official Cl@ve site currently marks that service as:

Do not rely on old guides that present live video-call registration as a currently available standard route.

How Do You Install the Cl@ve App?

The official Cl@ve app is available for:

• Android; and
• iOS.

Download it only from the official application store for your device.

Which Mobile Versions Are Supported?

Current official Cl@ve guidance states that the app requires supported modern versions of Android or iOS.

Because minimum versions can change, check the official app page before relying on an older phone.

How Do You Activate the App?

If you are already registered in Cl@ve and install the app for the first time, activation can be performed through supported methods including:

• an activation code sent by SMS;
• an electronic certificate; or
• DNIe.

How Do You Use Cl@ve Móvil on a Computer?

A common workflow is:

1. open the government website on your computer;
2. choose access with Cl@ve;
3. choose Cl@ve Móvil;
4. a QR code appears;
5. open the Cl@ve app;
6. scan the QR code;
7. check the authentication request; and
8. approve it.

How Do You Use It on the Same Phone?

If you start the government procedure on the same mobile device, the system can send the authentication request directly to the Cl@ve app rather than requiring you to scan a QR code displayed on another screen.

Always Check the Authentication Request

Before approving, check that:

• you initiated the login;
• the administration is the one you intended to access; and
• the request corresponds to the procedure you are performing.

What if the QR Code Does Not Work?

If you cannot scan the QR code, Cl@ve can offer another authentication route.

Depending on the service, you may be able to receive the authentication request directly in the app or use an SMS PIN.

Can You Use Cl@ve With Agencia Tributaria?

Yes.

Cl@ve is widely used for AEAT procedures.

Examples include:

• checking tax information;
• personal census procedures;
• accessing tax returns;
• checking files;
• requesting certain certificates;
• making appointments; and
• many other electronic procedures.

Can You Use Cl@ve With Social Security?

Yes.

Many Social Security services accept Cl@ve.

This can include access to:

• personal Social Security information;
• reports and certificates;
• pension information;
• healthcare procedures;
• beneficiary information; and
• other administrative services.

Can You Use Cl@ve With Your Ayuntamiento?

Many municipalities participate in electronic identification systems that accept Cl@ve.

Availability depends on the municipality and procedure.

Can You Use Cl@ve for Padrón Procedures?

Potentially, where your municipality’s electronic office accepts Cl@ve for the relevant service.

Some municipalities allow online requests for padrón certificates and related procedures.

Can You Use Cl@ve for Immigration Procedures?

Some immigration and foreigner-administration services can accept Cl@ve or other electronic-identification methods.

However, many procedures still have their own technical or identity requirements.

Do not assume that every NIE, CUE or TIE procedure can be completed remotely simply because you have Cl@ve.

What Is Cl@ve Firma?

Cl@ve Firma is an electronic-signature capability associated with the Cl@ve system.

It is different from ordinary authentication.

Basic Cl@ve registration is not sufficient for Cl@ve Firma.

Authentication vs Electronic Signature

This distinction is important.

Does Cl@ve Replace AutoFirma?

Not always.

AutoFirma is separate software used by some government procedures to sign documents electronically.

A procedure may accept Cl@ve for identification but still use another signing mechanism.

What Happens if You Change Mobile Number?

Your registered mobile number is an important part of the Cl@ve system.

If it changes, update your Cl@ve registration data as soon as possible.

The official registration portal provides procedures for modifying registered information.

Can You Change Your Email Address?

Yes.

Registered contact information can be modified through the available Cl@ve data-modification procedures.

What if You Lose Your Phone?

Losing the phone does not mean your Spanish identity record disappears, but you should secure access promptly.

Depending on your circumstances, you may need to:

• block the SIM;
• secure the device remotely;
• activate Cl@ve on a replacement device;
• update the registered phone number if necessary; and
• review any unexpected authentication activity.

What if You Change Phones but Keep the Same Number?

You can install and activate the Cl@ve app on the replacement device using the supported activation procedure.

Do not assume the app automatically transfers exactly like an ordinary application backup.

Can Cl@ve Be Used From Outside Spain?

Generally, yes.

Because Cl@ve is an online authentication system, it can be used while abroad where:

• you have internet access;
• the relevant administration accepts Cl@ve; and
• you can receive or approve the required authentication request.

This is one reason keeping your registered mobile details current is particularly important for people who travel frequently.

Can You Use a Foreign Mobile Number?

Yes.

Current advanced online registration instructions expressly allow a foreign mobile number with the appropriate country prefix.

This is useful for foreigners who have not yet switched to a Spanish mobile number.

Does Cl@ve Expire?

Your registration does not work exactly like an FNMT certificate with a visible certificate expiry date.

However, credentials, passwords, activation methods and security requirements can change.

For Cl@ve Permanente, password-management rules apply separately.

Do You Need to Renew Cl@ve Every Few Years?

Not in the same way as an electronic certificate.

But you should keep your:

• mobile number;
• email address;
• identity information; and
• authentication methods

up to date.

Can Someone Else Use Your Cl@ve?

No.

Cl@ve is personal.

Do not give another person access to:

• your phone authentication;
• SMS PINs;
• Cl@ve Permanente credentials; or
• other personal Cl@ve authentication information.

What About a Gestor or Lawyer?

If a professional needs to act for you, use an appropriate representation mechanism rather than sharing your personal authentication credentials.

Common Cl@ve Mistakes

“Cl@ve and a digital certificate are the same thing.”

No. They are separate electronic-identification systems.

“Every Cl@ve registration has the same level.”

No. Basic and advanced registration provide different levels of identity assurance.

“The invitation letter gives advanced registration.”

No. It gives basic registration.

“All foreigners can currently register by automatic video identification.”

No. The current official service is temporarily restricted to Spanish citizens with a valid DNI.

“If I have Cl@ve, I never need a digital certificate.”

Not necessarily. Some procedures are easier or more capable with a certificate.

“My NIE is my Cl@ve.”

No. NIE is your identification number; Cl@ve is an authentication system.

“The 183-day tax rule has something to do with Cl@ve registration.”

No. Electronic identification and tax residence are entirely different issues.

“I can share Cl@ve with my spouse.”

No. Cl@ve is personal.

“I should approve every Cl@ve notification that appears.”

No. Approve only requests you initiated and recognise.

Cl@ve Registration Checklist

Cl@ve in Spain: The Short Version

Cl@ve is Spain’s shared electronic-identification system for public administration.

Its current mobile method, Cl@ve Móvil, normally lets you approve access through the Cl@ve app by scanning a QR code or confirming a request on your phone.

Registration can be basic or advanced.

Invitation-letter registration gives basic access, while registration with a digital certificate, DNIe or in person gives advanced access.

Automatic video identification is currently restricted to Spanish citizens with a valid DNI, so foreign residents with an NIE should normally use another registration route unless the official conditions change.

Where to Go Next

• Digital Administration in Spain
• How to Get a Digital Certificate in Spain
• How to Update Your Tax Address and Details
• How to Register for Public Healthcare in Spain