How to Get Your Cl@ve in Spain: Complete Step-by-Step Guide for UK Expats

At some point after moving to Spain, you'll encounter a mysterious word that seems to pop up everywhere: Cl@ve. You'll need it to book a TIE appointment. You'll need it to file taxes. You'll need it to renew your NIE. But what exactly is Cl@ve, and how do you actually get one?

This guide breaks down Spain's digital ID system and walks you through the fastest, easiest way to register—especially if you're a UK expat who doesn't speak fluent Spanish.

What is Cl@ve? (And Why You Absolutely Need It)

Cl@ve (pronounced "klah-way," means "key" in Spanish) is Spain's unified digital identification system for accessing government services online. Think of it as a universal password that gives you access to virtually every Spanish public administration service without having to remember different passwords for each one.

What Cl@ve lets you do:

• Book appointments for TIE/NIE at police stations
• File tax returns with the tax authority (AEAT)
• Access Social Security procedures
• Register for Spanish healthcare
• Request certificates (criminal record, padrón, etc.)
• Apply for or renew residency documents
• Access any government digital service
• Pay fines and penalties

What Cl@ve doesn't do:

• It doesn't give you a bank account (you need online banking for that)
• It doesn't work with private services (like Bizum for money transfers)
• It's not a digital signature for legally binding contracts (though it can be upgraded to that)

Why do you need it? Because Spain's government is moving toward 100% digital administration. You literally cannot complete most official procedures without Cl@ve anymore.

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Three Types of Cl@ve: Which One Do You Need?

Spain offers three versions of Cl@ve, designed for different uses. Here's what matters:

Type 1: Cl@ve Permanente (Permanent Access)

What it is: Username + permanent password

How it works:

• You create a username and password during registration
• Password is valid for 24 months
• You renew by changing your password before it expires
• Some sensitive procedures still require an SMS code as two-factor authentication

Best for: People who access government services regularly (most expats)

Validity: 24 months (renewable indefinitely)

Cost: Free

Use case: Tax returns, healthcare registration, ongoing procedures

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Type 2: Cl@ve Móvil (Mobile/PIN-Based)

What it is: Single-use authentication codes sent to your phone

How it works:

• Each time you need to access a service, you get a unique PIN
• PIN sent via SMS or push notification from the app
• Code is valid only for that specific transaction
• More ephemeral, technically more secure

Best for: People accessing services occasionally

Validity: Valid only during the specific transaction (usually 30 minutes)

Cost: Free

Use case: One-off procedures like booking an appointment, checking a status

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Type 3: Cl@ve Firma (Digital Signature)

What it is: Advanced digital signature for legally binding documents

How it works:

• Requires Cl@ve Permanente first
• Allows you to digitally sign documents with legal force
• Most secure and official option

Best for: Self-employed people, business owners, anyone handling serious legal documents

Validity: Depends on underlying certificate

Cost: Usually requires a separate digital certificate (small fee)

Use case: Signing official documents, business contracts, legal procedures

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The Key Question: Which One Should You Get?

Quick answer: Start with Cl@ve Permanente + Cl@ve Móvil.

Here's why: You can have both active simultaneously. Cl@ve Permanente handles your regular access (like filing taxes), while Cl@ve Móvil provides extra security for sensitive procedures. Best of both worlds.

Most UK expats get both automatically when they register—you're not choosing one or the other.

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How to Register for Cl@ve: Four Options (Ranked by Speed)

Option 1: Video Identification ⭐ FASTEST & BEST FOR MOST PEOPLE

Time: 15-30 minutes (same day)

Where: Online via Cl@ve app or website

Requirements:

• NIE (you need this first—see our TIE guide)
• Valid passport
• Phone (Spanish or international number)
• Email
• Stable internet connection
• Access to computer/smartphone camera

Cost: Free

Steps:

1. Download the Cl@ve app (iOS or Android)

   • Search "Cl@ve" in App Store or Google Play
   • Download the official app from the Spanish government

2. Open the app and select "Register"

   • Select your country (if applying from abroad)
   • Choose "Register with video identification"

3. Provide your information

   • Enter your NIE
   • Provide your passport details
   • Provide phone number (Spanish or international)
   • Provide email address

4. Schedule your video call

   • The app lets you pick a date/time for your video verification
   • Usually available within 24-72 hours
   • No need to take time off work

5. Complete the video identification

   • Call with a Spanish government employee
   • They'll ask you to verify your identity
   • Show your passport on camera
   • Answer security questions (usually in Spanish, but they often speak English)
   • Takes about 10-15 minutes

6. Activate your Cl@ve

   • You'll receive a confirmation code via SMS
   • Enter it in the app
   • Done! Your Cl@ve Permanente and Cl@ve Móvil are now active

Registration level: Basic (sufficient for 99% of expat procedures)

Pro tips:

• The video call happens in Spanish, but staff often speak English—just ask
• Have your passport ready before the call
• Make sure you're in a well-lit space so they can see you clearly
• The whole process from download to activation: 20-40 minutes total

Why this is best: Fastest method, no mail required, no office visits, can do from anywhere

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Option 2: Invitation Letter + Secure Verification Code (CSV)

Time: 1-3 weeks total (1-2 weeks waiting for letter + 5 minutes to upload code)

Where: Request online, receive by post, upload online

Requirements:

• NIE
• Email
• Phone number
• Valid passport
• Access to your tax office mailing address in Spain

Cost: Free

Steps:

1. Go to the Tax Authority website (sede.agenciatributaria.gob.es)

   • Click "Register in Cl@ve"
   • Select "Register without a digital certificate"
   • Enter your NIE

2. Request the invitation letter

   • System will ask: "Do you want us to send an invitation letter to your tax address?"
   • Click "Yes"
   • You'll receive confirmation that letter is being posted

3. Wait for the letter (1-2 weeks)

   • Letter arrives at the tax address on file for your NIE
   • Contains a 16-character Secure Verification Code (CSV)
   • Valid for 60 days from receipt date

4. Return to the website

   • Go back to the same registration page
   • Select "I already have an invitation letter"
   • Enter your NIE again

5. Enter the CSV code

   • Copy the 16-character code from your letter
   • Enter it into the website
   • System validates the code

6. Provide contact details

   • Enter your phone number (can be UK number with +44, or Spanish with +34)
   • Enter your email
   • Click "Continue"

7. Set up your Cl@ve Permanente

   • Create a password (at least 8 characters, mixed case and numbers recommended)
   • Confirm password
   • System sends you an activation code via SMS
   • Enter the activation code

8. You're registered!

   • Save your registration receipt
   • Your Cl@ve is now active

Registration level: Basic (sufficient for 99% of procedures)

Gotchas:

• The letter takes 1-2 weeks to arrive
• CSV code expires after 60 days—you must use it within that window
• If you miss the deadline, you have to request a new invitation letter
• You need to have a Spanish tax address registered before requesting

Why use this method?

• Works from outside Spain (video ID requires NIE first, which is tricky pre-arrival)
• If video identification doesn't work for you for any reason
• If you prefer paper-based verification

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Option 3: In-Person Registration

Time: Same day (if you're in Spain)

Where: Tax office (AEAT) or Social Security office (Seguridad Social)

Requirements:

• NIE
• Passport
• Phone number
• Email

Cost: Free

Steps:

1. Find your nearest AEAT office (for tax authority registration)

   • Google "AEAT [your city]" or "Agencia Tributaria [your city]"
   • Most medium/large cities have offices

2. Go to the office and ask for Cl@ve registration

   • Tell staff: "Quiero registrarme en Cl@ve" (I want to register in Cl@ve)
   • Or in English: "I want to register for Cl@ve"

3. Bring required documents

   • Passport
   • NIE (or proof of NIE application)

4. Complete the registration form

   • Staff will help you fill it out
   • Provide email and phone number
   • They'll verify your identity

5. You're done

   • May take 30 minutes to an hour depending on queue
   • Staff gives you your activation code immediately
   • You can start using Cl@ve same day

Registration level: Advanced (highest security level)

Advantages:

• Immediate activation (no waiting for mail or app scheduling)
• Gets you "advanced" registration level (more security guarantees)
• Staff can answer questions in person
• No technical requirements (no app download, no video call)

Disadvantages:

• Requires you to be physically present in Spain
• Depends on office hours and queues
• Staff may not all speak English

Why use this method?

• You want it done immediately
• You're already in Spain
• Video identification didn't work
• Invitation letter got lost

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Option 4: Digital Certificate or DNI-e

Time: Varies (depends on getting a digital certificate first)

Where: Online (if you have a certificate)

Requirements:

• Existing FNMT digital certificate or Spanish DNI-e (DNI with chip)

Cost: Digital certificate costs €20-40 (separate from Cl@ve)

Steps:

1. Get a digital certificate (FNMT from FNMT-RCM)

   • Requires in-person appointment at FNMT office
   • Need to verify identity
   • Costs money

2. Once you have the certificate:

   • Install it on your computer
   • Go to clave.gob.es
   • Click "Register with digital certificate"
   • System recognizes your certificate and registers you automatically

3. Done

   • Cl@ve Permanente is now active

Registration level: Advanced (highest security)

Why use this method?

• You're a business owner and already have a digital certificate
• You need maximum security
• You're comfortable with digital certificates

Why NOT use this method (for most expats):

• It's unnecessarily complicated
• Requires getting a digital certificate first (separate process, extra cost)
• Video ID or invitation letter is simpler

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Comparison Table: Which Method Should You Choose?

Method	Speed	Ease	Works Abroad	Tech Required	Recommended
Video ID	15-30 min	Easy	Yes (with NIE)	App + camera	✅ Best for most
Invitation Letter	1-3 weeks	Very easy	Yes	Email only	✅ Good backup
In-Person	Same day	Moderate	No	Nothing	✅ If in Spain
Digital Certificate	Varies	Complex	Yes	Certificate software	❌ Overkill for most

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After You've Registered: Using Your Cl@ve

Logging In to Government Services

Once registered, here's how you'll actually use your Cl@ve:

Via Website:

1. Go to government website (like sede.agenciatributaria.gob.es)
2. Look for "Identificarse con Cl@ve" (Identify with Cl@ve) button
3. Select your login method:
   • Cl@ve Permanente: Enter username and password
   • Cl@ve Móvil: Scan QR code with app or request SMS PIN
4. For Cl@ve Móvil, you'll receive a 6-digit PIN
5. Enter the PIN
6. You're in!

Via Mobile App:

1. Open Cl@ve app
2. Select the service you want to access
3. App generates QR code or notification
4. Authentication takes 30 seconds
5. You're logged in

What Services Use Cl@ve?

Government services that require Cl@ve:

• Tax returns (AEAT)
• TIE/NIE appointment booking
• Social Security procedures
• Healthcare registration
• Padrón certificates
• Criminal record requests
• Residency renewals
• Most government digital procedures

What services DON'T use Cl@ve:

• Private bank logins (each bank has its own)
• Email accounts
• Social media
• Shopping sites
• Private services

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Common Problems & Solutions

Problem: I don't have a NIE yet—can I get Cl@ve?

Solution: Unfortunately, you need a NIE first. You can't register for Cl@ve without one.

What to do:

• Apply for your NIE at a Spanish police station (National Police)
• Or request it at a Spanish consulate in the UK before moving
• Get a temporary NIE number (often available within 24-48 hours)
• Use that to register for Cl@ve

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Problem: My video identification call keeps failing

Solution: Several reasons this can happen:

• Poor internet: Try a different WiFi connection or switch to mobile data
• Camera not working: Test your camera in another app first
• Bad lighting: Make sure you're well-lit
• Passport details don't match: Make sure the name/DOB on your passport matches your NIE registration
• Try the invitation letter method instead: It doesn't require any video

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Problem: I requested an invitation letter but haven't received it after 2 weeks

Solution:

1. Check your junk/spam folder – Letters sometimes get flagged
2. Verify your address: Go back to the AEAT website and check that your tax address is correct
3. Request a new letter: Go back to clave.gob.es and request another one
4. Contact AEAT: Call or email AEAT support to ask about your letter status

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Problem: I have the invitation letter but can't find the CSV code

Solution:

• Look carefully: The CSV is a 16-character code printed on the letter (numbers and capital letters only)
• It's usually in a bold box or highlighted
• If you really can't find it: Request a new invitation letter—the old one expires in 60 days anyway

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Problem: My phone number is already associated with another NIE—I got an SMS code to verify

Solution:

This happens if you've previously registered Cl@ve with a different NIE using the same phone number.

1. Receive the SMS code – Spain's system will send you a verification code
2. Enter the code when prompted in the registration form
3. Your access to the old NIE will be disabled (this is automatic)
4. Continue with your new registration

This is intentional—Spain prevents the same phone from being linked to multiple NIEs.

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Problem: I can't remember my Cl@ve password

Solution:

1. Go to clave.gob.es
2. Click "Forgot your password?"
3. Enter your NIE
4. System sends you a recovery code via SMS
5. Enter the code and set a new password

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Timeline: What to Expect

If you use video identification:

• Day 1: Download app (10 min)
• Day 1-3: Schedule video appointment (within 24-72 hours)
• Day 2-3: Complete video call (15 min)
• Immediately: Cl@ve is active

Total: 1-3 days from start to finish

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If you use invitation letter:

• Day 1: Request letter online (5 min)
• Day 8-14: Letter arrives (1-2 weeks)
• Day 14-15: Upload CSV code online (5 min)
• Immediately: Cl@ve is active

Total: 2-3 weeks from start to finish

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If you do in-person:

• Day 1: Go to AEAT office (30 min to 1 hour)
• Same day: Cl@ve is active

Total: Same day

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Final Checklist: Getting Your Cl@ve

Before You Start:

• ✅ You have a NIE (essential)
• ✅ You have a valid passport
• ✅ You have a working phone number (Spanish or international)
• ✅ You have an email address

Method 1 (Recommended): Video Identification

• ✅ Download Cl@ve app
• ✅ Schedule video appointment
• ✅ Complete 15-minute video call
• ✅ Receive SMS activation code
• ✅ Done!

Method 2 (Good Backup): Invitation Letter

• ✅ Request letter on AEAT website
• ✅ Wait 1-2 weeks for mail
• ✅ Find CSV code in letter
• ✅ Upload code online
• ✅ Done!

Method 3 (Fast if in Spain): In-Person

• ✅ Find nearest AEAT office
• ✅ Go to office with passport + NIE
• ✅ Complete registration (30 min to 1 hour)
• ✅ Done!

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Pro Tips

1. Do it early

• Get your Cl@ve within your first month in Spain
• You'll need it for TIE appointments, healthcare, taxes

2. Have a Spanish phone number

• SMS codes are sent to your phone for security
• UK +44 numbers work, but Spanish numbers are more reliable
• Get a cheap Spanish SIM or virtual number for €5-10

3. Keep your password secure

• Use a strong password (8+ characters, mixed case, numbers)
• Write it down and store securely (not in an email or text)
• Don't share it with anyone, not even government staff

4. Update regularly

• Cl@ve Permanente expires after 24 months
• Renew by changing your password before it expires
• You can renew online anytime during the validity period

5. Use biometric login on the app

• Once you've registered, enable fingerprint/face recognition in the app
• Makes future logins faster and easier

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Bottom Line

Getting your Cl@ve is not as complicated as it sounds. For most UK expats:

Best option: Video identification through the app (30 minutes, done today)

Backup option: Invitation letter method (2-3 weeks, works from anywhere)

Emergency option: In-person at AEAT office (same day, if you're in Spain)

Once you have it, Cl@ve becomes your key to Spanish government services. You'll use it for TIE appointments, taxes, healthcare, and dozens of other procedures. It's genuinely useful, and worth getting early.

Welcome to Spanish bureaucracy—now with a digital key to navigate it!