ELS-0035Scams · Spain

What Is Cl@ve? A Simple Guide for British Expats in Spain

Official sources checked
Written by Sue Berry
Practical guidance

Cl@ve is Spain’s secure electronic identification system. It allows residents to prove who they are and access many government services online without needing a different username and password for every department.

The Quick Answer

Cl@ve is a secure identification system used to access Spanish public services online.

Once registered, you may be able to use it to:

check tax information;

access the Citizen Folder;

view DGT driving information;

download employment records;

complete Social Security procedures;

access certain healthcare records;

submit applications and forms;

receive or manage some official services online.

Instead of creating a separate login for each government department, Cl@ve gives you a common way to confirm your identity across participating public services.

The two options most people see are:

Cl@ve Móvil, which usually lets you approve a login through the Cl@ve app or your mobile phone;

Cl@ve Permanente, which uses a lasting password and may also require a one-time security code for more sensitive procedures.

Cl@ve is not your NIE, TIE or digital certificate. It is a system for proving your identity when using participating Spanish government services online.

Why This Matters

Many important parts of life in Spain are now managed online.

Without a recognised electronic identity, you may need to:

visit an office in person;

book an appointment;

wait for letters;

ask a gestor to complete a simple procedure;

rely on someone else to access information for you.

Having Cl@ve can make it easier to deal directly with Spanish authorities from your computer or phone.

It can be particularly useful for expats who need to manage:

tax records;

Social Security;

pensions and benefits;

driving information;

official notifications;

residency-related administration;

employment history;

local and regional services.

The official Cl@ve service says it is available across the General State Administration, all autonomous communities and most local authorities, although the identification method offered can vary according to the security level required by a particular service.

For British expats, this can reduce the amount of time spent travelling to offices and trying to understand separate login systems.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cl@ve the same as my NIE? No. Your NIE is your foreigner identification number. Cl@ve is an electronic system used to prove your identity when accessing participating Spanish public services online.

Is Cl@ve the same as a digital certificate? No. Cl@ve complements electronic certificates and DNIe, but it is a separate identification system. A recognised digital certificate can also be used as one method of obtaining advanced Cl@ve registration.

Do I need a TIE to register? The accepted identification depends on the registration route and your circumstances. Foreign residents should check the official requirements for the method they choose and have their NIE and valid identity documentation available.

What is the difference between basic and advanced registration? Basic registration allows access to many services but not all. Advanced registration is used for procedures requiring stronger identity verification and can be obtained through reviewed video identification, a recognised electronic certificate or an in-person registration office.

What is Cl@ve Móvil? Cl@ve Móvil lets registered users approve access through their phone, commonly by scanning a QR code or confirming a request in the official app.

What is Cl@ve Permanente? Your Cl@ve identifies you personally. Do not hand over your password or security codes. Where a professional needs to act for you, ask about an authorised representation or power-of-attorney process instead.

Can both partners use the same Cl@ve account? No. Each person should register and use their own identity, mobile details and access method.

Where can I use Cl@ve? It can be used on integrated national, regional and many local government services. The official service gives examples including the Citizen Folder, tax services, DGT information and employment-history records.

What happens when I change my mobile number? Update your Cl@ve registration promptly. The registered phone may be used for approvals, alerts and one-time security codes.

Important — Read Before You Act

Cl@ve is connected to sensitive government information.

Never:

share a verification code;

approve a login request you did not start;

give your password to a gestor, friend or family member;

respond to an unexpected message asking you to “confirm” your Cl@ve account;

install an app from an unofficial link;

allow someone to register their mobile number against your identity;

store your Cl@ve password beside your NIE or passport details.

Registration level also matters.

Basic registration gives access to many services, but some higher-security procedures require advanced registration. Basic registration obtained through automatic video identification or an invitation letter is not sufficient for every procedure and does not allow use of Cl@ve Signature.

Always enter Cl@ve through the official public authority website you intended to use.

What To Do — Step by Step

Check That You Are Ready to Register Before starting, make sure you have your NIE or Spanish identity number, a valid identity document and access to the mobile telephone number you intend to register. The information you enter should match your official records. Depending on the registration method, you may also need: your TIE or identity document; a Spanish address; an email address; an electronic certificate or DNIe; access to a camera for video identification; an invitation letter sent to the address held by the Tax Agency.
Choose Basic or Advanced Registration Cl@ve has two registration levels. Basic registration can be completed through: automatic video identification; an invitation letter. Advanced registration can be completed through: video identification reviewed by a public employee; an electronic certificate or DNIe; an in-person registration office. Basic registration allows access to many services, but not all. Advanced registration is needed for procedures requiring stronger identity checks. Link URL: Official Cl@ve registration methods
Register by Video Identification One registration route uses video identification. You will normally need: the official Cl@ve app or registration service; your identity document; a phone with a working camera; suitable lighting; a clear view of your face; your current mobile number. Automatic video identification normally provides basic registration. Where the recording is manually reviewed by a public employee, it can provide an advanced registration level.
Register Using an Invitation Letter People without a digital certificate may be able to request an invitation letter. The letter is normally sent to the address held in the relevant official records. Once received, it contains information needed to complete registration online. This route normally provides basic registration.
Register with a Digital Certificate People who already have a recognised electronic certificate or DNIe can register online using that identity. This method provides advanced registration and can be useful when you already use a Spanish digital certificate for government procedures.
Register in Person Advanced registration can also be completed at an authorised registration office. You may need an appointment. Take the original identity documents requested by the office. Confirm the accepted documents before travelling, particularly where you hold a foreign passport and TIE.
Receive the Welcome Confirmation After successful registration, the system may send a welcome SMS to the mobile number you registered. People using video identification may also receive a notification on their device. Once registration is complete, they can use Cl@ve Móvil or activate Cl@ve Permanente.
Set Up Cl@ve Móvil Cl@ve Móvil is intended to let you identify yourself without repeatedly entering a username and password. When supported by the government service, you may confirm access by: scanning a QR code; opening the Cl@ve app; approving the login request sent to your device. The official Cl@ve guidance describes this as an option for identifying yourself by approving a request on your phone rather than remembering separate passwords.
Activate Cl@ve Permanente Where Needed Cl@ve Permanente is designed for regular access. It uses a username and password. Some higher-security services may also require a one-time code sent by SMS. The password remains valid for a defined period but is not unlimited.
Use Cl@ve on Participating Government Websites Look for the Cl@ve access option when entering a Spanish government electronic office. Cl@ve can be used only where the service is integrated with the system. Examples listed by the official service include: the Citizen Folder; income-tax and tax information; certain clinical information; DGT points; employment-history downloads; other national, regional and local services.
Keep Your Details Up to Date Update your Cl@ve registration when you change: mobile number; email address; identity details; relevant official records. Losing access to the registered mobile can make it harder to approve logins or receive security codes.
Store Recovery Information Safely Record that you are registered with Cl@ve and which mobile number is linked to it. Do not record: the password; SMS verification codes; app approval codes; bank details; full security answers. A trusted family member may need to know that Cl@ve exists, but they should not use your identity or log in as you.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Confusing Cl@ve with an NIE, TIE or digital certificate.
Assuming basic registration works for every government procedure.
Registering an old or inaccessible mobile number.
Giving a gestor your Cl@ve password or one-time code.
Approving an app notification without checking what caused it.
Using a link from an unexpected email or text message.
Downloading an unofficial Cl@ve app.
Assuming every public service accepts every Cl@ve access method.
Forgetting to update the account after changing telephone numbers.
Sharing one Cl@ve account between partners.

Your Action Checklist

Confirm that my NIE and identity details are correct.
Decide whether I need basic or advanced registration.
Choose a suitable official registration method.
Check that my mobile number is current.
Complete registration through the official service.
Save the welcome confirmation.
Install the official Cl@ve app where appropriate.
Activate Cl@ve Permanente only when needed.
Use a unique password.
Test access through a recognised government service.
Record which phone is connected to Cl@ve.
Keep passwords and security codes private.
Update Cl@ve after changing my mobile number.
Tell a trusted person that I use Cl@ve, without sharing access.
Review my access arrangements once a year.

In Summary

Cl@ve is Spain’s shared electronic identification system.

It gives registered users a simpler way to access participating government services without managing a different login for every authority.

The basic process is:

Confirm that your NIE, identity document and mobile details are correct.

Choose a registration method.

Complete either basic or advanced registration.

Install or activate the appropriate Cl@ve access method.

Use Cl@ve only through official government services.

Keep your mobile number and contact information current.

Never approve an unexpected login request.

Cl@ve can make Spanish administration much easier, but it does not replace your NIE, TIE, passport or residence permission.

Sue’s final thoughts & experiences

A personal note from Sue Berry

When we first move to Spain, we often expect every official procedure to involve an appointment, a form and a long wait.

Cl@ve does not remove every piece of Spanish administration, but it can make many everyday tasks much easier.

The important thing is to register carefully and keep control of your own login.

Do not hand it over to someone else simply because the Spanish wording feels difficult. A gestor may help with a procedure, but your electronic identity should remain yours.

Once Cl@ve is working, it can save a great deal of time and give you more confidence when dealing with official services.