Certificado de Concordancia in Spain: Quick Overview For Employers

When employees transition from NIE to DNI after citizenship, their bank accounts, property deeds, and tax records may still be tied to their old NIE. Administrative mismatches can delay payroll, taxes, or even property transfers. The Certificado de Concordancia bridges this gap: here’s what your HR team needs to know about this document.

What Is the Certificado de Concordancia?

The Certificado de Concordancia is an official document issued by the Spanish police that links a foreigner’s NIE (tax and residency number) with their new DNI (national ID) after obtaining Spanish citizenship.

Why is the Certificado de Concordancia Important?

• Avoids identity mismatches in legal, financial, or property records.
• Required for administrative tasks (taxes, banking, contracts) tied to the old NIE.
• Simplifies the transition for new Spanish citizens who previously lived in Spain as foreigners.

Without it, employees may face delays or confusion when dealing with government offices, banks, or property records.

When Is It Needed?

International employees will need this certificate if they:

• Recently acquired Spanish citizenship
• Need to update official records (property deeds, tax filings, bank accounts)
• Are managing legal or financial matters still linked to their NIE

The best time to apply is right after receiving the DNI, before any major transactions.

How to Get the Certificado de Concordancia

Where to Apply

Employees can request the certificate at their local Comisaría de Policía Nacional, ideally during the same appointment where they receive their DNI. While it’s possible to apply later, this requires a separate visit and may involve a small fee (around €7). 

Encourage employees to combine both steps to save them a second trip.

Required Documents

• EX-15 application form (filled in Spanish)
• Proof of payment (Modelo 790-012, ~€7 fee, waived if applying with the DNI)
• Appointment confirmation (printed or screenshot)
• Passport & old NIE (original + copy)
• New DNI (if already issued)
• Notarized authorization (if someone else collects it)

Note: Non-Spanish documents must include a sworn translation.

Digital Option: E-Certificado de Concordancia

For faster processing, Spain offers an E-Certificado de Concordancia, a digital version accepted for online transactions. This is especially useful for employees managing paperwork remotely or those needing immediate verification.

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How Employers Can Help

Proactive support here prevents delays in contract signings, tax filings, or even salary payments, all of which impact retention. Beyond explaining the process, employers can:

• Cover the fee (~€7) as a small but meaningful relocation benefit.
• Connect employees with sworn translators if their documents aren’t in Spanish. Partnering with a Global Mobility Provider like Jobbatical simplifies this process, saving you time and costs.
• Adjust onboarding timelines and work schedules to accommodate police appointments (which often have long wait times).
• Flag potential mismatches early by checking if HR systems (payroll, benefits) still use the employee’s NIE.

Conclusion

The Certificado de Concordancia is a small but important step for foreign employees becoming Spanish citizens. Understanding how it works can help smooth your employees' transition and prevent legal or financial hiccups down the road.

Our team specializes in work visas, residency, and relocation support in Spain. Get in touch to discuss how we can assist your team.