Country guide · Spain
Google Ads Government Certification in Spain
Quick answer
Google’s policy names three Spanish identifiers as covered examples: the NIF and NIE (regional identification numbers) and the CIF (business identifiers). Spain is listed as a regional exclusion for criminal background checks. So NIE and NIF assistance services fall within the policy, while criminal record certificate services targeting Spain can apply for exclusion. Other covered services follow the general rules.
On this page
- Quick summary
- The policy for advertisers in Spain
- Does Spain require Google Ads government certification?
- Spanish references in Google's policy
- Spain-specific considerations
- Government providers in Spain
- Authorized non-government providers
- Advertiser verification
- Certification vs advertiser verification
- Landing page considerations
- Common problems
- Practical preparation checklist
- Next steps
- Frequently asked questions
- Official Google sources
Key points
- Covered examples: NIF, NIE (regional ID numbers) and CIF (business identifiers).
- Regional exclusion: criminal background checks.
- Spain is not excluded for business identifiers, unlike France.
- NIE services are popular with foreign residents and buyers; they are covered by the policy.
Quick summary
| Topic | What it means |
|---|---|
| Mentioned in Google’s policy? | Yes: three examples and one regional exclusion |
| Spanish examples | Número de Identificación Fiscal (NIF), Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE) – regional ID; Código de Identificación Fiscal (CIF) – business identifiers |
| Regional exclusion for Spain | Criminal background checks |
| Not excluded | Regional ID numbers, business identifiers, driver licenses, vehicle registration and the other categories |
| Country-wide certification rule? | No |
The policy for advertisers in Spain
Spain’s references cut both ways. Identification-number services, a large market among foreign residents, property buyers and new businesses, are named as covered. Criminal record certificate services, by contrast, are excluded for Spain.
Does Spain require Google Ads government certification?
No single rule applies. Depending on the service:
- NIE, NIF and CIF services: covered; certification may be required depending on the advertiser type.
- Criminal record certificate services targeting Spain: regional exclusion; no need to qualify as a government or authorized provider, but you still apply to be excluded.
- Other covered categories: general rules.
Spanish references in Google's policy
| Category | Spain in the policy | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Regional identification numbers | Examples: NIF, NIE | Covered |
| Business identifiers | Example: CIF | Covered |
| Criminal background checks | Regional exclusion: Spain | Apply for exclusion |
Spain-specific considerations
NIE services for foreigners
Gestorías, relocation firms and online services frequently advertise “get your NIE”. The NIE is Google’s own example of a covered regional identification number. Advertisers need certification, in practice as authorized providers with qualifying authorization, or should advertise services outside the policy (for example general relocation advice) without promoting obtaining the NIE.
Company identifiers
The CIF is named as a business identifier example and Spain is not among the excluded regions for that category, so company-formation services promoting tax identifiers are in scope.
Criminal record certificates
Spain is one of four regions excluded for criminal background checks (with Argentina, Brazil and Colombia). Services targeting Spain can apply for exclusion rather than proving government authorization.
Government providers in Spain
National, autonomous-community and municipal administrations can apply as government providers using their official domains (typically gob.es or regional domains).
Authorized non-government providers
A gestoría or professional firm qualifies as an authorized provider only if an official, public government website links to its domain and explicitly references it as authorized for the specific service, it promotes only that service from the domain and targets only the authorized region. Professional association membership or a collaboration agreement is not, by itself, the kind of evidence Google describes as valid.
Advertiser verification
Use the Spanish document list Google shows in your account. Keep the company name and NIF details consistent across documents and your payments profile.
Certification vs advertiser verification
Your company NIF supports verification but is not authorization. See website authorization vs business registration.
Landing page considerations
We recommend that NIE and NIF pages explain what the advertiser does and what the administration does, show service fees separately from official fees, link to the official procedure and avoid government crests or “oficial” claims.
Common problems
- Assuming NIE services are allowed because the advertiser is a professional gestoría.
- Applying the criminal-record exclusion to identity-number services.
- Bundling excluded and covered services on one domain.
Practical preparation checklist
- Separate criminal record services (exclusion) from NIE/NIF/CIF services (covered).
- Apply for the exclusion where it fits.
- For covered services, confirm qualifying authorization or adjust what you advertise.
- Prepare verification documents.
Advertising NIE, NIF or company services in Spain?
Next steps
For advertisers in Spain, these guides and services are the most useful next steps:
- How the government documents and services policy works and our policy reference with all categories
- Government certification options and options for private government service providers
- How certification and verification fit together and the advertiser verification guide
- How all 20 countries compare, category by category, or browse all country guides
- Prepare with the verification checklist or get help: verification support, landing page review, policy compliance audit or contact us
Frequently asked questions
Can I advertise NIE application help on Google Ads?
The NIE is Google’s example of a covered regional identification number. Advertisers need certification, in practice as government or authorized providers.
Are criminal record certificate services excluded in Spain?
Yes. Spain is listed as a regional exclusion for criminal background checks. You still apply to be excluded from the policy.
Is Spain excluded for business identifiers like France?
No. Business identifier exclusions are Colombia, France, India and Peru. The CIF is a named covered example.
Official Google sources
Google updates its policies and help pages. Check the current version of these pages before you apply or change your account. We last checked them on the “Last reviewed” date shown at the top of this page.
Keep reading
Related resources
Government Certification
The four certification options and how the process works.
Brazil
Regional exclusions for criminal background checks and public road access fees and passes. No Brazilian examples.
France
Carte d'identité, casier judiciaire, Crit'Air and carte grise are named examples. Exclusions for business identifiers and fishing licenses.