The Government of Catalonia, through the Open Administration of Catalonia (AOC) and with the support of the Departments of Presidency i ofEuropean Union and Foreign Action, has launched a new online video identification system that allows, for the first time, Catalans residing abroad to obtain theidCAT Certificate without having to travel anywhere Registration Entity idCAT Certificate (ER idCAT).
This measure represents a significant advance for the 427.423 Catalans living outside the country -according to data from the 2026 Census of Inhabitants Resident Abroad-, a group that until now often had difficulty proving their identity in person to access the secure digital services of public administrations.
Since 2020, following the pandemic, Catalans abroad can obtain theidCAT Mobile via video identification. In 2025, it was made easier to receive the one-time code necessary to obtain this digital identification system through the channel WhatsApp, designed to overcome limitations in receiving SMS in some countries. TheidCAT Mòbil is a simple identification mechanism, based on a one-time password, ideal for accessing routine procedures of any Public Administration in Catalonia.
Now, the Government is taking a step further and also allows obtaining theidCAT Certificate remotely through the video identification system. This is a qualified digital certificate, stored on the user's device, and which allows all personal telematic procedures to be carried out.
These are, therefore, two different and complementary mechanisms: while theidCAT Mobile facilitates agile access to the procedures of the Catalan administrations, theidCAT Certificate allows access to the services of all State administrations.
A 100% digital, secure and accessible process
The idCAT Certificate is a digital certificate that allows citizens to prove their identity online with full security and legal validity. Thanks to this mechanism, all Catalans - both those residing in Catalonia and those living abroad - can:
- Sign documents electronically.
- Access procedures and files of the Generalitat and city councils.
- Manage scholarships, academic degrees, health procedures and other administrative procedures.
- Operate with full security and legal validity.
To obtain it through video identification, you must follow a simple and completely online procedure:
- Start the application through the portal idcat.aoc.cat.
- Select the option «idCAT Certificate» and then "request for video identification» and show your identity document.
Within a maximum period of 48 hours, the applicant will receive an email with instructions to sign the issuance request and, subsequently, download and install their idCAT Certificate.
The new system allows the entire procedure to be completed electronically, from any device with a camera, and is available to people who have:
- Valid Spanish ID card,
- Current TIE residence permit
Video identification is carried out in a secure and supervised environment, with full legal validity and equivalent to in-person identification. Once the identity is validated, the user can download and install theidCAT Certified directly on your device.
Catalan communities residing abroad have been demanding for years an alternative to face-to-face identification, which is often difficult or unfeasible in many countries. The incorporation of video identification responds to this demand and places Catalonia among the leading territories in the development of an inclusive and accessible digital administration for all citizens.
Another step in the reform of the Administration
With this action, the Government reinforces its commitment to the digitalization of public services and universal accessibility, making it easier for Catalan citizens abroad to identify themselves digitally.
The measure is part of the set of technological changes and digital transformation that the Government is carrying out within the framework of the reform of the Administration to make things easier for citizens.
The goal is to reduce barrierseres, increase accessibility and streamline people's relationship with the Generalitat, including the group of Catalans residing abroad, facilitating their access with full guarantees, strengthening the administrative link with the external group and improving their capacity for interaction with the administration.
