How to get your Compostela in Santiago

The Compostela is the cathedral's official certificate that you completed the Camino. It's free, you claim it in person in Santiago, and getting it is simple — as long as your credential proves you walked the qualifying distance. Here's exactly what you need and how to do it.

Do you qualify? The 100 km rule

To earn the Compostela you must walk at least the final 100 km into Santiago (or cycle 200 km), and prove it with stamps in your pilgrim credential. On the Coastal route, starting in Baiona or Vigo comfortably covers the last 100 km. In that final 100 km you need at least two stamps per day — from albergues, churches, cafés, town halls — so keep collecting them.

Where to go: the Pilgrim's Reception Office

Claim your Compostela at the Pilgrim's Reception Office (Oficina de Acogida al Peregrino), Rúa das Carretas 33, a few minutes' walk from the cathedral. You present your stamped credential, staff verify it, and you receive the Compostela on the spot. It's free of charge.

Skip the queue with online pre-registration

💡 In busy months the queue can be long. Before you arrive, fill in the online form on the Pilgrim's Office website to get a QR code and a turn number — you then wait for your number instead of queuing from scratch. Do it the evening before or on your final morning.

The other certificates you can get

The Compostela requires a religious or spiritual motivation; if your reasons are purely sporting or cultural you'll be offered the Certificate of Welcome instead. For a few euros you can also buy the Distance Certificate (Certificado de Distancia), which prints your start point, route and total kilometres — a nice keepsake. A cardboard tube to protect the certificates is sold there too.

Step by step

1

Collect two stamps a day in the last 100 km

From Baiona/Vigo onward, get at least two stamps (sellos) per day in your credential — albergues, churches, cafés and town halls all stamp.
2

Pre-register online

Fill in the Pilgrim's Office online form before arriving to receive a QR code and turn number, saving time in the queue.
3

Go to Rúa das Carretas 33

Bring your stamped credential to the Pilgrim's Reception Office near the cathedral and present it at the desk.
4

Receive your Compostela (and optional extras)

Staff verify your credential and issue the free Compostela. Optionally buy the Distance Certificate and a protective tube.

Frequently asked questions

How much does the Compostela cost?

The Compostela itself is free. Optional extras cost a few euros each: the Distance Certificate is around €3, and a cardboard tube to protect them is a couple of euros.

Where do I get the Compostela in Santiago?

At the Pilgrim's Reception Office, Rúa das Carretas 33, a few minutes from the cathedral. You present your stamped credential and receive it on the spot.

Where do the last 100 km start on the Coastal route?

Starting in Baiona or Vigo comfortably covers the final 100 km into Santiago. In that stretch you need at least two credential stamps per day.

Can I skip the queue?

Yes. Fill in the online pre-registration form on the Pilgrim's Office website to get a QR code and turn number, then wait for your number instead of queuing from the start.

What if my reason for walking isn't religious?

The Compostela requires a religious or spiritual motivation. If your motivation is purely sporting or cultural, you'll be offered the Certificate of Welcome instead.

Sources: https://oficinadelperegrino.com/en/the-compostela/ · https://oficinadelperegrino.com/en/pilgrims-reception-office/ · https://caminoways.com/camino-pilgrim-passport-certificates · https://walkthecaminoportugues.com/info/camino-compostela-certificate/