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 (updated 2025)

To earn the Compostela you must walk at least 100 km (or cycle 200 km) and prove it with stamps in your pilgrim credential. Two things changed in 2025. First, it no longer has to be the final 100 km: any continuous 100 km on an official Camino route qualifies, as long as your last stage ends in Santiago. Second, the two-stamps-a-day rule now applies to your whole walk, not just the last 100 km — albergues, churches, cafés and town halls all stamp, so collect them from day one. On the Coastal route, starting in Baiona or Vigo comfortably covers the distance.

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, from day one

Get at least two stamps (sellos) per day in your credential for the whole walk — since 2025 this applies to the entire route, not only the last 100 km. 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.

I start walking in Portugal — does that count towards the 100 km?

Yes, but there is an extra condition. If your Camino begins outside Spain, you must also walk at least 70 km continuously inside Spanish territory, on top of meeting the 100 km minimum. On the Coastal route this is not a problem: once you cross at Caminha–A Guarda it is roughly 160 km to Santiago, well past 70 km. Pilgrims starting in Porto, Viana do Castelo or Caminha all clear it comfortably.

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

Starting in Baiona or Vigo comfortably covers 100 km into Santiago. Since 2025 any continuous 100 km on an official route counts, provided your final stage ends in Santiago — and you need two credential stamps a day for the whole walk, not just that last stretch.

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/ · https://waw.travel/new-rules-for-obtaining-the-compostela-on-the-camino-de-santiago/ · https://www.portugalgreenwalks.com/new-rules-for-obtaining-your-compostela/