Empadronamiento
What you need to know
The empadronamiento refers to the legal requirement in Spain to present yourself to the local government and declare that you are residing in a particular municipality. Think of it as an ongoing census that the government uses to allot tax dollars, police protection, and investment in infrastructure to a particular city or region. It’s a very low stress process, and it varies a bit from city to city and region to region. Generally speaking, you will need to provide identification (your passport), proof of residence (the lease for the property you are renting or own, and/or a recent power or water bill in the name of yourself or your landlord), and the local empadronamiento form. As always, you may need to bring original photocopies of any and all documents.
If all goes well, on this day or in a few days you should be able to pick up a certificado de empadronamiento, or (loosely) Certificate of Self-registration. Note: you may need to visit the office a few times, and the time it takes to become empadronado may vary. If your region requires a certificado de empadronamiento to apply for a TIE, start early.
It is important to note that the certificado de empadronamiento is only considered valid if it doesn’t exceed three months from the day it has been issued. Once registered, a copy with a recent date can be requested at your nearest town hall. You may or may not need to pay a small fee – this, again, varies on the place of residence.
The Spanish law requires all nationals and expat residents (legal or not) who live more than 6 months in Spain to register at the city hall (Padrón Municipal de Habitantes). By registering, you’ll get your certificado de empadronamiento.
EU citizens or permanent residents in Spain need to update their empadronamiento every 5 years if there’s no significant change in their life. Non-EU citizens on a visa need to update their empadronamiento every 2 years.
However, if there’s a significant change in your living situation, you need to voluntarily update the empadronamiento. For instance, you must report changes such as moving to a different neighbourhood or city in Spain, marriage, having a child, moving away from Spain, or in the unfortunate event of a family members death.
Having an empadronamiento while in Spain is also the best tool to use if you are currently living illegally.If you did not know, Spanish residency is possible if an individual has been in the country illegally for a specific length of time.However, with an immigrant status as being illegal, you need to be able to prove the amount of time you have been living in Spain.
What documents are needed?
Below is a list of documents which can be requested from you on the day of registration. However, the list varies depending on the region. To find out how to get on the padrón and what documents are required, always check with your local town hall.
- Passport: original and copy.
- NIE (if applicable).
- Utility bill with your name and address (recent).
- Proof of address.
- Property owner: Original deeds (escritura).
- Renting a house/apartment: Original rental agreement (in Spanish).
- Renting a room: Signed written letter from the landlord, confirming you reside at the address, and copy of their ID.
- A completed application form (available at the office where registration is being made, depending on the region).
- If you are a foreigner and you have minor children, you need to provide the children’s birth certificate translated into Spanish legally. If one of the parents is not available, the permission of one of the parents is required. Minors: Under 14 years old; Birth certificate or certificate. Under 18 years old; Certificate or birth certificate and foreigner identity card issued by the Spanish authorities, which includes the Foreigner Identity Number (NIE) or, failing that, passport issued by the authorities of your country.
- When documents from other countries are provided, they must be translated into Spanish.
When is a Certificado de Empadronamiento necessary?
A few instances include the following:
Receiving your drivers license
- Purchasing a vehicle.
- Part of the residency application.
- Acquiring healthcare.
- Enrolling children into schools.
- Obtaining government assistance.
- Being able to marry.
- Any and all tasks of an administrative nature.
Need help?Contact us by WhatsApp or write to [email protected]
We can help you with completing the forms and accompany you to the appointment.