If you have decided to come to Andalucía or another region of Spain to live, it is beneficial to register with the local municipality. In this post we explain what the registry ("padrón") is, what is the use of registering, and how to do this important and simple procedure.
What is the "padrón"?
The register is a list that all the town councils of Spain have, which includes all the people who reside in each municipality. Based on this number of people, each city will receive a certain income from the central government for public services such as health.
Registration in the "padrón"
Being registered in the municipal register serves as proof that you reside in a municipality and is a process that anyone who begins to live in Spain must do. The registration certifies your length of stay in Spanish territory, regardless of your nationality, and whether or not you have a residence or whether it is being processed. We recommend that you register as soon as you settle in your new home in Andalusia.
If you live for more than 180 days a year in any city town in Spain you must be registered in the registry. It is what is called ‘being registered’ ("empadronado").
Advantages of being registered
Being registered is associated with a series of advantages, such as:
- Have access to public services and discounts on some local activities (entrance to museums, sports courses, etc.)
- Right to receive social assistance and some financial benefits in the proven case that you need them
- Access to healthcare
- Vote in municipal elections
Why is it so important to have the registration certificate?
Having the registration certificate is mandatory for many procedures that you will want to carry out, many of them linked to your status as a foreign citizen. For example, you will need to present the corresponding registration certificate to:
- Apply for the TIE card
- Apply for a residence and work permit or its regularization
- Register in a health center and receive the health care card
- Exchange your driving license for a Spanish one if there is an agreement with the country of origin
- Enroll your children in school
- Get married in Spain or register as a domestic partner
- Buy a car
Where do I register?
To register in the register you must go to the city hall of the city where you reside. Many municipalities allow you to obtain the registration certificate (which is valid for 3 months) electronically through their website. The other option is to go in person. It is the most common option. In this case, you must make an appointment at the town hall, present the required documentation and sign it.
What documents do I need to provide to register?
In general, to register you will need to provide:
- Rental contract of your home in Andalusia or the simple note of the house deed in case you are the owner.
- Photocopy and original of the passport
- Completed application for individual or collective registration in the register
- In case of having children, present a photocopy and original of the passports and the family book
How much does it cost?
The procedure is fast and cheap. Some municipalities issue the registration certificate for free and others charge you a very small amount, usually 1 to 3 euros.
What if I change my address to another municipality?
You must request in writing the registration in the municipality where you set your new residence. The city council of the new municipality will notify this circumstance to your old municipality of residence to request removal from its registry.
Difference between the registration certificate and the registration form
The registration form is a document that indicates that you are registered in a city or town but does not certify it since it does not include any official signature.
The registration certificate, as its name suggests, does certify it because it includes the official signature of the town hall.
The certificate is the document that is valid for you to carry out the procedures that require legal certification such as renewing the passport or the DNI or NIE.
Contact us
If you need help to register or carry out legal procedures related to the "padrón", do not hesitate to contact our expert team:
