If you live in Spain for more than 183 days in a year, you are legally required to register as a resident with your local town hall.
This process is known as empadronamiento, and once completed, your name goes on the local population list called the padrón.
The padrón is simply a list of people who live in a particular town or city. Local councils use it to keep track of how many people live in their area.
When you register, your personal details are kept private and protected by law. The information is not shared publicly.
The certificate you get after registering is often referred to as the padrón or empadronamiento. It’s issued by your local council and includes details like when you signed up and who else lives at the same address.
If you stay in Spain for more than 183 days in a year, you’re seen as a tax resident, and registering on the padrón is compulsory.
You also need to be on the padrón to do many everyday things in Spain, like:
- Voting in local or EU elections
- Signing up for public healthcare
- Registering your children at school
- Changing a foreign driving licence to a Spanish one or registering a car
- Applying for a foreigner ID card (TIE)
What documents do I need to register for a padrón?
The exact documents needed can vary depending on the town or city, but most places ask for similar paperwork. Below is a general idea of what you’ll need:
- Bring your original passport along with a photocopy of the main page.
- You’ll also need your NIE (foreign identity number) or the certificate from the National Police Foreigners Office. Don’t forget a copy of this too.
- If you own your home, show proof such as the title deeds or a council tax bill in your name. A photocopy is also required.
- If you’re renting, take your rental contract with you. It must be in Spanish, and you should also bring a copy.
- If you don’t own or rent the property where you live, the person who does must go with you to the appointment and sign a form allowing you to register at that address.
- Everyone in your household who is over 18 must sign the registration form.
- Always take both the original documents and photocopies with you when you go to register.
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