What it is?
Essentially it’s a municipal register or census record, similar to the electoral roll. It’s also known as Padrón Municipal de Habitantes and is required for people who plan to reside in Spain for more than six months in a year. Your details are then put onto the Padrón.
The look of them vary from region to region, but here’s a typical example:
What is it needed for?
- To register a child at a school
- To apply for residency (residencia)
- To get married
- To buy or sell a car
- Sometimes to apply for the N.I.E. (I got mine without having an empadronamiento)
- To apply for a local health insurance card
- To vote
How do I get one?
In some towns, an application can be made online. In the majority of cases you have to present yourself at your local town hall (ayuntamiento) and go to the Oficina de Pádron to fill in the documents required.
What documents are required?
- A completed application form (available from the office)
- Original passport and a copy
- N.I.E. and a copy (if you already have it)
- Proof of address: rental agreement, utility bill
If you’re not on the rental agreement (i.e. sharing a flat with a friend) then you will also need:
- A completed Autorización de Empadronamiento (example) – it means that the person who is on the rental contract also has to be on the Padrón Municipal. You would either need them to go with you, or get them to fill out the form to take with you.
- A copy of their D.N.I. (identity card) with a line or two saying they authorise you to act on their behalf. They might also need to explain that you’re staying with them as well.
How long will it take?
A volante de empadronamiento will be issued which is a temporary version until you are able to pick up the actual certificate. Some places charge a small fee for the temporary empadronamiento. This process usually takes a week.
Are there any other things to take into consideration?
Some places will come round to the property to check you are living there. This didn’t happen with me, but it did for my Spanish flatmate.
Most places require an empadronamiento to have been issued within the last three months to be valid. You can also request a separate document which states the date from which you enrolled yourself (empadronarse) onto the Padrón. These are usually issued for free.
If you have expired identification (i.e. passport or visa) you are still required to register.
If you move house within the community you have to notify them at the town hall so that they can update their register.
If and when you leave you have to notify them with a date of departure as they usually go to the house to check you aren’t there.
What are the benefits of having one?
The town hall receives extra funding for healthcare, cleaning and maintenance when you are enrolled. The municipality also knows how many people are living in the area.
This document verifies your presence in Spain as you are now an official member of the community.
How long does it last?
Non-EU nationals who don’t hold permanent residency must renew every two years. EU citizens should renew every 5 years (as do Spanish nationals).
Closing the Gap 
3 comments