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How to register as a resident in Spain
Anyone habitually resident in Spain should be included in the official census or padrón
By law, any foreigner living in Spain must register as a resident (empadronarse) in the town or city where they spend the most time. Being a Spanish resident has several important implications for working and studying, benefiting from the state social aid system etc., but like so many official procedures, navigating the bureaucracy can be a confusing and lengthy process.
Registering on the padrón in Spain is an important step towards your new life in the sun and if you’d rather leave the complications to the professionals look no further than Abad & Abogados, English-speaking legal experts and winners of the Best Lawyer 2022 award.
Here we detail the requirements you must meet in order to register as empadronarse and the documents you will need to gather.
What is the padrón?
The padrón is essentially used to register you on the census of your locality and the registration certificate has a number of practical uses, such as buying a vehicle, applying to study, renewing your health care and requesting social services support.
Many other official processes also require that you be on the padrón, such as registering births, deaths and name changes.
Requirements for registering your residency
- To be considered a resident, you must spend the majority of your time living in the town or city where you plan to join the census (padrón).
- According to the Spanish Statistics Institute, your habitual residence is the town or city where you spend at least six months of the year, so you cannot apply for residency using the address of a second home.
- You will also need to provide proof of your identity and address.
What documents do I need to prove my residency?
There are a few general documents that you’ll always need but the requirements do vary from town to town, so it’s best to double-check with the council or your advisor before making an appointment. It’s important to have everything you need in advance to avoid delaying the process.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Your original passport and at least one photocopy.
- Proof of your address, plus a copy, such as a rental agreement or utility bill in your name.
- Padrón application form (census registration form).
- If you’re registering your children, you’ll also need their identity documents or the family record (libro de familia).
How to register your residency in Spain
There are many different ways to apply for registry:
- Make an appointment at your local town or city hall.
- Apply over the phone.
- Register online and receive your census registration certificate by post.
- Most areas also allow residents to apply through their official websites, but you’ll need a digital certificate or electronic ID card to do this.
If you’re looking for legal aid in Spain, don’t doubt. Contact the Best. Contact Abad & Abogados.
