‘Empadronamiento’ or the Padron Municipal is a record of all local residents within a municipality. It is held at the town hall and is the Spanish equivalent of the electoral roll.

If you own a property in Spain, regardless of whether you live in it permanently or not, you should register on the Padron Municipal. If you own more than one property, but in different municipalities, you can only be registered on one Padron. Long term renters can also apply to be registered.

Why should I register?

It is not compulsory to register, however the local government of each municipality is allocated funds from central government, the amount being dependent on the number of local residents. These funds are used to maintain the infrastructure of the municipality, for example, policing, street cleaning and maintenance, and staffing for local health centres and post offices to name but a few. Therefore, if there is a large community of people who are not registered, it could well have a detrimental effect on local services.

Another reason to register is so that you may enrol your children into the local school. If places are limited, those children who are registered on the Padron will be given priority.

You may be asked for your ‘certificado de empadronamiento’ when you go to buy a car in Spain; this is particularly likely if you do not hold ‘Residencia’.

Do I have to have a Residencia Certificate to register?

No. Obtaining a ‘certificado de empadronamiento’ does not alter your residential status in any way. It merely advises the authority that you are a member of their community. More information on residency in Spain can be found by following this link.

How do I register?

Registration is simple. Go to your town hall, taking with you a copy of either your rental contract or title deeds (Escritura), a valid passport and details of your NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) and ask to be registered on the ‘Empadronamiento’. A certificate will either be given the same day or you may be asked to return a day or so later, once it has been signed by the mayor.

At the time of registration you will be asked to sign a census form giving you the right to vote in local council and European Union elections.

Once registered you will be known as an ‘empadronado’ (gentlemen) or ‘empadronada’ (ladies) and an official member of the local community.