The Empadronamiento or padrón is a document that confirms your current address of residency in Spain. It allows the local city hall to have a record over local inhabitants.
In reality, the padrón is one of the most important documents that you should obtain upon your arrival in Spain, becoming an official resident gives you a number of benefits such as access to public health insurance, property rental, car purchase, registering your kids at a public school, getting an NIE and much more.
Note: El certificado del empadronamiento or proof of address is the document which most of the public organizations will ask you for is only valid for 3 months, once it is expired you’ll need to request it again at the city hall.
In order to get registered, you’ll be required to bring the following documents to the city hall. The documents may vary depending on the Spanish region:
- Passport: original and photocopy.
- NIE (if applicable).
- Proof of address:
- Property owner: Original deeds (escritura).
- Renting a house/apartment: Original rental agreement (in Spanish). A copy of the landlord’s ID.
- Renting a room: Signed written letter from the landlord, confirming you reside at the address, and copy of their ID.
This procedure is free of charge, you may need to renew your registration every two years or every time you change the address.
Please note that in order to get the empadronamiento you will need to ask for an appointment at the city hall’s website. In Barcelona, it usually takes about a week.
In case you need additional help please don’t hesitate to contact us.