Empadronamiento in Spain: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Register

Empadronamiento is the process of registering and being listed in the municipal register (padrón municipal) of your place of residence. It's regulated by Law 7/1985, RD 1690/1986, and clarified by the Resolution of 29 April 2020. Registration is a MUST and is also necessary for:

• Applying for or renewing your TIE (Foreigner’s Identity Card)
• Accessing public healthcare and education
• Proving residence for arraigo, permanent residency, citizenship, or driver’s license validation
• Enrolling in the municipal registry of unmarried couples

Article 15 of Law 7/1985 requires all residents in Spain to register in the municipality where they reside the longest part of the year. This applies to:

• Spanish nationals
• EU citizens
• Non-EU citizens (with or without legal status)

The padrón is purely administrative. It does not change your immigration status.

Anyone living in Spain for more than 6 months (more than 183 days to be exact) annually must register. This includes:

• Citizens and legal residents
• Students and temporary workers
• Undocumented migrants (yes, you can and should register)

This is confirmed in official INE instructions from 2020.

You’ll need the following:

• Valid ID (passport, NIE, or TIE)
• Proof of address, such as:
  • Rental contract with your information included
  • Utility (water, electricity, gas or internet) bill in your name
  • Property deed (for owners)
  • Authorization letter and ID from the main resident (if you're not the leaseholder)
• Hoja padronal (the registration form from your Ayuntamiento which you can find online on the town hall website)

1. Book an appointment with your local Ayuntamiento (online or by calling 010).
2. Gather your documents: ID, proof of address, hoja padronal.
3. Attend the appointment, sign the form, and present your documents.
4. Request your certificado de empadronamiento or volante.

In some towns, the certificate is issued immediately. Others may send it by post or email.

For most people, empadronamiento does not expire unless you change your address. However, under RDL 6/2023, non-EU nationals without long-term residency must renew their registration every 2 years. If not renewed, you may be automatically removed from the municipal register without prior notice. Local authorities are required to notify affected individuals 3 months in advance.

🔄 How to Renew Empadronamiento:

Renewal methods vary by city and depend on whether your details have changed. Common options include:

• Online: Available if your personal data or address hasn't changed and you have a digital certificate (Certificado Digital), electronic DNI (DNIe), or Cl@ve.
• In person: You can always renew by visiting your local town hall. Appointments are usually required.
• By phone: Some municipalities allow renewal or certificate requests by calling the local citizen service line (often 010).

🏙️ City Examples

💡 Always check your local Ayuntamiento’s website for updated procedures and eligibility.

Empadronamiento refers to the act of registering as a resident in Spain. The hoja padronal is the form used to apply. Once the form is submitted and approved, you’ll receive a certificate confirming your registration.

• Volante: A basic summary for general use.
• Certificado: A legally valid document used for immigration, schooling, social services, or pareja de hecho registration.

Ask for the certificado if you're using it for official procedures.

You can still register. Ask the leaseholder or homeowner for:

• A signed authorization letter (Ayuntamiento usually provides a template)
• A copy of their ID
• A recent bill showing they reside there

Attending the appointment together is often helpful.

You're still entitled to register. In these cases:

• Social services can verify that you habitually reside in the area.
• They’ll issue a report and indicate a valid address (even if informal).
• That address must be usable for official communications.

This is authorized under INE Resolution 29 April 2020.

If you live there legally, you can register. The padrón is not a property or tax registry and doesn’t affect the owner.

If the landlord still refuses:

• Explain the law and your right to register
• Get help from social services or present alternative evidence (e.g. postal mail, witness declaration)

The certificado de convivencia proves that two or more people live together at the same address. It’s often required for:

• Registering as a pareja de hecho (unmarried couple)
• Enrolling children in school
• Proving family units for social aid

Some town halls may require two non-family witnesses to confirm the cohabitation is real.

No. But it’s a crucial supporting document for many residency pathways. For example:

• Proving 3 years of residence for arraigo social
• Meeting requirements for citizenship
• Applying for healthcare or public schooling access

It shows your continuous presence in Spain which matters for legalizing your stay.