Under current Spanish law, every individual residing in Spain must register with the municipal population register (Padrón). Registration is particularly important for tax matters, voting in European and municipal elections, administrative procedures, as well as for determining the jurisdiction of the German Embassy in Spain.

Spain's administrative divisions range from provinces (Provincias) and municipalities (Ayuntamientos) to municipal districts (Distritos). Registration with the municipal population register is carried out at the competent municipal office for your place of residence.

You can usually find the location of the competent office on the website of your local municipality.

What documents are required for registration?

1. Application form: The form can usually be found on the municipality's website or will be provided to you directly at the competent office.

2. Original and copy of your identity card or passport.

3. Documents relating to your place of residence:

If you live in rented accommodation, you will need both the tenancy agreement and a copy of the landlord's identity document if the landlord is an individual, or a copy of the C.I.F. if your landlord is a company.

If you own the property, it is sufficient to present the notarised deed of purchase.

Important note:

For the confirmation or renewal of your empadronamiento, additional documents such as the “Residencia” (green EU registration certificate with NIE) or other residence permits (permisos de residencia) may generally not be required. Unfortunately, in practice, we are aware of several cases where such documents have been requested, particularly in the Balearic Islands.

Refusing to process an application due to the alleged absence of a “Residencia” is unlawful and may be regarded as discriminatory treatment of EU citizens. In such cases, the incident should be documented and, where appropriate, an official complaint should be filed or the matter formally reported.

Proof and certificate of registration

Once you are registered with the municipal population register, you can request either a proof of registration (volante de empadronamiento) or a registration certificate (certificado de empadronamiento). For most procedures before Spanish authorities, the volante de empadronamiento is sufficient (social benefits, schools, public transport, etc.). A formal certificate is generally only required by courts or foreign authorities.

Many municipalities allow you to request the volante de empadronamiento online and download or print it directly, meaning that you no longer need to visit the relevant authority in person. To apply online, you will need a digital certificate: Article: Digital Certificate.

Confirmation of residence of EU citizens in the municipal population register after 5 years:

EU citizens with a “Residencia” (green EU registration certificate with NIE number) must confirm their residence every 5 years (every 2 years for EU citizens without a “Residencia”). Depending on the municipality, confirmation can be completed either in person or electronically and is required if no changes (change of address, updating of personal details, etc.) have been made to the registration for a period of 5 years.

Renewal of the residence registration of EU citizens in the municipal population register: EU citizens with a “Residencia” (green EU registration certificate with NIE number) must confirm their residence every 5 years (every 2 years for EU citizens without a “Residencia”). Depending on the municipality, confirmation can be completed either in person or electronically and is required if no changes (change of address, updating of personal details, etc.) have been made to the registration for a period of 5 years.

Our law firm will be pleased to assist you in analysing your individual situation and can also assist you with the filing of the corresponding tax returns. If you are interested in our services or have any specific questions regarding this subject, please feel free to contact us by email or telephone.

Author:

Nicole Gottschling
Management & Non-Resident
info@sspartners.es
Tel: (+34) 951 12 13 06
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