Empadronamiento (also called Padrón) is registering at City Hall to tell the municipal registry where you currently reside. This is a census that allows the city to compile a list of local residents. Registration (empadronarse) is mandatory for anyone planning to live in Spain for more than six months a year.
The need for a certificate de empadronamiento varies from region to region and from office to office. In one office, even in the same city, you may be asked for an empadronamiento for a certain administrative procedure, while in an office located 100 meters away it is not needed. In general, it is always a good idea to do one and have the certificate with you for all administrative matters.
In addition, for the Empadronamiento certificate to be considered valid for the above administrative tasks, it must be no more than three months old. You can request a copy of the certificate with the current date free of charge from your nearest city hall.
The procedure is free. Registration must be renewed every 5 years for EU citizens or whenever you change your home address. If you don’t know where to go or how to apply for an empadronamiento, don’t hesitate to contact us.
