The City Hall registration (“empadronamiento”) is a compulsory formality.
Everyone living in Spain is obliged to register with the City Hall where they live, that is to say, in the municipality to which the property you have just rented or bought belongs.
—It’s usually a quick procedure —says Paloma positively.
—All of them are, once you’ve done them —a mocking Almudena replies.
—Right! when you know where to go and what documentation to bring is quick and easy.
—But, well, I must agree, this is not a complicated procedure.
—True, if you have everything ready, in less than an hour it will be done.
City Hall registration process.
In fact, it’s only about going to the corresponding City Hall offices and presenting the documentation that, depending on the situation, they request. The process is practically the same in all Spanish municipalities.
—In the capital city of Madrid and in almost all the nearby municipalities, the first step is to set an appointment in advance.
—It can be done online.
—Afterwards, the only thing left to do is to come to the appointment, at the chosen time and place.
—And provide the required documentation.
Certificate of City Hall registration (“Certificado” or “volante de empadronamiento”)
Once all the documentation has been submitted, you will be given immediately a document proving that you are registered. It’s proof of residency in the municipality. You can order as many copies as you need.
—It is important to carry out this procedure as soon as the rental contract has been signed.
—And it has come into force!
—It is advisable to have the certificate as soon as possible because it is necessary for all the procedures related to immigration, such as residence and work permits.
—Also to receive your removal.
—And to apply for the social security health card.
—And to be able to access public and charter education.
—Even to vote in some elections.
Required documentation.
- A form, specific to each City Council, with the personal details of the persons to be registered. It can be downloaded from the website or picked up at the municipal offices.
- Documentation proving identity as e.g. the passport.
- Documentation proving the use of the property, such as the rental agreement
The census and the words.
Finally, let’s clarify some terms that can be confusing for all of you who are not Spanish. And, sometimes, also for Spaniards.
—For example, do you know that city council (“ayuntamiento”) and municipality (“municipio”) are the same thing?
—For this purpose.
—In this sense, you mean.
—That’s it!
—And, also, registration (“empadronamiento”), municipal census (“padrón municipal”) and census form (“hoja padronal”).
—Well, these are not the same but they are all related to this process.
—“Empadronamiento” is to register in the municipal register.
—“Padrón municipal” is the administrative register which lists all the neighbors who habitually live in a municipality.
—And “hoja padronal” is the form that each council provides to those interested to fill in and then deliver to the council.
In addition, registration is free of charge. However, in some municipalities there is a cost for issuing the certificates.
In this link you will find all the official information about the registration of the Madrid City Council.
In case you are planning to move to Madrid shortly, you will find all the relevant information in The secret of relocating to Madrid. If, in addition, you need help with the organization or, even if you want us to accompany you, check out our services.
In the meantime, you can receive regular information by filling out this questionnaire. And if you find it useful, we appreciate your sharing.
Image title: Chamberí District Hall in Madrid, at 4th Plaza de Chamberí. Building from the 1890’s.
Copyright holder: Luis Garcia (Zaqarbal) publishes this photo in Wikimedia Commons under GFDL and Cc-by-sa-3.0-ES licenses.
