residency

What is the padrón and do I need to register?

The padrón (padrón municipal) is the municipal population register maintained by every town hall (ayuntamiento) in Spain.

Registering on the padrón is free and highly recommended (legally required for residents).

Benefits include: access to public healthcare (tarjeta sanitaria), right to vote in local elections (for EU citizens after 5 years), proves your address for official purposes, required for many administrative procedures, access to municipal services and facilities, and it helps your municipality receive government funding based on population.

To register, visit your town hall with: passport, NIE/TIE, proof of address (rental contract, escritura, or utility bill), and completed application form.

If you're renting, you may need your landlord's authorization.

Registration is immediate and you receive a certificate (certificado de empadronamiento).

Keep this certificate — you'll need it for many procedures.

You must update your padrón when you move to a new address.

WOW-Estates recommends registering on the padrón soon after purchasing your property.