What is Empadronamiento?
It sounds like a long, scary word but empadronamiento is actually a really easy process that you can do quickly and efficiently (believe it or not!). Basically, here in Spain the ayuntamiento (town hall) uses the system of empadronamiento as a way of registering the number of inhabitants that live in a specific geographic area. People are expected to register their new address each time they move. The point of this registration system is to be able to better distribute tax money and government funds based on population. But there are also many benefits to being registered and many legal processes require proof of registration (el certificado de empadronamiento).
It is important to point out that everyone can and should register regardless of their legal status in Spain. It’s confidential information only used to keep an accurate register—don’t be afraid!
Why Should You Empadronarse?
Some good reasons:
- It proves you’ve been living in Spain which can help you get your residency or immigration papers faster and easier.
- You will need it to get a card for the healthcare system.
- It is necessary to get married.
- You’ll need it to get your driver’s license.
- It is required to sign your children up for school.
How to Empadronarse in Madrid
Each region has a slightly different process, but in general they are quite similar. In Madrid the process is particularly easy.
Madrid is divided in 21 districts and each one has its own Junta (administrative office) but it is actually the OAC (oficina de Atención al Ciudadano) that deals with this process. You can go to any OAC office to register (it doesn’t have to be the one in your district).
To make matters easier, the OAC offers the possibility to do many of the processes directly online. On the townhall’s website, Ayuntamiento de Madrid, you can make your appointment, download the form you will need to fill out, and later you can even download proof of registration (el volante de empadronamiento).
To register in Madrid you need to complete this form from this website, which you can either download or ask for at any OAC office*. (If downloading you just need to enter the postal code for your district). It will ask for your basic information (full name, ID document number, birth date, level of studies, and signature). Up to four family members can register on the same form.
*Make sure that if you plan to fill it out at the OAC office, everyone who needs to sign it is there (or take the form home and come back with it signed by each person). You will also need to bring the ID card for anyone not physically there (their physical ID, not a photocopy) and written permission allowing you to register for them.
In addition to the form you must present your original ID (which can be a passport, NIE, or DNI). For small children you should present the libro de familia. You will also need the original copy of your renter’s contract. You should bring photocopies of everything although they don't always require them.
You Need:
- The registration form
- ID (original and photocopy)
- Renter’s contract (original and photocopy)
To make an appointment you can:
- Request one at the website Munimadrid (Just click Pedir Cita Previa)
- Go in person to any OAC office
- Call 010 (or 915298210 if you are calling from outside of Madrid)
The best option is the website because you can see the locations of the different offices and choose a time slot that works for you. Depending on the neighborhood it may be more difficult to get a quick appointment.
Usually the time slots are scheduled at 10 minute intervals within their hours of operation (Monday to Thursday 9-5 and Fridays 9-2). Of course the best times to go are during Spanish lunch hours (between 3 and 5).
I found it very easy to register in my own district (Retiro)*. I made an appointment a few days prior, went ten minutes early and was helped right away. The woman took my documents, and before I knew it I had my Volante de Empadronamiento. It was my first (and hopefully not my last) experience with efficiency in Spain!
*Many years later I've re-registered each time I've moved apartments, and since I live in the city center it's a lot harder to get a quick appointment. I've usually waited about a month for a slot to open up -- but had I been in a rush I would have gone to a different district's office.
If you have any questions please leave them in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer them.
Sources:
Laurel
Thanks so much for this! It helped me empadronarme, and I've been living in Madrid happily for the last two months! I do have one question –– I originally got my empadronamiento and TIE using the address I first lived at in Madrid. However, since then I have moved to a different apartment (in the same neighborhood) and plan on staying here for the rest of the year. Do you know if this means I have to go through the empadronamiento process again using this address? Same question goes for the TIE application as well -- my current card has the old address on it and I'm not sure if this will be a problem or not. I'm having trouble finding information online about this, so any help you can offer would be much appreciated!
Thanks so much,
Laurel McCaull
Lauren Aloise
You should empadronar again when you move. But no need to change the TIE (I don't). Hope that helps!
Kat
Hi. Would it be possible to ask someone in my behalf to register my appication to the town hall? Thank You!
Lauren Aloise
I believe so- I registered my husband. I think you will definitely need to sign a form saying you give permission.
Arsalan Moazzam
Can I travel outside the spain on Padronamiento?
Lauren Aloise
The padron is just a register of where people live-- has nothing to do with travel or immigration status. Hope this helps!
Rachel
I recently booked an apartment through uniplaces and was wondering if the email stating the booking request (address, name of the landlord, the dates I will be living there) is enough proof to get my empadronamiento. Thanks in advance!
Lauren Aloise
Hi Rachel, I don't think it would be-- they usually require a rental contract. But no harm in going there to find out, the offices are quite easy to navigate!
Jo Dee
What if you're living somewhere without renting? Like staying at a friends place for exemple...
Lauren Aloise
I believe you can still become empadronado there -- but the idea is that it's your place of residence.
Asim
Hello Lauren,
Indeed it is great effort and beautifully explained the process. My question is,
1) if a Non-European citizen get EMPADRONAMIENTO and he/she is on visit visa which will be expired within month or two, will the person allow to stay in Spain?
2) A Non-European Citizen after Empadronmiento can apply for the Residence and within or after how many months?
3) After Empadronmiento, a non-European citizen can do work in Spain?
Many thanks and Regards,
Asim
Lauren Aloise
Hi Asim-- I'm afraid I don't know the answers to your questions, however I believe that empadronamiento is simply registering yourself for the city census and has nothing to do with residency proceedings. Best of luck!
Larry
I have a holiday home in Madrid, where I spend several weeks each year, can / should I register on the padron
Lauren Aloise
I'm not sure that would apply to you Larry-- don't think so. But always good to double check!
Patrice
Hi Lauren, thanks for the post! I'll be moving to Madrid this month to work as a language assistant and an au pair. Since I won't have a lease to show, do you know if a letter from the family would be acceptable for the empadronamiento? Thanks!
Lauren Aloise
They'll have to help you empadronar. I think they have to add you to their home's register.
Trisha
Can I ask is there any cost involved in this process? I have booked my appointment but was wondering if I need to bring along money or a bank draft or anything?
Lauren Aloise
Hi Trisha,
Nope, no fees! Good luck!
Lisette Miranda
This was sooo helpful. I am sharing it with all Americans here who are here legal and need to do this. Feel free to do one on getting a social security number, NIE process, renewal of NIE process or authorization to return into the country while waiting for the NIE... there is just so much English speakers could have direction on 😉 Thanks again! bss
Lauren Aloise
I'm glad it was helpful! I'll do my best to get working on the other processes (but it doesn't help that the word NIE alone sends shivers down my spine!)
Toni
Hi,
I see that these posts are bit old, but wanted to share with you that, I wrote some months ago the process of renewing the NIE for a non Spaniard married with a Spaniard, what was a bit unclear at the beginning:
http://mycom2012.blogspot.com.es/
Hope it helps somebody!! (even it is a particular case)
Lauren
Thanks for this informative post. I recently went to the library to get a library card and they asked if I had this. I didn't have any idea what it was but they said, I probably didn't and just bring in the other documents they asked for. Now I know. I've been meaning to look up the word but this is a much better explanation.
Lauren Aloise
I'm glad the explanation helped! It's one of the easiest processes I've been through in Spain, I'd definitely recommend it if you plan to stay awhile!