Empadronamiento also called a Padron, is an official registry (census record) that indicates where you live, and a document any individual living in Spain has to apply for if the stay is longer than six months. It is the first thing that you will need to take care of, once you enter the country. Why? Because Padrón is an important document that you will need later on for multiple procedures, we will explain that in a bit.
What is an “Empadronamiento” or “Padrón”?
When exactly will you need it?
There are many legal processes that will require you to bring this document. Some of them are:
- Applying for residency
- Buying or selling a car
- Registering a child in school
- Getting married in Spain
- Applying for a local health insurance card
- Receiving some subsidies or government benefits
However, among all the most important ones for a student in Spain: To Apply for the NIE / TIE (Foreign Identification Number and card).
In order to get your NIE / TIE you will first need the empadronamiento or padrón. But for that you need to make sure when renting a place, the person who owns the property or the leasehold gives you the rental agreement contract.
NOT all places you rent in Barcelona will provide you with this document, so its necessary that you ask for this document, before moving in.
Registration, address change and renewal
You will be required to book an appointment with your local town hall and present all the necessary documents which include:
- A completed application form.
- Identification (passport and a photocopy).
- Proof of address (utility bill, rental contract agreement or copies of the property title deeds).
Any change must be reported. If you are moving within the same municipality, you must fill out a form called “change of address sheet within the same municipality”. However, if it is in a different one you must repeat the same process you did the first time but in the new municipality.
If you have not moved your place you must renew your empadronamiento, nonetheless, it will be cancelled. For Non-EU students every two years and for EU citizens every five years.
Need help?
At Barcelona Students, we help you get a Padrón, without any hassles. We understand that you are a student in a new country and getting assistance when it comes to legal procedures, will go a long way while you settle down in Barcelona.
If you have booked any of our housing plans, the census registration or padrón is already included.
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