What is Padron and How to get one

What is an “Empadronamiento” or “Padrón”?

The Padrón (empadronamiento) is the official municipal register that records where you live in Spain. When you register in the padrón of a city, you become officially registered as a resident of that municipality. For foreigners, this is usually one of the first administrative steps after arriving in Barcelona.

In Spain, anyone who lives in a city for more than six months per year should register in the padrón, regardless of their nationality or immigration status.

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.

When exactly will you need it?

There are many legal procedures that will require you to bring the padrón certificate. Such as:

  • Applying for or renewing a residence permit
  • Accessing the public healthcare system
  • Registering at schools or universities
  • Getting married in Spain
  • Proving how long you have lived in Spain (for example, for immigration procedures like arraigo)
  • Applying for public assistance

After registering, you can request a padrón certificate (certificado de empadronamiento) or a padrón confirmation document (volante de empadronamiento).

However, among all the most important ones for a student in Spain: To Apply for the NIE / TIE (Foreign Identification Number and card).

Anyone who actually lives in Spain can register in the padrón.

This includes people who:

  • Are foreign nationals
  • Do not yet have a NIE
  • Are in an irregular immigration situation

Spanish law states that the padrón is meant to record where people live, not their legal immigration status.

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).
  • Your identity document

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.

Foreign nationals without permanent residence must renew their padrón registration every two years.

If the registration is not renewed, the city council may remove the person from the padrón automatically.

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.

Some of our other blogs

March 10

What is Padron and How to get one

The complete guide to get your empadronamiento or padrón registration. What you should know and what is needed.

READ MORE
January 27

Getting along with housemates in a shared accommodation

The situation of cohabiting with strangers from different walks of life can seem tough for a lot of students. Check out these tips.

READ MORE
January 24

Healthy eating on a student budget

Living a student life isn’t easy. Getting Proper nutrition can sometimes get costly, and it can be quite tough to include healthy eating on a student budget.

READ MORE
November 25

Finding Internships in Barcelona

Being able to work while studying in Barcelona, helps a student grow both professionally and personally. Here are a few ways to find an internship while studying in Barcelona.

READ MORE
November 18

Working student life balance in Barcelona

All it takes to organize that working student life and snap into a balance is to have a realistic expectation out of yourself. While it is necessary to strike a balance between study ,work and life, it is also important not to get burnt out manoeuvring a perfect balance.

READ MORE
February 25

Recommendations to rent a place in Barcelona

Our recommendations to rent a place in Barcelona. You will be better prepared to choose what is about to become your new home.

READ MORE
Your Cart