Applying for your Empadronado
Every municipality (much like a county in the UK) holds a “padron” at its Ayuntamiento (Town Hall). This is a list of the municipalities occupants, much like an electoral roll.
Why do I need one?
If you are buying a car, gettng finance, or having certain other legal things carried out, this is a document that will certainly help you. Many schools also give priority to children that have been registered… Add to that the heavily discounted travel available within Spain too.
Is it law to have one?
No, it isn’t compulsory. We’ve already listed the benefits to you, as above… but there are also benefits to the municipality. They receive funding based on the number of people living in the area. This is to provide essential services such as health clinics, post office servicesand staff, street cleaning and maintenance, as well as policing. Many foreign residents do not bother to register, and this can have a real impact in the area’s funding.
How do I get one?
Another nice and easy one this. Simply take a copy of your NIE number, your passport, and a copy of your lease agreement (if renting) or your title deeds (if a property owner). The turnaround for this was around three weeks for us, but this may vary between Ayuntamientos. The cost was negligible too - just the price of a stamp.
Note: Since this article was published, there has been a change in the way it is done here. Now you need to have residencia first, in order to apply for your Empadron.
