What is the Empadronamiento?
The Empadronamiento is your official registration with the municipality (Ayuntamiento). It is a public registration that shows you are living at a particular address in Spain. The Empadronamiento is not the same as the Residencia - it is a local registration with your municipality.
The Empadronamiento is essential in Spain. Without it you cannot enrol children in school, apply for social security, open a bank account or handle many other tasks. It is one of the most important administrative steps after your arrival.
The registration is made in a public register (Padron Municipal) maintained by every municipality. Your name is entered there and you receive a "Volante de Empadronamiento" - a certificate confirming your registration.
Important: Empadronamiento is free and quick
The Empadronamiento is completely free of charge and takes only a few minutes. You receive the certificate on the same day or the next day. It is the simplest administrative process in Spain.
Requirements
To complete the Empadronamiento, you only need a few things:
NIE number or passport: As an EU citizen, a valid passport or identity card is sufficient. If you already have a NIE number (Numero de Identidad de Extranjero - the identification number for foreigners in Spain) that is ideal, though it is not required.
Proof of residential address: The most important thing is proof that you live at the address. This can be: a signed rental contract, proof of ownership, a landlord's confirmation or a written declaration from the person you are living with.
Signature of the landlord or owner: The landlord or owner must confirm that you live at the address. Ideally they come with you to the Ayuntamiento. If not, bring a signed confirmation from them.
Form 012 or 013: This is the application form for the Empadronamiento. You can download it from the Ayuntamiento's website or fill it in on the spot. It is very simple and only asks for basic information.
Tip: Coordinate with your landlord in advance
Talk to your landlord before you go to register. They need to agree and sign. Explain that it is necessary and free. Most landlords understand and are happy to help.
Step-by-step guide
The Empadronamiento is very straightforward and uncomplicated. It is normally done within 1-2 hours.
Step 1: Contact your landlord. Speak to your landlord and let them know you want to register at the Ayuntamiento. Ask whether they have time to accompany you or can provide a written confirmation. Explain that it is a simple and quick administrative matter.
Step 2: Prepare your documents. Collect your rental contract (or proof of ownership), your passport, your NIE number (if you have one) and the signed confirmation from the landlord if they are not coming with you.
Step 3: Go to the responsible Ayuntamiento. In Palma the Ayuntamiento is centrally located. Many now have online portals as well, but going in person is still the quickest option. Ask at the information counter for "Empadronamiento" or "Padron Municipal".
Step 4: Fill in Form 012. The staff will normally give you the form and help you fill it in. It asks for: name, date of birth, occupation, home address, phone number and email. It is very short.
Step 5: Present your documents. Show your rental contract, your passport and the landlord's signature. If the landlord is not present, show their written confirmation.
Step 6: Submit and sign the application. The staff will check your application and may ask you to sign. Everything is then entered into the system.
Step 7: Receive the Volante. After a few minutes you will receive the "Volante de Empadronamiento" - a certificate that you are registered. This is a very important document. Make several copies and keep the original safe. You will need this document for many subsequent processes.
Tip: Make several copies of the Volante
Once you have the Volante, go straight to a copy shop and have several certified copies made (with an authentication stamp). You will need these for school enrolments, social security and other processes.
Tips and common mistakes
Mistake: Going without the landlord or their confirmation. The Ayuntamiento will not be able to register you if the landlord is not present and there is no written confirmation either. Arrange this beforehand.
Mistake: Going to the wrong place
Make sure you go to the right Ayuntamiento. Every municipality has its own. If you live in Palmanova, you go to the Ayuntamiento of Calvia, not the Ayuntamiento of Palma city. Check in advance which municipality your address falls under.
Tip: Choose the right time. Go to the Ayuntamiento in the morning if possible, when there are fewer people. Afternoons tend to be busier. Monday to Wednesday are usually the best days.
Tip: Bring the originals of all documents
Take the originals of your rental contract and passport with you, not just copies. The staff will check the originals and make their own copies.
Mistake: Waiting too long. Some people wait weeks or months before doing the Empadronamiento. This is a mistake, because you need this registration for so many things. Get it done in your first week after arriving.
Checklist
- Rental contract or proof of ownership available
- Rental contract photocopied (all pages)
- Passport available and valid
- Passport photocopied
- NIE number obtained (if possible)
- Landlord or owner contacted
- Signed confirmation from landlord obtained
- Form 012 downloaded or ready
- Visited the Ayuntamiento
- Form 012 filled in
- Documents submitted
- Volante de Empadronamiento received
- Original kept safe
- Several certified copies made
Frequently asked questions about the Empadronamiento
Can I register if I do not have a formal rental contract?
It is difficult but not impossible. The Ayuntamiento needs proof that you live at the address. If you do not have a formal rental contract, you can try making an informal written agreement with the landlord. Or you can ask the landlord to give you a written, signed confirmation that you live there. Some Ayuntamientos also accept a statutory declaration.
Does the landlord have to come in person?
It is ideal if the landlord comes with you, but it is not strictly required. If they are not available, you can bring a written, signed confirmation from them. The letter should include: name, address, confirmation that you live there, and their signature. Some Ayuntamientos also accept a power of attorney.
How long does the Empadronamiento take?
It is very quick. You receive the Volante on the same day or the next day. The administrative process takes only a few minutes. The longest part is usually waiting for your turn at the Ayuntamiento.
What is the Volante and what do I need it for?
The Volante is a certificate confirming that you are registered at the Ayuntamiento. You need it for: school enrolment for children, social security, bank accounts, job centres and many other administrative processes. It is one of the most important documents in Spain. Keep the original safe and make several copies.
Can I be registered in several municipalities at the same time?
No, you can only register at your main place of residence. The register is public and you cannot be registered in two places at once. If you move, you must deregister and register in the new municipality.