Then you are about to embark on an exciting adventure! Whether you want to start a new life on the coast, retire in the sun or simply stay in Spain temporarily, there are a few practical matters you need to take care of first. One of the most important steps is to register on the Padrón register. This registration gives you access to all sorts of rights, such as healthcare and municipal services. But what exactly is it, and why is it so important? Read on!
What is the Padrón Register?
The Padrón is the population register of the municipality where you are staying in Spain. If you plan to live in Spain for more than three months, you are required to register.
You do this at the town hall (Ayuntamiento) of your place of residence. Please note: it is not proof of nationality or residence permit, but confirmation that you actually live in that municipality.
Why is enrolling in the Padrón so important?
Being registered in the Padrón register opens the door to a whole range of rights and benefits. Whether you are working, retired or simply staying in Spain for a longer period of time – this step is essential.
What are the benefits?
You can join the Spanish social security system
You will have access to public health care
You will be eligible for municipal services and discounts
You can vote in local elections in some cases
Do you want to work or live in Spain?
If you want to work or live officially in Spain, registration is an absolute must. Only when you are on the Padrón, you can register with the Seguridad Social and, for example, conclude an employment contract.
Without a Padrón you will not have access to:
Official employment contracts
Public health care
Social benefits
Receiving your pension in Spain
Do you want to have your pension paid out from Belgium or the Netherlands to your Spanish address? Then it is important that you are registered in the Padrón register. This way you are recognized as a resident and the payment is made correctly.
Applying for benefits in Spain
Also, if you want to apply for benefits in Spain – such as unemployment benefit or other social assistance – you must be registered with the Padrón.
How do you register?
Fortunately, the process is simple and quick. Make sure you bring the right documents.
What do you need?
A valid passport or identity card
Proof of residence, such as a rental contract or deed of sale
The application form from your local council
Your NIE number (Número de Identidad de Extranjero), which you need for all kinds of administrative matters in Spain – read MORE about the NIE number HERE
Where do you need to be?
You register at the town hall of the place where you live. You can often make an appointment online in advance, so that your waiting time is limited.
After registration, you will receive a “certificado de empadronamiento“, a proof that you are officially registered. You need this for all kinds of things, such as applying for a driver’s license or arranging taxes.
How long does it take?
Usually it is arranged within a few hours. In some cases you even get the registration certificate to take home with you right away.
Why the Padrón is so important
Whether you are staying temporarily or want to live and work in Spain permanently, the Padrón offers you the necessary security and practical advantages.
What do you get out of it?
Access to Spanish healthcare – just like any other resident
Social benefits – such as discounts on public transport and cultural activities
Local influence – in some cases you can vote in local elections
Ready to move?
If you are seriously considering living in Spain, then registering for the Padrón is one of the first steps towards a carefree existence under the sun.
Would you like to know more about how to go about this or are you looking for your dream home on the coast? Feel free to contact Sublicasa – we will be happy to help you with all your plans for a new life in Spain!
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
