How to Register in Spain

Many times people ask: What is registering in Spain? What is it for? What are the requirements to register in Spain? How to register in Spain?

One of the first things a foreigner must do upon arriving in Spain with the intention of residing is to register in Spain.

In fact, anyone living in Spain is required to register in the Population Register (Padrón) of the municipality where they habitually reside. In today’s article, we will explain in detail how to register in Spain.

What is the Population Register?

The municipal Population Register is an administrative record containing the residents of a municipality.

The data in the Population Register serves as proof of residence in the municipality and of habitual domicile therein.

Certificates issued based on the information in the register are considered public and authentic documents for administrative purposes.

This is particularly important for many immigration procedures, as foreigners often need to demonstrate a certain period of residence in Spain (3 years for social integration; 2 years for work integration), and the Population Register certificate, which, as mentioned, is considered a public and authentic document, is the best way to do so.

Article 56.2 of Royal Decree 1690/1986, of July 11, which approves the Regulation of Population and Territorial Demarcation of Local Entities, states: «Registration of foreigners in the municipal register shall not constitute proof of their legal residence in Spain nor confer any rights not granted by current legislation, especially regarding the rights and freedoms of foreigners in Spain.»

This means that, logically, being registered in a municipal register does not confer the status of legal resident, as one must have one of the many residence permits available in Spain for that purpose. However, as explained above, if you come to Spain and are in an irregular situation, it is very convenient to register in the Population Register in order to access a residence permit in the future.

How do I schedule an appointment to register?

If you live in the Community of Madrid, it’s necessary to schedule an appointment beforehand to attend in person. You can obtain the appointment through the following link:

Simply follow the steps indicated on the page to secure the appointment.

Requirements for registering in Spain

To register in Spain, you’ll need to meet several requirements. The main requirement you must fulfill is that your habitual residence is located in the city where you want to apply for registration. In addition to this requirement, you’ll need to provide the following:

1. Collective or individual registration form, which you can request for free at the town hall.
2. Original and copy of your personal documents such as Passport, NIE (Foreigner Identification Number), Residence Card, or Residence Permit.
3. If you traveled with a minor, you’ll need the original and a photocopy of the family book. If this document doesn’t exist in your country of origin, you can present the birth certificate or Passport.
4. Document certifying your residence and use of the dwelling, which can be a purchase or rental contract.

Documents for registering in Spain:

1. Application form for registration.
2. Photocopy and original of ID card (DNI), Residence Card, or Passport.
3. Photocopy and original of the rental contract or authorization signed by the property owner.
4. If you have minor children, you’ll need to present their documents or the family book.

Additionally, you can provide utility bills such as electricity, water, etc., that are in your name.

What is the historical registration certificate?

This certificate can be useful if you have changed your address within the same municipality, as it reflects registrations, cancellations, and modifications.

What if I live in 2 different municipalities?

If you live in two municipalities or in different addresses within the same municipality, you only need to register in the one where you reside for the longest period throughout the year.

To conclude the article, it’s very important that once you arrive in Spain, you register, as it not only is an obligation but also brings advantages. To do this, you should go to the Town Hall of your municipality where you will have to submit the mentioned documents to register.