The Padron explained

The Padron (Empadronamiento) is your towns population list.

Registering on the Padron is free and it assists the town you live in to receive more funds from the government for local services and to have doctors, health centres, schools, police, firemen, infrastructure and social care.

Anyone staying for several months in a year to permanent residents can register on the Padron. Meaning if you visit the town on a regular basis or own or rent a property. You DO NOT have to be ´resident´to register. You just need your NIE.

Registering on the Padron has nothing to do with paying taxes or fiscal purposes.

Registering for the 1st time

To register on the Padron visit your local town hall to apply and complete the forms.

You will need to take the following original documents with you and also take double sided copies of each:

- Your NIE or Green resident parer or card

- Passport

- One of the following ; Recent Utility bill, Rental contract with receipt of last payment , Escritura, or Insurance receipt (Proof of address)

Renewal of Padron

This should be actioned every two years.

However if copy of padron is needed for official purposes this should be dated within 3 months. Just visit the town hall and they will issue an up to date copy.

You need to be on the Padron to ;

- Buy a car or motorbike

- Get married in your town

- Register as a common law couple

- Vote in local elections

- Vote in European elections

- Applying for social care benefits (if eligible) and on Padron for 5 years