Empadronamiento in Spain
Registration in the municipal population register of the Spanish municipality where you habitually live.
Responsible authority
The ayuntamiento of the municipality where you habitually live.
Rule level
Municipal procedure; accepted documents and appointment routes vary by ayuntamiento.
Application route
in person, online, appointment may be required
Last reviewed
July 17, 2026
What is this for?
The padrón records your usual address in a municipality. The municipality maintains the register and its data provide evidence of municipal residence and habitual address.
When can it be useful?
- Showing your registered municipal address.
- Supporting other residence, local service or administrative procedures when requested.
- Registering household members at the address where they habitually live.
Where do I arrange it?
- At the padrón or citizen service department of your ayuntamiento.
- Online where your municipality offers an electronic padrón procedure.
- Use the municipality's own website for the current appointment and document rules.
What may I need first?
- You habitually live at an address in the municipality.
- You can explain your housing situation: owner, tenant, staying with someone or another arrangement.
- You have checked whether an appointment or authorization from another occupant is required.
Documents to prepare
- Valid passport, identity card or accepted foreign identity document.
- Evidence connected to the address, such as a deed, rental contract or documents requested by the municipality.
- Authorization and identity documents from an owner or registered occupant when applicable.
- Family or guardianship documents when registering other household members, if requested.
Practical route
- Open the official website of your ayuntamiento and find alta en el padrón or empadronamiento.
- Check the rules for your specific housing situation.
- Prepare the documents and book an appointment if required.
- Request the registration and, when needed, a certificate or volante de empadronamiento.
What comes next?
- Keep your registration details up to date if you move.
- Request the type of padrón certificate required by the next procedure.
- Check separate renewal rules that may apply to some foreign residents.
Important to check
Municipalities can request different supporting documents. SpainForm should prepare for the selected ayuntamiento rather than present one national checklist as universal.
Official sources
SpainForm records the authority and review date so this content can be checked and updated manually.