“Empadronamiento” in Spain. What is it? Why do it!
Most of those planning to move to Sotogrande have will be faced at some point with the need to “empadronarse”. But what exactly is it? What purpose does it serve?
“Empadronarse” means registering at the municipal register of your town hall.
Empadronamiento is the process you go through to register yourself as a resident at the town hall of the city or town you live in. It is something all individuals living in Spain must do. It is a legal requirement. The process is easy and the certificate of empadronamiento is an official document which states where you live in the country.
So why is it necessary to have the Empadronamiento certificate if you live in Sotogrande?
The reason is that any subsequent legal procedures you may be going through will require you to demonstrate your “padrón” or registry certificate. When we say “padrón” we are referring to the census record in which the town hall of any city or town in Spain lists all its inhabitants.
There are many times you one may require the certificate such as, applying for your residency card, obtaining your health insurance card, getting married in Spain, buying a car, registering your children in school, to receive some subsidies or government benefits, and most recently to get your COVID vaccination, to name a few.
How to get the Empadronamiento certificate if you live in Sotogrande?
The certificate can be obtained at the local town hall. You will require to demonstrate where you live.
Adults will require: – Passport and NIE Number.
Minors: Under 14 years old; Birth certificate or certificate. Under 18 years old; Certificate or birth certificate and foreigner identity card issued by the Spanish authorities, which includes the Foreigner Identity Number (NIE) or, failing that, passport issued by the authorities of your country.
You will also need documents that proves residence at a property (Any of the following are valid)
- Rental contract together with the last receipt of the rent payment and the landlord’s title deed (see point 2).
- Documents accrediting the property (property deed, Nota Simple from the updated Property Registry, last IBI receipt …) or usufruct, last electricity, water, gas supply bill, home insurance where it appears as the owner of the same and state the address of the supply together with the payment receipt.
- When the applicant registers in an address where other persons are registered, the authorization of the registered person of legal age who is the owner of the home will be necessary, having to sign in the authorization box existing for that purpose in the register sheet or by authorization by written with original signature and documents that prove the property or ownership of the authorizing party.
- When the applicant is not the owner of the property and the owner is not registered at the address, he / she must present a responsible declaration of the owner or tenant authorizing the registration of the applicant (s) together with the document that proves ownership. In addition, you must present an original and a copy or certified copy of the valid identity document of the holder.
- The City Council is empowered to request additional documents proving the use of the address to verify the veracity of the data contained in the municipal register.
With many years experience in the Sotogrande real estate market, we understand how important it is for you to find relevant, up-to-date information.
Please contact us if you have any questions or need our advice, we look forward to serving you.
Charles Gubbins.
✉ charles.gubbins@noll-sotogrande.com
+34 607 911 661
