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Rural Girona in Girona's outskirts
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How to Register on the Padrón in Spain: Step-by-Step Guide for Expats

  • Mar Quintana
  • Aug 15
  • 2 min read

If you’re moving to Spain —whether to Barcelona, Girona, the Costa Brava, or anywhere else— one of the very first things you’ll need to do is register on the municipal register, known locally as the padrón.

Many expats don’t know exactly what it is, why it matters, or how it can benefit them. Here’s a clear, simple guide.

Registering your residency in Spain (el padrón) is more than paperwork — it’s your key to accessing healthcare, enrolling kids in school, and becoming part of your community.
Registering your residency in Spain (el padrón) is more than paperwork — it’s your key to accessing healthcare, enrolling kids in school, and becoming part of your community.

What is the padrón?

The padrón municipal is the official record of all residents living in a municipality. Your local council uses it to know how many people live in the area and to plan public services such as schools, healthcare, transport, and community facilities.

Why is registering important?

Registering on the padrón is not only a legal requirement if you live in Spain, but it also gives you access to important services and benefits:

  • Public healthcare card

  • School enrollment for children

  • Access to sports and cultural activities offered by the town hall

  • Official certificates and paperwork (e.g., to obtain or renew your NIE)

  • Certain tax or social benefits (such as the large family card with discounts)


What do you need to register?

Requirements vary slightly by municipality, but you will usually need:

  1. Identification document (passport or NIE)

  2. Rental contract or property deed

  3. Recent utility bill (water, electricity, gas) to confirm your address


When should you register?

If you move to a new municipality, you should register as soon as possible.For some immigration procedures, you must present a recent padrón certificate (issued within the last 3 months).


Tip for expats

Many town halls allow you to book an appointment online to avoid long waits.At Santa Clara Relocation, we help you prepare all the documents and accompany you to the town hall so the process is quick and stress-free.

Need help with the padrón or other legal paperwork in Spain?📩 Contact us and we’ll make it easy for you.

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