Relocating to Barcelona is a dream for many, and it is easy to understand the appeal given the incredible quality of life, excellent weather, and abundant job prospects. For those that are fortunate enough to secure a visa and make the move, there are specific procedures that you must complete once arriving.
The first essential process you must complete is registering your residency and obtaining your empadronamiento certificate (also known as the padrón). This blog will guide you through everything you need to know about this process, so that your move can be as smooth as possible!
What is the Empadronamiento?
The empadronamiento is essentially an official record of your residence in Spain and specifies where you live and with whom. Regardless of whether you are a Spanish native or an expat, if you are living in Barcelona for 6 months or longer, then applying for the empadronamiento is mandatory.
Why do I Need to Register my Residency?
Firstly, it is a legal requirement to register your residency at the town hall, so it has to be done. Secondly, obtaining the empadronamiento certificate will allow you to do so many things, for example you can get married, hire a car, vote, receive grants and subsidies, and complete various other immigration and administrative tasks.
When do I Need to Book an Appointment?
We would recommend completing this process within the first few days of arriving in Barcelona, as you will require it for other immigration procedures, like obtaining your TIE.
How do I Book an Appointment?
Booking your appointment for the Empadronamiento is relatively straightforward, as it can be done online by following the steps below:
- Click on ‘iniciar el trámite’
- Select ‘solicitud de una cita’
- Fill in your personal details
- For the ‘Selección temática’ section, press ‘OAC: Atención presencial en la oficina’ and then for the reason select ‘Padrón: Alta/ cambio de domicilio’
- You will then select the town hall relevant to your neighbourhood, and select a date and time for the appointment.
What Documents do I need?
Unlike the visa process, the Empadronamiento requires few documents, you just need:
- Passport
- NIE or positive resolution from the Immigration Office (if you already have it)
- Proof of Address
- If you own the property then you will need the title deeds
- If you are renting a flat then you will require the rental agreement (must be for more than 6 months)
- If you rent a room then you will need a written document from the owner of the property stating that you reside at the address, as well as a copy of their ID and the rental contract
- Occasionally, they also ask for the last rent payment receipt and the most recent electricity or water bill
How Much Does it Cost?
The empadronamiento procedure is completely free, so you don’t need to worry about any hidden costs!
What next?
Provided that you have all of the correct documents, the process is very quick, typically it only takes about 15 minutes. All of the information is entered into their system, and you will receive your empadronamiento certificate immediately!
After obtaining the certificate, the new resident can apply for other services, such as healthcare and school registration. Additionally, the certificate serves as legal proof of residence in Barcelona and can be used to provide proof of address if needed.
Overall, obtaining an empadronamiento certificate in Barcelona is a relatively straightforward process. All you need to do is visit your local registration office, fill out an application form, and provide some supporting documents. Once you have received your certificate, you can enjoy the many benefits of being a registered resident of Barcelona and fully enjoy your time in Barcelona!
