What is “Empadronamiento” or “Empadronamiento Certificate”?
It refers to the process of officially registering one’s residence or address with the local municipal authorities. This registration is important for various administrative and legal purposes, such as accessing public services, voting in local elections, and proving residency for certain documents or benefits.
Who should registrer the «empadronamiento»?
Anyone who´s first residence is in Spain, i.e. any person who spends more than 183 days a year in Spain.
What are the benefits of «empadronamiento» in Spain?
It enables the person who is registered to benefit from the following:
– Access at reduced rates to local cultural activities such as Spanish classes, gymnasium membership, exercise classes, art classes etc.
-Access to social care such as home help for the elderly or infirm, and disability passes, etc.
– Discounts on local taxes.
– It is a form of proving your presence in Spain.
– Also it will provide additional funding from the central government to help improve your local services.
When will i need to use the «empadronamiento» ?
It is required for many administrative and bureaucratic processes and will be needed to do the following:
– To apply for an NIE certificate.
-To apply for residency.
-To buy or sell a car.
-To register a child in school.
-To get married.
– To register as a couple (Domestic Partnership).
–To vote in local elections.
-To register in the local Health Centre.
Where do I have to go to register and get the certificate of «empadronamiento»?
For example, the office for registering in Manilva is in Sabinillas, on the top slip road opposite the petrol station, in the Estepona direction, next to Arenal Fitness. It’s called the “Tenencia de Alcaldia de Sabinillas”. You can search the «Tenencia de Alcaldía» of your zone if you need to know more about this.
What documents do I need for «Empadronamiento»?
- A fully completed application form which you can obtain from the local registration office.
- NIE Certificate.
- An officially recognized form of National Identification, for most people this will be their.
- If you rent you will need a rental contract to prove your address, together with a completed Autorización de Empadronamiento form (from the Town Hall signed by the property owner).
- If you own the property you will need the Property Deeds (Escritura de Compraventa) and the most recentrates, (IBI), receipt from the Town Hall.
It’s advisable to take photocopies of everything with you, they may not be needed, but take them just in case!
The process is usually simple, quick, and straightforward, and once you are registered they usually give you the Certificate straight away or in the next couple of days.
Please note that the above information was valid at the time of writing; however, it is only a guideline as the laws and system may change at any time.
For further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
MALAGA SOLICITORS GROUP
Jose M. Lopez-Avalos – Solicitor
Tel. 952 901 225 – mail@marbellasolicitors.com
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