The “empadronamiento” is an obliged procedure in every city in Spain for the registration of every citizen who is living there for more than six months. Being “empadronado” is also necessary to access to some public services such as health or education, it gives you the right to vote, get a vehicle, get married and it is also necessary for a lot of administrative procedures.
We recommend you to get the “empadronamiento” regardless of your nationality, as this is a free procedure and relatively quick, and will be necessary for accessing to the health service and other important benefits. You also have to do this process every time you change your address, as the council needs to be notified.
What documents do you need to bring?
Before you go to get your empadronamiento, make sure you have all these documents ready:
Document establishing your identity: Passport, NIE or residence card (original and a copy). In case you bring your NIE number this must be accompanied by the passport or the identity card from country of origin.
Application form (available on the internet or in the council office).
Proof of residence:
- If you own a house or flat: You will need the original House deeds or the purchase-sale contract.
- If you are renting a flat: You will need a copy and original of the lease agreement in Spanish or Catalan (contract must be for more than 6 months and signed within the last 5 years), as well as the last rent receipt and utility bill (gas, electricity, water).
- If you rent a room: You will need your landlord to come with you or provide you with a signed document as proof of where you live.
Where can you get your “empadronamiento”?
To obtain this document, you have to go to the City Hall or Municipal Council of your area. It’s not necessary to make an appointment (cita previa) but if you want to save some time, you can do it through their website. Otherwise, you just have to go to the local council. It’s probably worth trying to go there first thing in the morning, but if you are working the office in Plaça de Sant Miquel is open until 8pm.
Here is a list of the local council addresses for the different areas in Barcelona:
District Ciutat Vella – Calle Ramelleres, 17
District Eixample – Calle Aragó, 328
District Sants-Montjuïc – Calle Creu Coberta, 104
District Les Corts – Plaza Comas 18
District Sarrià-Sant Gervasi – Calle Anglí, 31
District Gràcia – Plaza Vila de Gràcia, 2
District Horta-Guinardó – Calle Lepant, 387
District Nou Barris – Plaça Major de Nou Barris, 1
District Sant Andreu – Calle Segre, 24-32
District Sant Martí – Plaza Valentí Almirall, 1
Once there…
Once there you just have to get a ticket from the machine on the entrance and wait for the queue (it is usually quick). Then you will be attended and asked for you documents, and if everything is right they will provide you with the document for your empadronamiento.More information can be found on the City Council of Barcelona website.
I hope you find this information useful! Let us know if you have any doubts and enjoy your time in Barcelona!
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