The municipal roll (padrón) proves where you live. It is a town hall procedure rather than an immigration one, but it is essential: it proves how long you have been in Spain for arraigo procedures and gives access to the health card, to schooling and to social services.
You can register regardless of your administrative status: legal residence is not required.
- Anyone living in a Spanish municipality, whatever their nationality and administrative status.
- Prove your identity (passport, TIE, DNI).
- Prove your address: rental contract, title deed, utility bill or authorisation from the holder of the home.
Identity documentValid passport, TIE or DNI for each person being registered. Proof of addressCurrent rental contract and latest bill, title deed, or a signed authorisation from the person registered at the home together with their identity document. Town hall registration formEach municipality has its own form, available on its website. Family book or birth certificates if applicable When registering children.
Town hall of the municipality where you live
Citizen service offices or the municipal electronic office. Each town hall has its own form and booking system.
- Register as soon as possible: the time proved by the padrón is the main evidence for arraigo procedures.
- The certificate is issued immediately or within a few days. For arraigo you are usually asked for the historical certificate (it covers every period).
Non-EU citizens without a long-term residence authorisation must renew their registration every 2 years; if you do not, you will be removed from the roll and lose the time you had accredited.
Registering is free and it is a right: if a town hall refuses because you have no papers, ask for the refusal in writing and go to social services or a support organisation.