🇪🇸
Register on the Padrón (Empadronamiento) at Your Spanish Ayuntamiento
Document Checklist
Documento de identidad
Identity document
Spanish nationals: DNI (original)
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: Passport (always accepted) or country-of-origin national ID card; original
Non-EU foreigners: Passport, plus NIE document or TIE card if already issued; original. RD 141/2024 modifies RD 1690/1986 Art. 57 to expressly capture the número de identidad de extranjero
Padrón does not require a NIE or residence permit first — non-EU newcomers can register on passport-only inscription per RD 1690/1986 Art. 57 universal-obligation. Order is normally padrón first, then NIE / TIE.
Hoja de Inscripción Padronal
Hoja de Inscripción Padronal (padrón inscription form)
Where to get: Download from your Ayuntamiento's sede electrónica or pick up at the oficina de atención al ciudadano
Required: Original, signed by each household member being registered
Data fields (RD 1690/1986 Art. 57): Name and surnames, sex, habitual address with cadastral reference where available, nationality, place and date of birth, identity-document number, educational qualification
Phone number and email are voluntary fields under RD 141/2024. The form is normally Spanish-only — bring a translator-friend or use a translation app live if you do not read Spanish.
Comprobante de domicilio
Comprobante de domicilio (proof of habitual residence)
If you own the property: Escritura de propiedad or nota simple del Registro de la Propiedad; original or certified copy
If you rent: Currently-valid contrato de arrendamiento; original
Utility bill in your name: Factura de suministro for electricity, water, gas, landline, or internet — typically dated within the last three months
Each Ayuntamiento publishes its own accepted-document list under the RD 1690/1986 framework. The published list often says 'one of the following' — but if the contract or utility is in someone else's name, you will likely be sent home. Bring more than one form of proof if you can.
Autorización del titular de la vivienda
Autorización del titular (householder's authorization)
When required: If you live in someone else's property and the contract or title is not in your name
Required: Signed authorization from the householder, plus a copy of the householder's ID, plus the householder's own proof-of-residence (escritura, contrato, or utility)
Some Ayuntamientos require: Either the householder to attend the cita previa in person, or a notarized authorization
This is the most common reason newcomers get sent home from a padrón appointment — bring the autorización plus all three of the titular's supporting documents the first time you go.
View full guide
→