The padron is the official way to prove you live in Madrid. Yes, asking for “cañas” at your local bar is not recognized officially as a proof of living in Madrid – sorry.

If you just moved to Madrid, and may be thinking:

• What is this “Padrón” about ?
• Do I need to do it ? More bureaucracy ?
• How do I get it ?

The Padrón is a spanish local registration

“El Padrón” or “Volante de Empadronamiento” is the official proof you belong to a specific neighborhood.

Obviously, you thus need to live somewhere in Madrid at least on a temporary basis.

However, tt can be with a friend, a flatshare, or your own apartment.

Yes, the padrón is mandatory if you live here

The Padrón is required to obtain a NIE, a mandatory piece of paper if you are staying more than 3 months in Spain, no matter what.

It will give you access to your local library and other local services. Above all, combined with a social security number, it will give you the access for free to public health services to obtain the Spanish Heath Insurance Card or Tarjeta Sanitaria.

3 steps to obtaining the “Padrón”

The Padrón is easy and quick to obtain for expats relocating to Madrid, thanks to efficient processes. Yes, your heard it: Spain has efficient administration processes, at least in Madrid in some cases.

Even better: all the process can be done via internet and mail, but the simplest is still to go physically so they will help you. Follow these 3 simple steps to obtain el “Padrón”:

1. Obtain an appointment here and select the following options:

• “Tipo de servicio” dropdown –> select “Atención al cuidadano”
• “Gestión” dropdown –> select “Padrón”
• “Oficina” dropdown –> select your district (use google maps to check this)
• Choose a date and time
•  On the next page, fill the form with your personal information.

2. Prepare the following forms, according to instructions on the documents you download, and send it to the address enclosed in the file “Sobre”, with the following papers:

• Photocopy of Passport,
• Rental contract or Proof ownership, or last utility bill at your name with the right adress
• Declaración de no empadronamiento – you will obtain this directly at the appointment.

3. Go to the appointment beforehand and reviewyour forms with a person at the information desk.

Go with all the possibly relevant papers prepared (better too much than not enough) and be very positive. Also:

• Talk some spanish,
• stay open minded and positive,
• always ask for specific actions to solve problems that arise,
• and you will normally get 2 copies of your certificate within normally a reasonable time span, sometimes even instantly !

After all that, you will be able to boast your certificate in expat parties, and be sure no bureaucratic door will be closed to you ;-).

If you have any question about moving to Madrid, do comment or do send me an email !

Yours madridly,
Pierre