Empadronamiento and Residency
Empadronamiento
If you wish to prove that you live in Spain you need to register with the local Ayuntamiento (Local Council). In order to do so you will need to present your rental contract for your accommodation or an electricity or water bill, etc. to prove that you actually live there. Take your passport and if possible make photocopies of all yourdocuments as they may ask you to provide them with copies.
By registering, you also get benefits like:
- a potential tax reduction
- the right to vote
- access to benefits & social care
To obtain the address of your council office go to this web: www.munimadrid.es
Entry requirements to Spain
If you are a British Citizen or British Subject with Right of Abode in the United Kingdom, you do not require a visa to enter Spain. Other British Nationals should confirm the current entry requirements with their nearest Spanish Embassy.
A valid British passport must be held for entry to and exit from Spain. There is no minimum passport validity requirement but you should ensure that your passport is valid for the duration of your visit.
Residence requirements
From 28 March 2007, Royal Decree 240/07 requires that all EU citizens planning to reside in Spain for more than 3 months should register in person at the Oficina de Extranjeros in their province of residence or at designated Police stations. However, you will no longer be issued with a residence card. Instead you will be issued a Residence Certificate stating your name, address, nationality, NIE number (Número de Identificación Extranjeros) and date of registration.
If you are an EU citizen with a valid residency card, you do not need to do anything until your card expires. On expiry you must register at the Oficina de Extranjeros or designated police stations.
Where to apply
You should apply in person within 3 months of entry into Spain at the Oficina de Extranjeros in your province of residence. You will be asked to present a valid passport, complete an application form and pay a fee.
Spanish bank accountsIf you have a Spanish bank account but do not live in Spain, you must register with the Spanish authorities. Residencia (registration as a non-resident) needs to be renewed regularly.
Non-EU family members
There is also provision for non-EU family members, who have entered on valid passports and visas (where required), to reside with EU citizens, providing they too register in person at the Oficina de Extranjeros or designated Police Stations within 3 months of entry. They will be issued with Tarjetas de Residencia de Familiar de Cuidadano de la Union (Residency cards for family members of EU citizens). Additional documents will be required.
Further information
You can obtain further information from either:
• The Ministry of the Interior’s webpage on procedures for EU citizens
• By calling the Ministry of the Interior’s Immigration Directorate helpline on any of the following numbers: (+34) 91 363 9071, (+34) 91 363 9069 or (+34) 91 363 7108.
