In this blog we will explain exactly what the Municipal Census or ‘Padrón Municipal’ is, the obligation that exists to register, the procedure to follow in order to do so, and the documentation required. We would also like to highlight the benefits obtained following registry.
As we have explained previously, the Census or ‘Padrón’ is the registry that attests residency and constitutes the address of each resident of a particular District for all administrative purposes.
As explained above, Registry in the Municipal Census constitutes proof of residency in the district, and of the primary place of residence or domicile therein. Nonetheless it is important to point out that it does not constitute proof of legal residency in Spain neither does it confer any rights not provided for under the legislation in force.
Spanish legislation stipulates that all persons who live in Spain are obliged to be registered in the Census of the district of their primary residence.
In any event, proof of registry in the Census is required for the following:
- To request the card entitling you to medical care in Spain
- To exchange a driving license in the case of a convention existing with your country of birth
- To carry out the necessary procedures to enrol children in schools
Necessary documentation and requirements
Registry in the Census should be done in the district in which the citizen primarily resides. This procedure is free of charge.
In order to proceed with registration, foreign citizens must present both their original passport and a photocopy of their passport, together with their Certificate of Registration as an EU Citizen (given that they hold this certificate), or in the case of non-community citizens, a valid identity document issued by a Spanish authority.
Additionally, in order to prove a domicile to be a primary place of residence, it shall be necessary to provide evidence, such as:
- Property Title Deeds
- A property lease contract
- Permission from the property owner to register under the address in the Municipal Census, together with a photocopy of his or her Identity Card, passport or any other valid proof of identity
- In some City Councils other means of proof of property ownership are acceptable, such as recent bills for supplies and amenities (water, gas, electricity, etc.)
Expert Advice
Registry in the Municipal Census of districts in the Region of Valencia, including all districts within the Costa Blanca area among others, also provides additional benefits to those described above for citizens. These include for example benefits of a fiscal nature with regard to inheritance, and certain tax deductions when acquiring a property for primary residence.
At MSG LEGAL we can offer you the combination of services provided by our lawyers with expertise in Property Law, together with those provided by our lawyers with expertise in Immigration Law, for the purpose of protecting your rights in their entirety, or we can simply clarify any doubts you may have regarding the procedure and effects of registry in the Spanish Municipal Census.
Please note the information provided in this article is of general interest only and is not to be construed or intended as substitute for professional legal advice.
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