If you’re moving to Barcelona, empadronamiento—registering at the town hall—is one of the first essential steps. This process officially records your residence in the city and is required for key formalities like obtaining a residence permit, accessing healthcare, and enrolling in schools. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about empadronamiento in Barcelona, including the required documents, where to apply, and what to do if you don’t have a rental contract.
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What is the ’empadronamiento’?
The ’empadronamiento’ is the registration in the municipality where you live. The ‘Padrón Municipal de Habitantes’ is a fundamental milestone in settling in Barcelona.
How to do the ‘empadronamiento’?
The ‘empadronamiento’ is done at the citizens’ offices of the municipality where you live. In the case of the city of Barcelona, several offices are available for this procedure.
The requirements are:
- Identification: Passport. EU citizens can use an identity card.
- Completed official application form.
- Proof of address: this is usually done by showing a rental contract in your name. This contract must be for at least three months, so a tourist rental property will not serve as proof of address.
Why is the ‘empadronamiento’ important?
The ‘empadronamiento’ is required for various formalities, such as obtaining a residence card, registering with schools, and applying for a health card, among others.
Which document do I use to prove the ‘empadronamiento’?
You will receive a certificate (volante de empadronamiento) including the details of all the people registered at the address. The registration forms must be issued no more than three months ago to be presented for the different procedures.
How can I do the ‘empadronamiento’ without a rental contract?
You can register in the home of a relative or friend who agrees. To do so, both of you must go to a municipal office and declare that you live in his house.
FAQs About Empadronamiento in Barcelona
What is the empadronamiento and why do I need it?
Empadronamiento is the official registration of your residence at the local town hall (Ajuntament). It’s essential for accessing public services like healthcare, school enrollment, and applying for a residence permit. Without it, many legal and administrative procedures cannot move forward.
What documents do I need to register?
You’ll need a valid passport or ID (for EU citizens), the official empadronamiento application form, and proof of address—usually a rental contract of at least three months. Tourist rental contracts are not accepted.
Where can I do the empadronamiento in Barcelona?
You must go to one of the Oficinas de Atención Ciudadana (citizen offices) in the district where you live. Appointments are usually required and can be booked online through the Barcelona City Council website.
What if I don’t have a rental contract in my name?
If you’re staying with someone, you can still register using their address. Both you and the homeowner (or main tenant) must go together to the citizen office and declare your residence there. The homeowner will need to present their ID and proof of address.
How do I prove I’m registered?
You’ll receive a certificate called a volante de empadronamiento. This document lists everyone registered at the address and is valid for three months for most administrative uses. Always request a recent version when needed for official procedures.
