After you move to Madrid and find an apartment, you must register your address. This address registration is called the empadronamiento.
This guide explains how to register your address in the city, step by step.
Is it hard to register your address?
Yes, it is really hard. The registration process itself is very quick and simple. However, finding an available appointment in Madrid is extremely difficult.
Expect to spend several weeks trying to book a slot. You must prepare all required documents carefully before your visit.
Registration for non-residents and irregular migrants
The town hall allows all residents to register, regardless of their immigration status. You do not need a valid residency visa to register.
You only need a passport as identification. Registering does not notify the immigration police.
It is safe to register if you are waiting for a visa or residency decision. In fact, you need the registration history (histórico de empadronamiento) to prove your residence in Spain. This history is required when applying for residency through social integration (arraigo social).
Why do you need the empadronamiento?
The empadronamiento is your official proof of address in Spain. You need this certificate for almost all administrative procedures.
You must show your registration certificate to complete these tasks:
- Apply for a Spanish public health card (tarjeta sanitaria). health card guide.
- Apply for your physical residence card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero). TIE card explained.
- Register your children for a public school in your district.
- Register your marriage or civil partnership in Spain.
- Change the address on your driving licence.
- Access local social services and vote in municipal elections.
1. Book an appointment online
You must book an appointment before you visit the office. This appointment is called a cita previa.
You can book the appointment online through the official city website. The portal is managed by the Ayuntamiento de Madrid.
Booking instructions on madrid.es
Go to the official website at madrid.es. Click on the “Cita Previa” (Appointment) section.
Under the service type, select “Atención a la ciudadanía” (Citizen services). Under the management option, select “Padrón” (Census).
Choose an office from the list. These offices are called Oficinas de Atención a la Ciudadanía (OAC).
You can visit any OAC office in Madrid. You do not have to use the office in your residential district.
Select a date and time. Save the confirmation screen and the booking code (código de cita).
Finding available appointments
Appointments are highly competitive. The booking portal often shows no slots available.
Check the website on weekday mornings between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM. This is when the city releases new slots.
If you cannot find an appointment, try selecting different OAC offices. Keep refreshing the page until a slot opens.
2. Prepare your documents
You must bring the correct documents to your appointment. If any documents are missing, the officer will reject your registration.
Required document checklist
- Application form : The solicitud de empadronamiento. Fill this form out and sign it.
- Passport or NIE : Bring your original document and a copy of the photo page. NIE guide.
- Rental contract : The original contrato de arrendamiento in Spanish. It must be valid for at least six months. what to check before signing a lease in Spain.
- Recent rent receipt : Bring a bank receipt showing you paid the most recent month of rent.
- Authorisation form : Use this if you are not listed on the lease. The main tenant must sign the autorización de empadronamiento.
Requirements for shared apartments
If you rent a room in a shared flat, your name might not be on the main lease. You must follow a different procedure.
You need a signed authorisation form from the main tenant or the property owner. The person signing must provide a copy of their DNI or passport.
You must also show the main rental contract for the apartment. Bring a copy of this contract to your appointment.
Requirements for families and children
If you register your family, you must bring documents for everyone.
Bring original passports for all family members. You also need the birth certificates (certificados de nacimiento) for your children.
All foreign documents must be officially translated into Spanish. You must also bring the libro de familia (family book) if you have one.
3. Attend your appointment
Go to the OAC office at your scheduled time. Arrive 10 minutes early to check in.
Getting to the office
Verify the address of your selected OAC office before you travel.
The OAC Centro is located on Calle de Atocha 70. The nearest metro station is Antón Martín.
The OAC Chamberí is on Plaza de Chamberí 4. The nearest metro station is Iglesia.
Show your booking confirmation code to the security guards at the entrance.
The registration process
Hand your documents to the officer. They will verify your identity and check the lease contract.
If everything is correct, the officer will register your address immediately. They will print your address certificate.
This certificate is called the volante de empadronamiento. The entire registration process is completely free.
4. Common mistakes to avoid
Many expats fail their first registration attempt. You can avoid these common errors.
Using short-term leases
The town hall will reject short-term contracts. Your contract must be valid for at least six months.
Holiday rentals and temporary sublets do not qualify for address registration.
Missing utility bills
If your contract is older than a few months, the officer will ask for proof of utility payments.
Bring a recent electricity or water bill in your name. You can also show a bank transfer receipt for your rent.
How electric and water bills work in Spain
Missing owner signatures
If the landlord is not an agency, the officer might request proof of ownership.
Ask the landlord for a copy of their property deed (escritura) or a recent property tax receipt.
Ensure the landlord signs the authorisation form clearly. The signature must match their identification document.
5. Renewing your registration
Your registration does not remain active forever. You must renew it based on your legal status in Spain.
Non-EU citizens
Non-EU citizens without a permanent residency card must renew their registration every two years.
This process is called renovación de inscripción padronal. The town hall will not send you a reminder.
If you fail to renew, the town hall will delete your registration. This will affect your residency status and health coverage.
EU citizens
EU citizens do not need to renew their registration every two years.
However, the town hall will ask you to confirm your address every five years.
You must visit the OAC office to confirm you still live at the same address.
How to download your certificate online
Once you are registered, you do not need to visit the OAC office to get a new certificate copy. You can download it online.
Online request requirements
Visit the official portal of the Ayuntamiento de Madrid. Go to the “Trámites” (Procedures) section.
You need a digital certificate (Certificado Digital) or a Cl@ve account to log in. This verifies your identity.
Select the option to request a volante de empadronamiento. The system will search the database.
Downloading the PDF
The portal will generate a PDF document immediately. You can download and print this file.
The PDF contains a verification code called the Código Seguro de Verificación (CSV). Other government offices use this code to verify the document is authentic.
This online service is free and available 24 hours a day. It saves you from waiting for a new office appointment.
Questions and answers
What is the difference between a volante and a certificado?
The volante is a simple proof of address. It is printed immediately at your appointment. You need the certificado only for legal court proceedings.
How long is the certificate valid?
Three months. The document does not expire, but other offices will only accept a certificate printed within the last 90 days. You can download a new copy online for free.
Do I need to de-register when I move?
No. When you register at your new address, the new town hall will notify your old town hall. Your record will update automatically.
Can I register without a rental contract?
Yes. You can register if the property owner or main tenant signs an authorisation form. They must also provide their identification documents.
How long do I have to register after moving?
By law, within 30 days. However, the town hall does not issue fines for late registration. You should register as soon as possible to start other paperwork.
Can I register at a business address?
No. You can only register at a residential property where you actually live. The property must be fit for habitation.
