When you move to Spain, you are supposed to register on the ‘padrón’ and become ‘empadronado’. If you are British and reading this, it is similar to the electoral roll, but it requires a bit more work to get your name on the Spanish version.
You may wonder why you should bother to register, especially if you aren’t resident year round. The answer is, because it helps the municipality to receive more money from the regional and central governments for important infrastucture work, like new schools or hospitals, and improved police and fire services to name just a few. As in other countries, money is allocated for public works on the basis of the number of citizens in the area, and Marbella, plus the towns that come under its jurisdiction, would be able to claim more money if all residents registered – plus services would be less overstretched.
Unfortunately, many overseas residents don’t bother to register. Those who want to send their children to a Spanish state school will have to, but for others it seems like just another bit of unnecessary bureaucracy and there is a fear that it may somehow mean that you have to pay more taxes. This is certainly not true, regardless of what your friend at the bar told you! But, did you know that if you are empadronado you will be entitled to benefits such as discounts on entrance tickets to local attractions and cultural events, free Spanish language classes and even a reduction on your IBI?
Registering on the padron is not as difficult as you imagine provided you remember one vital thing: have all the right documents and bring at least two or three photocopies of ALL the required documents as a precaution.
In San Pedro, you only need to go to the Ayuntamiento in the Plaza de la Iglesia and fill in the application form. If you feel unsure, ask a Spanish-speaking friend to accompany you. The documents you will need are:
- Original ID plus a photocopy: NIE, passport or residency card/certificate
- Original deeds /escritura or your rental agreement plus a photocopy
- Utility bill in your name (telephone, electricity, gas or water) plus a photocopy
If you don’t have any utility bills in your name, which may be the case if you are renting, it is best to speak to the Ayuntamiento and ask for help with finding a solution.
And, don’t forget, if you are empadronado you will also be eligible to vote in municipal elections. Another good reason to show your support for the place you have chosen to live in by exercising your civic duty and registering on San Pedro’s padrón.