Move to Spain
NIE, TIE, padrón, EU registration, visas, and residency.
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Vacation in Spain
Short visits, entry rules, transport, places to stay, and practical trip planning in Spain.
Live in Spain
Healthcare, banking, taxes, digital access, and the key admin steps for everyday life in Spain.
Not legal advice. Always verify with official sources before filing.
Padrón / town hall registration
What it is: The padrón is your registration with the local town hall (ayuntamiento) confirming your address in Spain.
When you may need it: A padrón certificate or volante is commonly requested for:
- Your TIE
- Residence renewals
- Healthcare registration
- School enrolment
- Often for opening a bank account
What the office may expect: Each municipality sets its own rules for what counts as proof of address. A rental contract, property deed, owner's authorisation letter, or utility bill are common, but accepted documents vary.
Practical note: It's worth registering as soon as you have a settled address — the padrón certificate is requested constantly, and having it ready can save time at later steps.
Next 3 steps
- Gather passport or ID and proof of address.
- Check your town hall process, because each municipality handles padrón differently.
- Request a padrón certificate or volante if you need it for TIE, residence, healthcare, or another procedure.
This app is a planning guide, not legal advice. Spanish immigration and administration rules, document lists, fees, and appointment labels can change. Always verify your procedure with official sources before filing.
Documents that often slow people down
Identity and civil records
- Valid passport or EU national ID.
- Birth, marriage, or partnership records where relevant.
- Legalization or Hague apostille for many foreign public documents.
- Sworn Spanish translations when documents are not accepted as-is.
Spain-side basics
- Address in Spain and, when requested, padrón certificate.
- Immigration appointment confirmation.
- Correct EX form for your procedure.
- Paid tasa receipt, often Modelo 790 with the matching code.
Money, health, purpose
- Proof of economic means for routes that require it.
- Health insurance or public coverage proof where required.
- School admission, remote-work evidence, family link, or permit approval.
- Criminal record certificate for some visas and residence routes.
Not every document applies to every route. The guide should help you narrow this down.
Official sources
Appointments and fees
Identity and residence
Digital access
Residence routes
This app is a planning guide, not legal advice. Spanish immigration and administration rules, document lists, fees, and appointment labels can change. Always verify your procedure with official sources before filing.
Last reviewed: July 2026