Guide for foreigners on the census registration certificate
Numerous administrative procedures, as well as access to certain public services, require a census registration certificate. This accreditation document can be extended to any person residing in a municipality in Spain, regardless of their nationality and legal status.
What is the census certificate?
The census registration certificate is a document that serves to identify the holder as a resident of a locality. It is closely related to the municipal census, as it enables local councils to determine how many people live in the municipality.
This certificate allows residents to access services and activities organized by the municipality, such as cultural, sports and recreational programs, and grants access to discounts on municipal services, such as public transportation, cultural and sports activities, and other social services. It is also a fundamental requirement for accessing public housing programs and various social assistance offered by the municipality.
Registered residents are entitled to participate in municipal and European elections, exercising their right to vote and contributing to decision-making in their community. These benefits are designed to improve the quality of life of residents.
Can people with foreign nationality register in a Spanish municipality?
Yes, in fact, it is a right and an obligation for those who move their habitual residence to the country. In these cases, the empadronamiento certificate will also serve as proof of roots when applying for residence in Spain. Persons born in Spain do not need to renew their empadronamiento certificate unless they move their habitual residence to another municipality. However, foreigners must renew this accreditation every 2 or 5 years, depending on whether they have a NIE or temporary/permanent residence, and whether they are naturalised in an EU or non-EU country.
Why is it important to apply for a census registration certificate as soon as possible?
Obtaining a census registration certificate is essential in order to:
- Carrying out procedures related to foreigners
- Obtaining a health card
- To send children to school in the municipality's educational centres.
- Regularize and obtain a work and residence permit.
How to apply for a census registration certificate as a foreigner?
As this accreditation is managed directly by each City Council, the requirements may vary from one municipality to another. In any case, the most common documentation to initiate the procedures are:
- Registration form
- Photocopy and original of the passport of the person concerned, as well as the family record book (in the case of applying for registration of several members)
- Photocopy and original of the rental or purchase contract for the address where the person is to be registered.
- Proof of residence at the address (for example, a water or electricity bill).
In some cases, it is possible to carry out these procedures electronically. For example, Marbella Town Hall has an online service so that interested parties can apply for a census registration certificate via the Internet.
If you are a resident of Real de La Quinta, this area belongs to the municipality of Benahavís, so you would have to apply at the Benahavís Town Hall, which has an online service for interested persons to apply for registration in the municipal census. To request the certificate of registration it is necessary to go to the Benahavís Town Hall.