Empadronamiento

Your official address registration in Spain

The empadronamiento is your official registration at the local town hall — and without it, a surprising number of things simply cannot move forward. It is one of the first steps to complete after you have a place to live in Valencia, and one of the most useful documents you will need throughout your time in Spain.

What the empadronamiento is for

• Access to public healthcare
• School enrolment for your children
• Residency and visa procedures
• Official proof of address in Spain

What you will need

• Passport or national ID (original + copy)
• Rental contract — or a signed landlord authorisation if your name is not on the contract
• Completed registration form (available at the town hall)

Step by step

1. Book an appointment at the town hall online or by phone
2. Gather your documents — passport and rental contract or landlord authorisation
3. Attend your appointment and complete the registration form on site
4. Receive your empadronamiento certificate — either immediately or by post shortly after

Your empadronamiento is required for almost every administrative procedure in Spain — from opening a bank account to registering your children at school. If you are unsure what you need or how to prepare, we can guide you through it. That’s part of what we do at Expats Valencia.