What is the empadronamiento?
Every Spanish municipality keeps a register of all the people who live there, regardless of nationality or immigration status. The certificate (certificado or volante de empadronamiento) proves that you live in the municipality.
What do you need it for?
- Residence: usually required for the EU registration certificate; see residency in Mallorca.
- Healthcare: access to the public system and allocation of a health centre.
- Schools: enrolment in the local school.
- Resident discounts: on flights between the islands and to the mainland and on ferries.
- Taxes, vehicles and elections: proof of address, re-registering a car, and voting in local elections for EU citizens.
For non-EU citizens it is also key evidence of how long they have lived in Spain, for example for arraigo.
Which documents do you need?
- The town hall's registration form.
- Passport or national ID card (non-EU citizens: passport or TIE).
- Proof of the home: deed, rental contract (sometimes with a recent utility bill) or the owner's authorisation if you live with someone.
- For children: birth certificate or family book.
How it works
Book an appointment with the town hall, present the documents and receive the certificate, often on the spot. Some procedures require a certificate less than three months old; you can request a new one at any time.
Palma and the other municipalities
In Palma, registration is handled by the citizen offices (OAC), usually with an online appointment. In smaller towns such as Andratx, Santanyí or Pollença you can often go directly to the town hall, sometimes only on certain days. Some ask for extra proof such as a recent utility bill or the cadastral reference.
Holiday home owners: a warning
The padrón is for people who really live in the municipality. If you spend only a few weeks a year in Mallorca, registering may be taken as a sign of Spanish tax residence. Get advice first; see the 183-day rule.
Renewal for non-EU citizens and tip for families
Non-EU citizens without permanent residence must renew their registration every two years, or the town hall may remove it, which can affect proof of residence. Families should register children with the parents: school places in Mallorca are allocated by registered address, and applications usually close in spring. Our administrative lawyers help with these procedures.
Castell.law is the English and German-speaking practice of Castell Abogados, a law firm in Palma de Mallorca. This page is general information, not advice on a specific case: laws and procedures change, so check your situation with us before acting.
Not sure where you stand? Ask before you sign
Tell us about your matter or send us the documents you have. A lawyer will explain the risks, the options and the cost before you commit to anything.
Questions about the empadronamiento in Mallorca
Is the empadronamiento compulsory?
Yes, for everyone whose habitual home is in the municipality.
Do I have to re-register if I move within Mallorca?
Yes, with the new town hall; the old registration is cancelled automatically.
Does registration cost anything?
In most municipalities it is free.