Proof of address for registration: contract, deed or owner authorisation

Terms used

• escritura — The escritura is the title deed, the notarised document showing who owns a property.
• Nota Simple — The Nota Simple is a short Property Registry extract showing who owns a home.
• IBI — The IBI is the yearly property tax paid by the owner, and its receipt shows who owns the flat.

Key rules

• Right to occupy: A contract, a deed or an owner's authorisation with a copy of the owner's ID proves you may live in the home.
• Tenants: With a rental contract, the landlord has nothing extra to supply.

What counts as proof

The town hall needs a document showing you have the right to occupy the home. Which one you use depends on your situation.

Which document fits your home

• You rent a home or a room in a shared flat: your rental contract. The landlord supplies nothing extra.
• You own the home: your title deed (escritura). A nota simple or the latest IBI receipt can also show ownership. Any one of these is enough.
• You are a guest, or have no contract in your name: a signed authorisation from the owner or main tenant, with a copy of their ID.
• You have no accommodation: you can register at a social services address: registering without a contract.
• You live in a hotel, hostel, holiday rental or camper: these are generally refused: registering from temporary housing.

If you own the home

Bring your ID (your passport is enough) and one document proving ownership: the escritura, a recent nota simple from the Property Registry, or the latest IBI receipt. Other people living in the home are registered with your details or your authorisation.

What the owner supplies

If you have a contract, nothing. If you are a guest or have no contract, the owner gives you:

• a signed authorisation to register you;
• a copy of their DNI, NIE or passport;
• often, proof of ownership (title deed, nota simple or recent IBI receipt).

The owner may also have to come in person or sign the form. You bring your own ID and the hoja padronal, signed by you.

What the authorisation should say

Include:

• the owner's full name, ID or NIE number and signature;
• your full name and ID or passport number;
• the full address: street, number, floor, door, town and postcode;
• a clear statement that the owner consents to you registering in the padrón at that address;
• the date.

Many town halls have their own form (autorización de empadronamiento). Use it if one exists.

Utility bills

Utility bills alone do not prove your right to live in the home; town halls take them as extra evidence next to a contract, deed or authorisation. Each town hall publishes its own list of accepted documents: how to find your town hall's page.

If you are buying a home and are still abroad or just arriving

Owning or buying a home does not let you register before you live there. The town hall registers you only when you habitually live in the municipality at the time you apply.

• Sign the purchase and collect your deed or other ownership proof first.
• Move in, then register with your ID and that ownership document.