Registering as a foreign resident with the town hall of Marbella has its advantages. In Spanish, it is called “Empadronamiento”.
The municipal register, also known as “Padron” is where a record of the number of inhabitants in a town are kept. This, whilst it may seem mundane to you, actually has its purpose. For one, the number of officially registered inhabitants affects the financial contribution the town receives from the central government body. The more registered inhabitants a town has, the more funds it receives for municipal infrastructure and services.
It is important to note that being registered does not automatically imply fiscal residency. Let’s have a look at what the advantages are for you as a registered inhabitant in Marbella.
- First and foremost you have access to the public health system and a general practitioner is assigned to you at the closest Public Health Centre to your home. This means you have access to healthcare free of charge and it is as your entire disposal 24/7 and covers all of your medical needs.
- Second, you get to enjoy discounts on municipal and social services.
- Third, you have the right to vote in local and European elections (according to your nationality).
- Fourth, just like the locals, you have access to state benefits in matters of safety, health, education and all other services supported by the government for its inhabitants, including your children.
The documentation required to register
If you are part of the EEC community, you require a document from your country of origin that identifies you. It can be any form of identification document including identity card, passport. You also require the EEC registration card issued by the Spanish police.
If you are renting the property you live in you require one of the following documents: rental contract and an electricity, water or rates bill in your name with the rented property address on it.
If you own the property you live in you will need a copy of the title deed, which in Spanish is known as the “Nota Simple” of the property, or a rates bill for the property, known as the IBI.
To register your children, if they do not have a passport, they will require the same identification document from the child’s birth country and the EEC registration card issued by the Spanish police. If your child is born in Spain you can use what is called ” Libro de Familia” or birth certificate.
The City Hall “Ayuntamiento” is where you go to register
Marbella: City Hall – Ayuntamiento
San Pedro Alcantara – Las Chapas – Nueva Andalucia
extranjeros@marbella.es / international.residents@marbella.es
More information: 952 761 100 / 010
www.marbella.es / www.mmarbellaexclusive.com
When you need to renew your registration
If you remain at the same address then you need to renew your registration as follows:
EEC MEMBERS:
Every 2 years, for people who do not have an NIE (Numero Identidad Extranjero) and never obtained it.
Every 5 years, people who have NIE
NON-EEC MEMBERS:
Every 2 years, for people who have a temporary residence.
Every 5 years, for people who have permanent residency in Spain or EEC residence card.
