When you transfer your residence in Spain, what paperwork do you need to do?
When you change your address in Spain, it’s important to notify the Spanish authorities and update your empadronamiento (padrón). This is required under Spanish rules, and it helps avoid issues later (TIE/NIE processes, school enrollment, healthcare, etc.).
1) Book a cita (appointment)
You need to book a cita previa with an Oficina de Atención a la Ciudadanía (OAC).
You can choose the OAC closest to your new address (for convenience).
Book here:
https://www.madrid.es/citaprevia
Tip: Getting a cita can be difficult. Based on our experience, early morning (around 6:00 AM) gives better chances than trying at 9:00 AM or later in the day.
2) Bring the documents
If you are married with kids, bring:
- Lease contract (Contrato de arrendamiento) signed by both parties (tenant + landlord). I was informed that if its signed electronically by one party then the other party needs to sign electronically as well. If its signed by hand then the other party must sign by hand as well.
- Passports / IDs for all family members. (They did not ask for this because we have our TIE. Try to bring it nevertheless)
- NIE/TIE (if you already have them).
- Birth certificates of the children (apostilled + translated)
They didn’t ask us for the apostilled + translated marriage certificate, but it’s still a good idea to keep it handy.
We presented our Hoja padronal signed electronically by both parties but they said the Contract of Lease is sufficient. Bring it just the same.
My wife and I both appeared at the OAC. If only one of you is present bring an authorization + copy of the TIE.