Municipal Census - padron

The Municipal Census helps to determine the population of a municipality, confers resident status, accredits residency and permanent address, is used to compile the electoral register and official statistics and helps to control the legal status of foreigners.

Conditions for census registration

Everyone who lives in Spain must register in the Census of the municipality where s/he usually lives. People who live in several municipalities must only register in the one they live in for the most part of the year.

Unemancipated minors and incapacitated elderly people will have the same residence as the parent(s) who has custody or their legal guardians, unless the latter provides written authorisation that the individual in question may reside in another municipality.

People who live in a municipality but do not have their permanent address there will only be able to register in the census by making their situation known to the relevant Social Services.

Requirements and necessary documentation

The Municipal Census record will contain the following compulsory information about each resident:

1. Name and surname(s).
2. Sex.
3. Permanent Address.
4. Nationality.
5. Place and date of birth.
6. National Identity Number. In the case of European Residents, they must present their Residents Card number, a valid foreigner’s identity number issued by the Spanish authorities, or the number of their valid passport issued by their country of origin, in the case of non-Europeans.
7. School certificate or any academic qualifications
8. Any other information required for the electoral register.

Further optional information can be included about any individual(s) appointed to represent residents to the Municipal Administration for purposes related to the census, along with their telephone number.

All residents must inform their Municipal Council of any changes in personal circumstances if any modifications must be made to the compulsory information included in the Municipal Census. The Municipal Council will provide all individuals who live in their municipality with census forms in order for them to provide registration details. Each resident, or legal representative, must fill in all the personal details and sign the census form.

The Municipal Council will be able to confirm that the information provided by the residents is correct by demanding their National Identity Card or Residents Card, Family Book, the certificate that legitimises the occupation of a property or other similar documents.


Municipal Census Management

The Municipal Council is in charge of the compilation, maintenance, revision and custody of the Municipal Census and must make any modifications necessary to ensure that the census is up-to-date, so that the information recorded reflects reality.
The Municipal Council’s computing system stores the information provided in the Municipal Census. If a municipality cannot store this information in a digital format, due to a lack of economic capacity or facilities, the Provincial Council of Alicante will do so on its behalf.
Municipal Census Records are extremely useful when it comes to planning public services. The programming and organisation of public transport, education and health services, social services, etc, depend on the real population registered in the Census.


Rights and responsibilities of being on the electoral register

The moment you are registered on the Census you are conferred resident status. You can only be a resident of one municipality. Resident status entails the following rights and responsibilities:

a. Being able to vote and be elected in the conditions established in electoral legislation.
b. Being able to participate in municipal management in accordance with legal stipulations.
c. Being able to use public municipal services, in accordance with their nature, public, for example schools, libraries, access to courses, etc.
d. The ability to make legally stipulated economic and personal contributions to the execution of municipal powers.
e. To request and receive information regarding municipal files and documentation from the Municipal Administration. To Access municipal archives and administrative registers, except those that affect the defence of the State and an individual’s privacy.
f. Request a referendum according to the terms stipulated in the Law. Municipal Councils can hold referendums about municipal issues.
g. To demand that a certain public service is offered or set up, if such a service must be provided by the municipality. The legitimation of public services will only be granted to residents.
h. Any other rights and responsibilities established by law.


Benefits of being on the electoral register

- It helps the population to receive better services.
- Access to the health and education system and participation in municipal management, cultural activities,...
- You can use all the services offered by the Municipal Council.
- The Census Record Certificate demonstrates how long you have been living in Spain.
- It helps to improve Public Health Systems: the most people registered on the municipal census, the more services the municipality will have.

Registration of residents in the Municipal Census does not constitute evidence of legal residence in Spain (for this you need the Residents Card) nor will it give you any additional rights not conferred by current legislation. It does, however, give you the possibility to enjoy certain rights, even if you do not have a residence card.
Information


Information

National Statistics Institute Provincial Headquarters
Avda. Oscar Esplá, 15, - 03007 Alicante
Telf: 965 13 59 00 / Fax: 965 92 03 15
Your municipal council

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