Free guide for Madrid
Change of address in the padrón in Madrid
Change your address in the padrón if you move home within Madrid. If you come from another town, this is not your procedure: you need to register as a new resident.
The padrón proves where you live. Other offices may ask you for it.
The essentials
- What it costs
- We could not confirm whether there is a fee. Check the City Council page before paying anything. What this website charges to help you is not a City Council fee.
- How long it takes
- The City Council has up to three months to decide from the day you apply. That is not how long it takes to get an appointment. And not every application is decided on the spot.
- To prepare it
- 20–40 min to organise your preparation
Is it for you?
People already registered in Madrid who are moving to another home in the city. If you arrive from another town, you need to register in the new one.
- Are you moving within Madrid or coming from another town?
- Is the home yours, do you rent a flat or a room, or do you live in someone else's home? The document you need to bring changes.
- Are you also registering children, or doing the procedure for someone else?
What to bring
Tick each document when you have it ready. Ticks are not saved.
Which one works in your case
Fill in the hoja padronal (registration form) and check that everyone who has to sign does so. If you register children, choose your case on the page: whether the parents or a representative sign.
Which one works in your case
Bring a document that proves you live in that home. The City Council page shows which one works if the home is yours, if you rent or if someone gives you permission. The City Council's Asistente de Documentación (documents assistant) helps in the cases it covers (up to two adults). A permission on its own is not enough: it must come with its supporting documents.
Which one works in your case
Before you apply, read the section on children on the City Council page. What they ask for changes with the family relationship, each parent's consent and who has custody. Use the form for your real case.
Step by step
- Check whether you are moving within Madrid or coming from another town. Within the city it is a change of address; from another town it is a new registration.
- Fill in the hoja padronal (registration form) and check that everyone who has to sign does so. If you register children, choose your case on the page: whether the parents or a representative sign.
- Bring a document that proves you live in that home. The City Council page shows which one works if the home is yours, if you rent or if someone gives you permission. The City Council's Asistente de Documentación (documents assistant) helps in the cases it covers (up to two adults). A permission on its own is not enough: it must come with its supporting documents.
- Do it online with «Empadronamiento en línea» or book an appointment with Línea Madrid: category «Padrón», service «Altas, Bajas y Cambio de domicilio en Padrón».
- Keep the receipt with the registration number. If they ask for more documents, reply using that number. Once the change is recorded, check that your details are correct.
Afterwards
- Keep the registration number. You can use it to reply if they ask for something, without starting a new application.
- Once the change is recorded, ask for the proof your next procedure needs.
- Check separately the address your other offices and services have for you.
Common mistakes
- Asking for the certificate before the change is recorded.
- Bringing an incomplete rental contract, or a permission without the documents of the person who signs it.
- Registering a child as if they were an adult registering alone.
What this guide does not decide
The City Council checks that you live in that home and may ask for more documents. If you have no contract or other usual document for the home, ask the padrón office or social services what you can do. This guide cannot tell you whether they will accept other proof.