THE padrón, empadronamiento, empadronarse. All words you may have heard since arriving in Spain, but never been quite sure what they mean, either in English, or for you as a resident. If so, read on for more information and the numerous reasons why registering on the padrón may just be worth your while.

The padrón is, quite simply, the municipal register, a list of all the people who live in a certain town, while empadronarse is the act of registering yourself on this list with your local town hall. Officially all residents in Spain are required by law to register on the padrón, yet many British ex-pats still have not done so. Perhaps some view the padrón as a means of vigilance by the state, in ‘big-brother’ fashion. However, in reality, it is simply a way for the town hall to know how many people live in their area, without entering into investigations as to a person’s official residence status or financial affairs. In addition, the information provided at registration is confidential and protected by data protection laws.

You don’t even have to own your house to register, just have an address where you usually live, no matter whether you are the owner, you rent, or live with family or friends. Nor is registration a long drawn out registration process. Simply go to the padrón office of your town hall and fill in the form they provide. Take along official identification, such as a passport, and also your NIE or residence certificate/card, a recent utility bill in your name, and the deeds to your house or a copy of your rental contract. Although you may have to return to collect your certificate, the actual registration is completed all on the same day.

And once you’ve completed this simple process, you can begin to enjoy all the advantages being on the padrón offers. To highlight a few, we’ve listed the top five below:

For better public services – Central Government allocates money to the different municipalities according to how many people are on the padrón. Therefore, if you are not registered, your town hall is losing money for the provision of health centres, police officers, fire fighters and schools.

To access benefits and social care – You must be on the padrón for a certain period of time to take advantage of some income-related benefits and other aspects of social care available through social services at your town hall.

For a reduction in taxes – Depending on the town hall, registration on the padrón could mean up to 50% off Property Tax, as well as reductions in certain community charges and inheritance tax. Furthermore, those on the padrón can also often enjoy discounted courses, leisure and cultural activities run by the town hall.

To have your say – In order to register to vote in local or European elections, you must first be registered on the padrón.

To make life easier – You’ll find you need your padrón certificate to carry out various administrative tasks, such as register for healthcare, register your car with Spanish number plates or enrol your children in school.

And remember, it is compulsory, under Spanish law*, for all residents in Spain including Spanish nationals to register on the padrón.

(*) Artículo 15 de la Ley 7/1985, de 2 de abril, Reguladora de las Bases del Régimen Local>/em>