What is census registration?
Census is the registration at the city where you live. It is a list of all residents in the municipality. Being registered will allow you to access to services such as the health system, request of TIE card, social assistance and transport discounts, among others.
Necessary documents
- Identification document: Passport and/or NIE (if you have one).
- Proof of address:
- If you are living in a residence, you will have no problems registering. Request the collective registration authorization signed and stamped in the residence where you are staying.
- If you want to rent a flat, you must ask the tenant to provide you with the original rental contract (with original signature/stamp by hand, not digital contracts). This contract must be for at least 6 months. If you are not the holder of the contract, you will need an AUTHORIZATION signed by the holder or the owner + a copy of their ID. The tenant is obliged to provide you with the documentation. If you foresee that this will be a cause of conflict, it is best to look for another accommodation.
- Latest receipt for rent or basic service payment.
- Attention! You will not be able to register at the city census if ...
- You do not have a legal contract or have been sublet a room without a contract.
- You live in a tourist apartment.
Book an Appointment
- To register in the census you have to book an appointment at the municipality where you live.
- If you live in Barcelona, you can do so by requesting an appointment at the OAC (Citizen Information Office) closest to your home. You must access at https://seuelectronica.ajuntament.barcelona.cat/oficinavirtual/form/diac-cites/es/citizen/sol/new/2393 and indicate "Solicitar un cita" and select "Siguiente". Then, where it says "Tema" you must indicate "OAC: atención presencial en la oficina" and at "Subtema" the option "Padrón: alta/cambio de domicilio". You will thus access the OACs and the calendar of available dates. You can also make an appointment by calling 010, the citizen helpline.