Updating Your Padrón in Barcelona: What You Need to Know

If you live in Barcelona, keeping your empadronamiento or padrón up to date is essential. But many residents get confused between renewing the padrón certificate and updating the padrón registration itself. Let’s clarify both processes.

Renewal of the Padrón Certificate (Every 90 Days)

The padrón certificate (certificado de empadronamiento) is an official document that proves you are registered at a specific address in Barcelona. It’s often required for administrative procedures such as applying for residency, renewing your NIE or other immigration paperwork.

The certificate itself is valid for only 90 days from the date of issue. After that, the certificate expires, but your registration remains active in the system. If you need a fresh copy of your padrón certificate (for example, for immigration procedures), you can get it in several ways:

• Online: if you have a digital certificate or Clave, you can log in and download it online here.
• Self-service Kiosk: you can visit a red self-service kiosk in the city. Just scan your passport, and the machine will print a new, updated padrón certificate for you. Here’s the list of kiosks in Barcelona
• By Phone: call 010 (from a Spanish phone number) or 931 537 010 (from abroad). You can request an updated copy, and it will be sent to your home address within about a week.
• In Person: you can also book an appointment at an Oficina de Atención Ciudadana (OAC). You can do it online here or by calling 010 / 931 537 010.

Updating the Padrón Registration (Every 2 or 5 Years)

This is different from simply printing a certificate. Your padrón registration (registro de empadronamiento), the record that confirms you live at a specific address, must be renewed periodically to remain valid.

• EU citizens and family members of EU citizens: every 2 years
• Non-EU citizens: every 5 years

This update confirms that you still live at the same address. If you don’t update it when required, the City Council may remove your record from the system. Keeping your padrón up to date ensures that your residency rights, healthcare access, and municipal benefits remain active and that you avoid unnecessary delays in future immigration procedures. If you need help with any of these procedures, feel free to contact NIE Barcelona.