On this page
This page covers Madrid city only. Other Spanish municipalities set their own appointments, forms, and accepted evidence.
At a glance
- Filing
- Online with an accepted digital ID or in person by appointment.
- Avoid duplicate filings
- Choose one channel; Madrid advises against submitting the same request online and in person at the same time.
- Evidence
- Prepare identity and housing-use documents for your household’s situation.
- Certificates with e-ID
- Issued immediately
- Certificates without e-ID
- Up to 10 business days
- Phone
- 010, or 914 800 010 from outside Madrid
Your checklist
First steps
Your checklist stays on this device.
What the Padrón does
The Padrón records that you usually live in Madrid municipality. It can be relevant for local public services and administrative procedures, but it does not itself grant immigration status or replace any national residence procedure.
Madrid’s online municipal procedure is specific to the city. A procedure in another Ayuntamiento may use different forms, appointments, and documentation.
Online or in person: do not run both tracks at once
Madrid’s official page lists online filing with an accepted electronic identification method and in-person filing by appointment. Check the current city page for the identification methods and appointment channel it accepts.
The city advises not to submit the same Padrón application online and in person at the same time. Choose a route, complete it, and use the city’s contact channel if you need to correct or supplement the filing.
Housing evidence and special circumstances
The application asks for identity documents and proof connected to use of the dwelling; a lease or property document may be relevant, but the city can request more evidence. Follow the exact current list for your household instead of assuming one document works for everyone.
If you live at the address but cannot provide the usual occupancy documents, contact Madrid’s municipal service for guidance about the evidence it may accept. A successful filing does not happen instantly, so retain your receipt and respond to any request.
Madrid’s service charter: channels and certificates
Madrid’s 2026 Carta de Servicios for the Padrón lists the Sede Electrónica (procedure “Alta y cambio de domicilio en Padrón”), the 010 phone line (914 800 010 from outside Madrid) and in-person service at Línea Madrid and registry offices. The charter does not list the documents for the alta and does not mention appointments.
Certificates and volantes (proofs of registration) are issued immediately if you use electronic identification through the Sede Electrónica. Without electronic identification, via 010 or the Sede Electrónica, they are issued within a maximum of 10 business days.
Common questions
Does the Madrid Padrón give me a residence permit?
No. It registers habitual residence with the municipality; immigration permission is a separate process.
Can I apply online and also book an in-person appointment?
Madrid advises against submitting both channels at the same time. Choose one route and follow the city’s instructions for any later correction or additional evidence.
Do I need a rental contract to register?
Madrid asks for evidence related to use of the dwelling, but the exact accepted documents and any alternatives depend on the case. Check the city’s current list and contact the municipality if you live there but lack standard proof.
How long does the Padrón take?
Do not assume the entry is immediate. Keep the receipt and follow the status or requests sent by Madrid through the channel used to apply.
How fast can I get a Madrid padrón certificate?
Immediately with electronic identification through the Sede Electrónica, and within a maximum of 10 business days without it, according to Madrid’s 2026 service charter.
Official sources
Read this first
- Madrid City Council: registration in the municipal register (Padrón)Madrid city procedure, submission channels, identity and housing evidence
- City of Madrid: Padrón service charter 2026Channels, certificates and service commitments
Rules can vary by nationality, work or study status, and city. Confirm your route with the official authority before you act.