Question
We have been asked by our removal company for proof of registration at the town hall (Empadronamiento) in Spain where we’ll be moving to under a Spain Non Lucrative Visa, this document is required before they collect our belongings from the UK and ship to Spain.
I was under the impression that once we are over in Spain we then have to register at the town hall? Surely we can’t do this before moving to Spain from the UK? I’m a little confused so sorry if I have got this completely wrong?”
Answers
These are the answers of Spainguru’s Facebook group members:
“Do you happen to have an NIE number? If so, they can use that. We had stuff shipped over a couple of years ago when we bought our apartment. We don’t yet have a padron, they used my NIE and photo of my passport.”
“Yes, we have our NIE numbers which we forwarded onto them but they are still insistent for the padrón.”
“We moved things over to our holiday home last year and used our NIE only. We are not on the Padrón as we are non-residents. We were not registered at the Ayuntamiento.”
“We are in exactly the same position. Our removal company insisted on Padrón so we flew over (24hr short hop and an excuse for a beer in the sun) and visited Orihuela city to get one. Was told as well as the expense of the taxes it can take a long time to claim back so made sense to get one.”
“Because of Brexit they require proof that you live in Spain, if you do not you will end up paying an import tax. We had the same problem last October. Customs will not release the goods without a Padrón or you pay the tax.
We ended up paying around £2300 to an insurance company for the tax, when we registered our Padrón we sent proof to them and got the money back less than £35.”
“Our lawyer in Spain has set up our padrón and we’re flying over to sign it then will pass it on to our removal company. No problem then at customs as will be waived through, no extra charges.”
“I am quite amazed that these processes are not done digitally. Why would you need to fly over to sign a padrón, I don’t understand. There is nothing to sign.”
“Our removal company used our NIE number and passport. If you have an NLV you’ll have your NIE number. You apply for your Padrón once you’re here in Spain.”
“No, the padrón or ’empadronamiento’ is to be done once you live in Spain and have established with your new address. I do not believe it can be done outside Spain… my experience, of course.”
“Our removal company asked for it too. You also have to present it when applying for residency.”
“Only NIE number and passport required. Solicitor advised us Padrón isn’t until you are actually residing in Spain. We registered for padrón a few weeks after arriving.”
“We had the same problem. If you have bought a property give a copy of Copia simpla.”
“We did exactly this 6 months ago. Professional company and no padrón. They can use NIE/passport/visa. Try asking some other companies maybe? It could be a new thing just happening but I don’t think so. Good luck 🤞”
“The company we used asked for a copy of visa from the passport.”
“We were asked for the same and only provided it after we had arrived and registered.”
“They probably need it to prove it’s your personal belongings they are moving and they are not just importing it.”
“If you own a property you can register at the padrón even if you are not a resident.”
“That’s strange 🤔 the removal company I’m using only requires my NIE number and passport. You don’t need to register on a padrón till you’re resident in Spain.”
“It’s for Tax on imported items. If forms are correctly done no Tax to pay.”
“Change company.”
Conclusion
The requirement for a padrón before moving belongings to Spain varies depending on the removal company and possibly Brexit-related import regulations. While some companies accept an NIE and passport, others insist on a padrón. It may be beneficial to consult multiple removal firms or seek legal advice to navigate these requirements efficiently.
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