Hi all
I have an NIE issued August 2005 by the Gobierno in Cantabria. That has given me a number and the document shows my address in Spain (Cantabria). What I am trying to do is register with the local ayuntamiento. However, they say that I need a certificado de inscription en el registro central de extranjeros. Is that a different document ? and a separate process.

One other query - I still have a home in England and I have the one here too.I visit Spain twice a month for a couple of days. Does that constitute residency ? and will that be sufficient to register on the Padron Municipal ?. Advice would be very welcome to these questions.

Thanks a lot.

Since February 2007 Spain doesn't issue resident cards to EU citizens living in Spain. Instead of resident cards EU citizens can receive "Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Union". I got this certificate @ local police station in 1 hour. First of all you present an application form to the police officer. Then you go to the bank and pay ~6 EUR. Then return to the police station to collect your certificate.

What do you mean with "register at ayuntamiento"?

Thanks for help. I wanted to 'register' (go on census is perhaps mroe accurate) with ayuntamiento since I'd like to vote locally (if that is possible) and also be more a part of things. They also get more money from central resources if more people are in their area.

You mean the Padrone, they have just changed the law and as usual different areas allow different versions, but in some you need the new residencia form before you can register on the Padrone.
I think you have to make an appointment for the certificate in some areas too.
Call in the police station for local requirements for it.

There is now tax to be paid when obtaining your NIE €9 and the tax on the Residencia application is now €6.80. Both taxes paid on Form 790.

Not really. You have to apply for a residency certificate if you live here for more than 3 months.

I got my N.I.E. number and "Certificado de registro de Ciudadano de la Union" on June 11, 2007. I paid only EUR 6.70. I didn't pay EUR 9 + EUR 6.80. When you apply for N.I.E., you get this certificate even you don't ask for it. As I wrote in my previous post, in February 2007 Spain stopped to issue resident cards to EU citizens. Instead of resident cards EU citizens living in Spain can get "certificados" with N.I.E. number and confirmation that they are registered @ "Registro Central de Extranjeros en la Comisaria Local de (your municipality)".

I went to the police station to get my N.I.E. I got N.I.E. number and this certificate.

I live in Las Palmas province in Canary islands, but I think it works in the same way anywhere in Spain.

Sorry it went up last week to €6.80 for residencia certificate and €9 is a new one altogether!!!!

Thanks all for helping.
(1)Would it seem that the NIE I have is out of date (August 2005). It is basically just a sheet of headed paper NIE, my name, address & quoting decrees etc. Is it possible it needs updating by going to local Police & taking the steps that you've all given (go Police/to bank/back to Police - which is fine by me).
(2) Am I right in thinking that unless I am in Spain for a period of more than 3 months solid I cannot get on the Padrone ?
Thanks

As far as I am aware once you have an NIE number that is the end of the story - padron not so sure of - some Town Halls will not put you on the padron unless you produce your residency certificate and as you are going backwards and forwards you need not take that step. I am sure someone will be along soon to either agree with me or correct me as the case may be

NIEs are only issued once and do not need updating.

Only residents are allowed on the Padron as it is a census of local inhabitants. This has been abused by the local authorities to generate more cash from central government. This is why the rules are in the process of changing to require a residency certificate.

There is absolutely nothing to stop you applying for one even if you are not going to live in Spain - no proof is required. However be aware that at some stage in the future the tax authorities will assume that you are resident and liable to tax in Spain and you will then be in the position of having to prove otherwise.

Personally I would not want to risk all the hassle just to be able to vote in local elections.

There you are then - I knew someone would be along soon

Thank you all for the answers. Good to know that the NIE I have is alright & does not need reviewing.

I did think the tax element might arise but for good or bad we dont earn any money there.

I've met with our local mayor and unfortunately he has the view that full time residents - it is the plan of ours to be that way eventually - are more of a priority with regards roads etc,. So to be actually on the padrone would perhaps be good. For example last year trees were available to residents and of course we were not technically residents so unable to benefit.

Where you earn your money is irrelevant - it's where you are tax resident that counts.

If you are classed as tax resident in Spain you will be liable for Spanish tax on ALL your income, wherever you might earn it.

One piece of advice about Spain - never believe anything an estate agent or a mayor tells you!