Are you a foreign resident in Spain? You must contact your local Town Hall if you want to vote in the 2027 municipal elections
The right to vote in municipal elections in Spain is not automatic for foreign citizens. If you live in Spain and want to take an active part in decisions affecting your municipality, you must visit your local Town Hall to register on the electoral roll, as being registered as a resident (empadronado) is not enough to be eligible to vote.
Here we explain the requirements, the documents you need to take to your Town Hall and the official deadlines for completing your registration.
Who can vote?
The right to vote in municipal elections in Spain is divided into two main groups of foreign citizens:
- Citizens of the European Union (EU) and countries belonging to the European Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway).
- Citizens of countries with reciprocal voting agreements: Bolivia, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, South Korea, Ecuador, Iceland, Norway, New Zealand, Paraguay, Peru, the United Kingdom and Trinidad and Tobago.
Requirements and registration deadlines at your Town Hall
For your Town Hall to process your registration on the electoral roll, you must meet certain legal residency requirements and submit your application before the following deadlines:
| Voter group | Legal residency requirement | Registration deadline |
|---|---|---|
| European Union citizens | Must be registered as a resident in the municipality (empadronado). | Until 30 January of the election year. |
| United Kingdom and Norway | Minimum of 3 years of legal residence. | Until 15 January of the election year. |
| Other countries with reciprocal agreements (e.g. Colombia, Ecuador, Peru) | Minimum of 5 years of legal residence. | Until 15 January of the election year. |
What documents do you need to submit to your Town Hall?
To formally declare your intention to vote, you must visit the citizen services office at your local Town Hall (or complete the process through its electronic office if you have a digital certificate or Cl@ve) and present the following original documents:
- If you are an EU citizen: Your valid national identity card or passport, together with your EU Citizen Registration Certificate (the green certificate showing your NIE number). You must also complete the official declaration of intention to vote form.
- If you are from a country with a reciprocal voting agreement: Your valid Foreigner Identity Card (TIE), demonstrating that you meet the required period of legal residence (3 or 5 years). If your card is being renewed, you can provide a residence certificate issued by the Spanish National Police. You must complete the specific electoral registration application for countries with reciprocal agreements.
Don't leave it until the last minute!
Although the Electoral Census Office sometimes sends information letters, it is the responsibility of each resident to contact their Town Hall proactively to check their status and register before the deadline. If you do not complete this procedure at your local municipal offices before the relevant deadlines, you will not be able to exercise your right to vote.
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