In short: appointments and offices
Padrón registration (alta en el padrón) in Orihuela and Orihuela Costa is by appointment (cita previa): online on the Town Hall’s booking site (Governalia), on 966 340 347 or through the Sede Electrónica with Cl@ve. On the coast, the Oficina Municipal Orihuela Costa is at Plaza del Oriol, 1, Urb. Playa Flamenca, Mon–Fri 8:30–13:30, tel. 966 760 000. In town it is the “Poeta del Pueblo” building, Calle Ruiz Capdepón, 7, Mon–Fri 8:30–14:15. You need ID and proof of address (escritura or tenancy agreement) — details below. Checked against the Town Hall’s padrón page on 29.10.2026.
What the padrón is and who must register
The padrón municipal de habitantes is the town’s register of residents. According to Orihuela Town Hall, it proves that you live in the municipality and at which address, and certificates issued from it are official documents for any administrative purpose. Everyone living in Spain must register in the municipality where they spend most of the year. Minors are registered at the address of the parents they live with.
Where to go and how to book
Registration, change of address, corrections and certificates (certificado, volante) are handled at two municipal offices by appointment only (cita previa): through the town hall’s booking site, by phone on 966 340 347 or through the online office (sede electrónica). The hours below are taken from the town hall’s padrón page.
| Office | Address | Hours, phone |
|---|---|---|
| Town Hall, “Poeta del Pueblo” building | Calle Ruiz Capdepón, 7, 03300 Orihuela | Mon–Fri 8:30–14:15, 966 340 347 |
| Orihuela Costa municipal office | Plaza del Oriol, 1, Urb. Playa Flamenca, 03189 | Mon–Fri 8:30–13:30, 966 760 000 |
Identity document
All adults must attend in person: they sign the registration form (hoja de inscripción padronal) and state the municipality they are moving from. The town hall describes authorising another person only for Spanish nationals.
- EU, EEA and Swiss citizens: the residence certificate (certificado de registro) plus a passport or national ID card. If you register on arrival from abroad you have 3 months to provide the certificate; otherwise the town hall removes you from the padrón without further notice.
- Other nationals: passport or residence card (TIE).
- Spanish nationals: the DNI of everyone over 14.
Proof of address
You need one document depending on your situation, as listed by the town hall:
| Situation | What to bring |
|---|---|
| You own the home | A recent title deed (escritura), an up-to-date Land Registry extract (nota simple) or the latest IBI receipt |
| You live in someone else’s home without a lease | One of the ownership documents above, the owner’s authorisation on the town hall form and a copy of the owner’s DNI |
| Rental | A lease in the name of all adults being registered plus the owner’s DNI — or the owner’s authorisation with proof of ownership and both parties’ ID |
Children
- Parents, guardians or legal representatives attend with a DNI, passport or TIE.
- For a newborn: the libro de familia or birth certificate. If the child is a foreign national, their passport (and, for EU citizens, the residence certificate) must be provided within 3 months.
- After separation or divorce: the court decision on custody; with shared custody, the other parent’s authorisation. If one parent registers the child without being separated: the libro de familia or birth certificate and the other parent’s authorisation on the town hall form.
Non-EU nationals: renewal every 2 years
Non-EU nationals without permanent residence must renew their padrón entry every two years from the date of registration. You have to visit the municipal office before the deadline; otherwise the town hall removes you from the register (baja de oficio). EU citizens and permanent residents do not have to renew, but any change of address must be registered.
Online: the sede electrónica
The town hall accepts padrón requests through its online office, orihuela.sedelectronica.es. The padrón section and online booking there only open after you sign in with the Cl@ve system, so get Cl@ve or a digital certificate first. Once registered, you can request a padrón certificate (volante or certificado) there or at an office by appointment.
Frequently asked questions
How do I book a padrón appointment in Orihuela Costa?
Online on the Town Hall’s booking site (Governalia), on 966 340 347 or through the Sede Electrónica with Cl@ve. The coastal office is at Plaza del Oriol, 1, Playa Flamenca, tel. 966 760 000.
Can I register on the padrón online?
The Town Hall accepts padrón procedures through its Sede Electrónica (orihuela.sedelectronica.es); you need Cl@ve or a digital certificate to sign in.
What are the PMH and an “alta en el padrón”?
The PMH is the Padrón Municipal de Habitantes, the municipal register of residents. An alta is your first registration when you move to Orihuela; a change of address within the municipality is a separate application.
Do I need to renew my padrón registration?
Yes, if you are a non-EU national without permanent residence: the entry must be confirmed every two years (see the section above). EU citizens do not renew.