Padron

You need an NIE to buy a car, we bought our car in our first month here, 2 months before getting our residencia.  Padron is only part of what you would need for your "info pack" needed to apply for residencia. I've been told that if you move your residence you need to register at your new town hall/de-register at old one but as we have no plans on moving have not looked to see if that is correct, sorry.

Hi Laura

you were misinformed, you only needed NIE as Phil stated. However signing on the Padron has deeper connotations which you may not want. Padron holders are stating they are residents in Spain and therefore tax residents. The info from Town Halls goes to the tax office and its actually illegal to be on Padron if a non resident. Having said that many Town Halls push non residents to signing as they receive more money from the Government the more they have. Its a type of census as to how many people "reside" in that area and  therefore need the services.

So if you dont want to receive a communication from Agencia Tributaria(tax office) in the future and intend to spend under the 183days per year (or 180days as per next year as non resident), I would suggest you do deregister. I was conned by estate agent too 10years ago to sign up but let it lapse when asked to reregister a year later. I have been told they still have your name listed for 5years before it disappears completely. If you pay your non resident taxes INR, you should not be on the Padron, as payment is stating you are non resident.

Regards

Pauline.