When you have recently moved to a new country, and you believe you've completed all the necessary paperwork, there is one more thing you might need to do: register with your local municipal office. And this can actually be quite beneficial.
Municipal registration for expats
Many countries require foreign residents to register with their local authorities officially. This regulation, which is generally not very restrictive, enables them not only to be known to the local authorities but also to do business, buy goods, or benefit from social assistance. Let's look into some real-life examples.
Spain
When you arrive in Spain, you'll need to register with the ‘Padrón', which is the Municipal Register of Inhabitants. This procedure, referred to as ‘empadronamiento', is just as essential as applying for your identity papers. Established in 1985, the ‘Padrón' maintains a comprehensive list of all the residents in a specific residential area. It is mandatory for everyone to register in the municipality where they reside, and if they happen to relocate to another city, they must go through the ‘empadronamiento' process again.
The registration process at the Town Hall is easy and straightforward. You'll be required to bring original copies of a valid identity document (like a family record book or birth certificate for minors) and a valid property deed or rental agreement. If you are a tenant, the owner or the individual already listed in the Register must provide a written authorization. If your situation falls into a different category, please make sure to inform your local council.
This is a crucial step that comes with several significant benefits. By completing the registration, you will be able to enroll your children in school, register your vehicle, use the local swimming pool, obtain a library card, access public healthcare facilities, get married, and access various municipal services. If you are a European citizen, you'll even have the opportunity to participate in municipal and European elections as a voter or candidate.
Japan
In Japan, too, you'll need to register with the town hall as soon as you arrive in the country. You have 14 days after your arrival to do so. As in Spain, you'll need to register again at the town hall if you move.
Once again, the process is relatively straightforward. Just bring your resident card (zairyu card), to your local town hall (kuyakusho) in the area where you live. Typically, you'll receive the resident card upon your arrival at the airport. Town halls may request additional documents, such as marriage certificates if you're living with your spouse or birth certificates if you're moving with your children. They might also require translations to verify your family ties. Upon registration at the town hall, you will be enrolled for social security, depending on your specific situation, whether you're a worker, international student, etc.
You will also receive your My Number card. Introduced in 2015, My Number is the identification system linked to Japan's social security and tax systems. It concerns all residents in Japan, locals as well as expatriates (as soon as they stay for more than 3 months) and assigns everyone an identification number. My Number will enable you to benefit from social benefits and other municipal services. Your employer will also use this number to carry out the formalities concerning your status (social security, taxation). My Number will also be needed to open a bank account, declare your taxes, transfer money abroad, and can even be used as an identity document (since 2016, with the new smart cards). In short, My number can be utilized for a wide range of everyday tasks.
Germany
Similar to Japan, when you arrive in Germany, you'll have to register with the German authorities within 14 days. It is a requirement for anyone residing in Germany to register with their local municipal authorities. This process is referred to as ‘Anmeldung bei einer Meldebehörde' or simply ‘Anmeldung', and it's carried out at the town hall nearest to your place of residence. To complete the registration, you will need to provide a filled and signed form (Anmeldung), a valid identity document, and a certificate of residence (typically a letter from your landlord known as ‘Wohnungsgeberbestätigung'). Depending on your situation, you may also be asked to provide marriage and/or birth certificates.
Registering is a crucial step for all your administrative procedures, ranging from applying for a residence permit to getting your tax identification number, which is necessary for working in Germany. Note that employers will also require your ‘Anmeldung', whether you're an intern or a regular employee. Additionally, having your ‘Anmeldung' makes it possible to set up internet service, get a phone line, or open a bank account.
Benefits of registering in your municipality of residence
These mandatory registrations allow you to complete all the necessary day-to-day tasks and also enjoy the benefits that come with resident status.
For European citizens, registration is also necessary for stays lasting more than 3 months. The basic idea remains unchanged: any European national can spend up to 3 months in another European country without registering with the local authorities. However, beyond this 3-month period, they must comply with the regulations in their country of residence. The European Union (EU) points out that a member state can choose to mandate registration as soon as an immigrant arrives.
A swift and straightforward process, registering at the town hall enables foreigners to kick-start their lives in their new country of residence. This not only ensures that they are known to the local authorities but also keeps them well-informed about updates in their municipality. Additionally, it offers them better protection in case of any changes in their situation, such as starting a business, having a child, or getting married, among other things.
