Alongside obtaining your NIE number, registering on the Padron is one of the crucial administration procedures residents from other countries should carry out shortly after moving to Spain.

This register records information about the people living in the municipality, and data from municipal Padrons is used to formulate the national census.

Every town hall throughout the Spanish territory administers its Padron, and each municipal authority sends population information from the register to the Spanish National Institute of Statistics (Instituto Nacional de Estadística, INE) to calculate accurate population statistics.

These statistics are important to local authorities because the data determines the levels of government funding each area gets allocated each year. In short, if more people are registered in the municipal area, the town hall is given more money to fund essential public services.

The benefits of registering on the Padron

Registering on the Padron is mandatory for all residents of Spain, and grants access to various public services. For instance, residents must register to receive healthcare through the Spanish national healthcare system, enrol in education, and obtain other social services.

Furthermore, the Padron is used for voting in local, regional, and national elections. If you're not registered on the Padron, you won't be able to exercise your right to vote in Spain.

Once you're registered on the Padron, you'll receive a registration certificate, the “Certificado de Empadronamiento”. You can use this document for a range of purposes, including :

• Enrolling children in school
• Registering for healthcare
• Registering for Social Security
• Applying for a driving license
• Applying for residency in Spain

Who should be registered on the Padron?

Anyone living in Spain for more than six months (aged 14 years or older) must register on the Padron. The registration process should be completed within three months of arriving in Spain.

The Padron is a register of residents, so if you don't live in Spain or you don't plan to spend more than six months in the country, you should not register on the Padron.

Most importantly, overseas residents who purchase a property in Spain to use as a holiday home or investment (not as their main habitual residence), should not register on the Padron.

To register on the Padron you'll need a valid in-date passport or national identity document. Nationals of a Member State of the EU or EEA (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland), will also need to provide the Residency Certificate from their country of origin.

How do you register on the Padron?

The easiest way to register on the Padron in Orihuela Costa is by visiting the online Electronic Office on the municipal website at orihuela.es.

The town hall has launched a series of video tutorials that simplify the understanding of municipal registration procedures, allowing residents to complete their Padron application online.

Available on YouTube in Spanish, English, French, Russian and Ukrainian, the videos ensure that residents can easily follow the registration process in their native language. Watch the videos now.

A handy walkthrough guide is also available in English and Spanish, illustrating how to use the Electronic Office step-by-step.

Orihuela Costa's Electronic Office is available in Spanish, English, French, German, and Italian, making online Padron registration easy for everyone. Visit the Electronic Office now.

Alternatively, the registration procedure can be carried out in person at the town hall in Playa Flamenca. A prior appointment is required, and residents can call +34 966 760 000 to make an appointment.

Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.

Photo credit: LaZenia.com

Taking place this Thursday evening, the concert kicks off with local vocalist Benny Conway gracing the Plaza´s central stage.

Known locally as “The Piano Man”, Benny Conway´s melodic repertoire consists of a variety of music throughout the eras and specialises in the music of international legends Billy Joel & Sir Elton John.

His gravelly mature tone, selection of popular classic tracks, and admirable natural proficiency with a grand piano keyboard have established Benny as a firm favourite on the local Costa Blanca live music scene.

One night only, the finest international artists and local talent

Benny Conway will be followed by an appearance from Greg Bannis. A former member of the British soul band Hot Chocolate, Greg Bannis joined the group as lead vocalist in 1992 and remained with the group until 2010.

The group reached international acclaim during the disco era of the mid-1970s, with a combination of high production standards and tight vocal harmonies that enabled the band to secure renowned hits such as “You Sexy Thing” and “Every 1's a Winner”.

Hot Chocolate found success in the United States and scored commercially successful chart releases every year between 1970 and 1984.

The former frontman promises a breathtaking performance worthy of Villamartin Plaza's hallowed stage taking the microphone from 20:45.

The Villamartin Plaza “Summer Nights” spectacular Grande Finale

Finally, local rock band, The Cages, take centre stage to close out the live musical extravaganza.

The established three-piece group have become a regular sight at some of the most well-known local venues, performing at The Celtic Drop, The Lansdowne, The Stray Sod, and a regular spot at Paddy´s Point in the heart of La Zenia.

The band formed in 2012 and over the past eight years, they have made commercial appearances and performed at special events at Zenia Boulevard, and the Eras de Sal in Torrevieja.

The Plaza management team have brought in special lighting for the event, and a fireworks spectacular will round out the evening.

The management team, spearheaded by Villamartin Plaza president Casey Shaddock, had planned another extraordinary year of musical enjoyment for Orihuela Costa residents and visitors over the summer.

A coronavirus pandemic and the public safety measures that followed the COVID-19 global outbreak changed all that, leading to unforeseen calendar changes, unprecedented travel disruption, and last-minute cancellations.

Nonetheless, Casey and her team should be commended for their unshakable, unstoppable determination to ensure that the show must go on – safely. They have fought against all odds this year, and for that, and for their valued contribution to the South Costa Blanca social scene, they deserve special recognition.

The best way to enjoy the party is by booking a table at one of the restaurants inside the plaza, with all bars and restaurants adopting best practices for maximum guest health and safety. Venues surrounding the plaza have an unobstructed view of the centre stage, and you can find more details about booking a table, including contact information, from the Villamartin Plaza website.

A date not to be missed, the biggest closing party of the 2020 year

Alternatively, limited socially-distanced seating is available in front of the centre stage with drinks service to your seat. Contact events@villamartinplaza.com for more information.

Villamartin Plaza´s spectacular “Summer Nights” Grande Finale takes place from 19:45 this Thursday 8th October 2020. Visit the official Villamartin Plaza website for more information, check out their Facebook page, or find directions to the Plaza from your location with this Google Map.

Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.

Photo credit: The Cages / LaZenia.com.

The Plaza, as it is known locally, is renowned for its annual summer entertainment calendar and legendary charitable events, raising more than €50,000 last year for worthwhile local causes.

And despite the turbulent start to the year, they've pulled out all the stops to provide three months of world-class entertainment for the forthcoming 2020 summer season.

Local acts will perform alongside international musicians, and the live music schedule kicks off slightly later than anticipated next month due to the global pandemic that's blighted the world during the first half of 2020.

Villamartin Plaza, summer 2020 live music calendar

Al Joel and Dave McLeod are scheduled to open the music season with performances on Tuesday 14th July. The Time Bandits and Villamartin Plaza favourites, Ges Rogers Union Gap, will round out the first week's line-up.

And just one week later, London-based street-singer Rob Falsini will grace the Plaza's hallowed centre stage. The musician is used to the rigours of live performance and has honed his edgy vocal rhythmic tone on the cobbled streets of Covent Garden Piazza in the nation's capital city.

The British capital legend has built up a solid global following of dedicated fans and for one night only, he'll leave London's grey skies behind for an evening at Villamartin Plaza performing live on Thursday 23rd July.

August promises a rich mix of local acts and familiar names such as Rebecca Holt, Conecta2 and De Polis. One particular highlight of the summer calendar is the appearance of the world's most respected Bon Jovi tribute band, Bon Giovi, who promise authentic renditions of the band's American rock anthems.

Bay City Rollers, rolling at Villamartin Plaza

Finally, September will see a string of famous names hit the Plaza's centre stage, with X-Factor stars Steve Brookstein and Andy Abraham, swiftly followed by the Three Degrees and their fabulous band.

Villamartin Plaza will close the 2020 season in an inimitable style, with a performance by Les McKeown's Bay City Rollers. The group closed out last year´s season and will return to Villamartin Plaza to reprise their role.

The Bay City Rollers are a Scottish pop-rock band known for their worldwide teen idol popularity in the 70s. Over the years they have been called the “tartan teen sensations” and “the biggest group since the Beatles”.

The group's line-up experienced many changes over the years, but lead singer Les McKeown kept the band “rolling” releasing a studio album “The Lost Songs” in 2016.

Live music on the Costa Blanca this summer 2020

The band will take a break from their 2020 international tour: a gruelling 27-date one-night-only live music extravaganza that takes in venues across Canada during the spring, Australia during the summer, and Villamartin Plaza on Thursday 24th September.

President of the Villamartin Plaza, Casey Shaddock, stated “Everyone asks ´How can you top 2019s music?´ Well, we have, and 2020 brings one of the strongest line-ups of live music in all of Spain and beyond!”

The summer line-up promises tribute acts, rock and pop, Northern soul, and with the overwhelming success of last year's Summer Nights program, we're confident that the Plaza's management team will be bringing awesome live music and entertainment to midweek's throughout the summer.

Events at Villamartin Plaza are always well subscribed, and booking for any of this year's events is strongly recommended. Find out about Villamartin Plaza's summer schedule by visiting the official website.

Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.

Photo credit: Les Mckeown / Bon Giovi / The Three Degrees / Union Gap / The Bay City Rollers

Organised by the Villamartin Plaza management team, the charity day will be supported by a cast of local talented musicians and vocalists, and a headline appearance from British glam-rock band, Doctor and the Medics.

The group formed in 1981 and is best known for their cover of Norman Greenbaum's “Spirit in the Sky” which reached No. 1 in the UK Singles Chart and proved to be an acclaimed worldwide hit in 1986.

The seven-piece band have an extensive discography spanning four decades and released their most recent track “Lift Me Up” in 2016. The following year Doctor and the Medics produced a re-recorded video of their classic track some 31 years after the original production (you can see the video on YouTube below).

Aid the Costas 2020 will be hosted by Casey Shaddock and Stevie Spit, and the duo are promising a full day of world-class entertainment with something for all the family to enjoy, including bouncy castles and face-painting for younger music lovers.

The Villamartin Plaza team are hoping to raise money for four great local causes: the Apanee Centre for Disabled Children in Torrevieja, the Franciscan Men's Shelter in Gandia, the Little Pod Association for animals, and the San José Obrero Orphanage.

Aid the Costas 2020: the Villamartin Plaza charity mega-event

The event is completely free to attend, but participants who wish to support the charities represented on the day can purchase raffle tickets in advance, with the chance to win up to €1,000 in two identical raffles, with additional prizes of €500 and €250. Tickets cost €5.00 each and can be purchased online here.

Villamartin Plaza's “Aid the Costas” springtime mega-party takes place on Sunday 17th May 2020, with live music and entertainment all day from 13:00. For more information visit the official Villamartin Plaza website, or find them on Facebook by clicking here.

Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.

Photo credit: Doctor & The Medics / LaZenia.com

Villamartin Plaza is renowned for its summer entertainment calendar, but for 2018, they have pulled out all the stops to provide more than four months of world-class entertainment throughout the peak season.

Local acts will perform alongside international musicians such as the Los Angeles California based Oneida James Band.

The female vocalist and American bass guitarist is an LA club circuit veteran, having previously performed live on tour with musical legends such as Cypress Hill and Lenny Kravitz.

Villamartin Plaza spectacular summer live music calendar

Just last year, the band performed on the Play It Forward European tour at the Weinscheune Kodersdorf in Germany, and they´ll be hoping to replicate their success on the Orihuela Costa, appearing at The Plaza on Thursday 19th July.

London based street-singer Rob Falsini is used to the rigours of live performance and has honed his edgy vocal rhythmic tone on the cobbled streets of Covent Garden Piazza in the nation's capital city.

Fresh out of a nationwide UK and Ireland tour, the local legend has built up a strong global following of dedicated fans.

For one night only, he will leave London's grey skies behind for an evening at Villamartin Plaza performing live on Wednesday 19th September.

Rob Falsini won't be the only British sensation rocking The Plaza this year, and he will be joined by legendary singer-songwriter Paul Da Vinci.

Live at The Plaza, The Paul Da Vinci Explosion Tour

Paul is best known for the incredible three-and-a-half octave voice on the Rubettes number one selling single “Sugar Baby Love”, which sold over 8 million copies worldwide.

With a phenomenal singing career spanning more than four decades, Paul Da Vinci has worked with many top artists including Elton John, Ringo Starr, The Hollies, and David Essex.

Enjoying chart successes in the 1970s and 1980s as a solo artist, in 2016 he launched The Paul da Vinci Explosion, a band of seasoned top session musicians with an exciting and authentic remastering of beloved classic tracks from the 1960s and 1970s.

Paul Da Vinci will be performing at the Twinwood Festival 2018 in Bedford UK this summer, and a single European tour date at Villamartin Plaza, Thursday 14th June.

Cleveland Ohio born Ray Lewis performs live at The Plaza on Thursday 5th July.

Villamartin Plaza, it's official … there will be a Royal presence

The former American frontman for the legendary New York soul vocal group, The Drifters, will take a break from his 2018 European Tour to play just two dates in Spain, one in Marbella, and one night only at the Villamartin Plaza.

Finally, Villamartin Plaza will close the 2018 season in an inimitable style, with a performance by British soft-rock royalty icon and global vocal superstar, Leo Sayer and his band.

Now resident in Australia, the legendary entertainer boasts a career that spans forty years originally entering the UK charts with his debut song “The Show Must Go On” in late 1973.

Signed to Warner Brothers Music, and later represented by the Universal Music Group, Leo Sayer's “Thunder in My Heart” in association with London Eurodance DJ Craig Dimech, hit number one on the UK charts in 2006.

Due to commence his Australian Tour later this month, Leo Sayer is scheduled to play out Villamartin Plaza's summer calendar of music and entertainment on Thursday 20th September this year.

Events at The Plaza in Spain are usually well subscribed, and booking for any of this year's events is strongly recommended.

Find out about Villamartin Plaza's summer schedule by visiting the official website.

Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.

Photo credit: Universal Music Group / Oneida James / Rob Falsini / Ray Lewis Music / Paul Da Vinci /  LaZenia.com