The Electoral Census Office (OCE) has provided the necessary information for the formation of the electoral roll for foreign residents in Spain (CERE) for the municipal elections. Nationals of EU countries residing in Spain who meet the requirements will be able to exercise their active suffrage rights if they formally declare their intention to vote.
This declaration of intent can be made in three ways: online, through the Electronic Office of the National Statistics Institute (INE) using the cl@ve system or a telematic processing key (CTT); in person at the Town Hall, by filling out the corresponding form; or by postal mail. The OCE will send a communication in late September 2026 to EU citizens residing in Spain who have not previously made this declaration.
The declaration of intent to vote is permanent. For it to take effect in the electoral roll valid for the May 2027 elections, registrations in the municipal register and formal declarations must be made no later than December 30, 2026.
Furthermore, residents in Spain from countries with reciprocity agreements for voting (currently Bolivia, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, Korea, Ecuador, Iceland, Norway, New Zealand, Paraguay, Peru, United Kingdom, and Trinidad and Tobago) will be able to apply for registration on the electoral roll.
The conditions for these citizens include being over 18 years of age, being registered in the municipal register, holding a residence permit, and having legally resided in Spain for the period required by each agreement (between three and five years, depending on the country). Applications can be made online, by postal mail, or in person at the Town Hall, with deadlines ranging from December 1, 2026, to January 15, 2027.
