Well, I decided to empadronar in Bilbao. First off, I started by gathering all the necessary documents. I rummaged through my drawers to find my ID, which was a bit of a hassle as I’m not the most organized person. Then I had to get my proof of address. I went to the local post office to get a statement that showed my address in Bilbao.
Next, I headed to the local town hall. It was a bit nerve – wracking walking in there, like I was entering a foreign land. I queued up at the information desk and asked where I could empadronar. The lady at the desk pointed me to a specific counter. I shuffled over there and waited my turn.
When it was finally my turn, I handed over all the documents to the officer. He started looking through them one by one. I was sweating a bit, worried that I might have missed something. He asked me a few questions, like how long I planned to stay in Bilbao. I told him I was there for the long – run, as I really loved the city’s vibe.
After a while of him checking and typing on his computer, he finally said everything was okay. He gave me a form to fill out with some personal details. I scribbled down my info as best as I could, making sure not to mess up any of the spellings.
Once I handed the form back, he took a copy of all my documents and told me to wait for a bit. I sat down on one of the chairs in the waiting area, feeling a bit impatient. After what seemed like ages, he called me back to the counter. He gave me a receipt and told me that my empadronamiento was official.
So, why did I do it? Well, there are three good reasons. First, it gives me access to local services. I can use the public libraries, and I’m eligible for some local discounts. Second, it’s a way to feel more like a part of the community. I can vote in local elections and have a say in how the city is run. Third, it makes things a lot easier when dealing with other administrative stuff. I don’t have to keep proving my residency all the time.
Overall, the process of empadronar in Bilbao was a bit of a journey, but it was totally worth it. Now I can enjoy all the perks that come with being an official resident here!