Requirements and deadlines for foreign residents to be able to vote in the 2027 municipal elections

The municipal elections will be held on May 23, 2027. Foreign citizens with the right to vote must be registered in the Electoral Census of Foreign Residents in Spain (CERE).
06.10.2026
REQUISITOS Y PLAZOS PARA QUE LOS RESIDENTES EXTRANJEROS PUEDAN VOTAR EN LAS ELECCIONES MUNICIPALES DE 2027
Being registered is not enough: it is also necessary to complete the electoral process that corresponds to your nationality.

NATIONALITY

TERM

Countries of the European Union

Until December 30, 2026

Countries with reciprocity agreements

From December 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027, both inclusive

1. CITIZENS OF COUNTRIES OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

If you hold the nationality of another European Union country and reside in Torrevieja, you must meet these requirements:

  • Be 18 years old on election day and not be deprived of the right to vote.
  • To be registered as a resident in Torrevieja.
  • Have your national identity document or passport and your European Union citizen registration certificate, known as the "green certificate".
  • To expressly state their willingness to vote in the municipal elections in Spain.

The deadline for completing the process is December 30, 2026. If you need to register your address, you must also do so within that period.

How can you express your willingness to vote?

  • Online, through the INE's Electronic Office (https://sede.ine.gob.es), using Cl@ve or the online processing key (CTT) included in the letter from the Electoral Census Office. The CTT allows you to complete the process without Cl@ve.
  • By mail, if you have received the letter: complete and sign the declaration and return it following its instructions. Postage is free.
  • In person, at the Town Hall where you are registered, by completing the corresponding form.

The Electoral Census Office has planned to send letters at the end of September to EU citizens who had not been contacted in previous municipal elections and who had not expressed their willingness to vote.

If you have already expressed your intention to vote and are still registered in the electoral census, you do not need to submit a new declaration.

On the same form you can also express your intention to vote in Spain in future elections to the European Parliament.

2. CITIZENS OF COUNTRIES WITH RECIPROCITY AGREEMENTS

Nationals of Bolivia, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, South Korea, Ecuador, Iceland, Norway, New Zealand, Paraguay, Peru, the United Kingdom and Trinidad and Tobago may apply for registration.

Nationals of other countries will also be able to do so if new agreements are signed with Spain that are in force within the application period.

Requirements:

  • Be 18 years old on election day and not be deprived of the right to vote.
  • Have a residence permit in Spain.
  • To be registered as a resident in Torrevieja.
  • Fulfill the legal and uninterrupted residence period required according to your nationality.

NATIONALITY

REQUIRED RESIDENCE TIME

Norway

Three years of legal residence in Spain on the day of the vote.

United Kingdom

At least three years of legal residence prior to the application.

Other countries with agreements

At least five years of legal residence prior to the application.

The length of residence may be proven by means of a residence certificate issued by the Immigration Office or the Police Station of the province.

The application period will be from December 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027, both inclusive.

The Electoral Census Office plans to send letters at the end of November 2026 to facilitate voter registration. These letters will include personal and residency information and, where applicable, a CTT (electronic registration form) to complete the process online without Cl@ve.

The application can be made online at the INE Electronic Office, using Cl@ve or the CTT received; by mail following the instructions in the letter; or in person at the Town Hall where you are registered.

You must apply for registration for these elections even if you have already registered or voted in previous municipal elections.

If you do not receive the letter and you meet the requirements, you can go to the Town Hall within the corresponding period to complete the procedure.

For more information, you can contact the Torrevieja Town Hall or the Electoral Census Office. Electoral Census Office information telephone: 900 343 232. Electronic office: https://sede.ine.gob.es.