Registering your arrival :
Spain
Registering your arrival
The law changed in 2007, abolishing the need for a residence card. You are however required to carry an official form of ID when out in public. Some confusion exists where some say there is no need for any type of Residencias. However anyone planning on staying in Spain for more than 90 days will need to apply for the residencia certificate. To get one, you must report in person to an “Oficina de Extranjeros” in the province where you intend to live or at the relevant police station and register on the Registro Central de Extranjeros and obtain your certificate. This should be done within three months of entry into Spain.
EnglishinLoja - Residencia
Fresh Directory - Benefits of Residency
Live Spain for Life - The abolition of Residencias
You must also register your arrival at the local town hall (Padron) to be counted as a resident. This gives you all rights similar to those of Spanish Nationals eg. the right to vote. The Padron certificate proves you live in Spain and have a legal address and ID number.