Roughly equivalent to the UK electoral roll, registering at the local town hall (Ayuntamiento) benefits both you and the municipality (borough). It gives you the automatic right to enrol your children in the local schools (if places are limited preference will be given to registered children). At the same time that you register you will be asked to sign a census form which gives you the right to vote in local council and European Union elections. Those of you who are already registered and haven't received voting cards in previous elections need to check that you have signed the census form.

Manilva itself receives funding from the Regional and State governments dependent on the number of residents registered as living in the muncipality, and pays for such things as social services, maintenance and cleaning, healthcare, policing etc. which benefits everybody living in the area.

To register, simply visit the Town Hall in Manilva or the Tenencia Alcaldia in Sabinillas (in the El Mero building opposite the underpass in Sabinillas - Estepona direction), with your passport and escritura (title deed) if you are a property owner, or a current rental contract or a utility bill with the owner's name and address on it.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is not a 'Residencia', it does not mean you having to pay any extra taxes, nor does it cost you anything. If you are living in the area, and therefore using local resources, you owe it to yourself and your neighbours to register.

For more information contact the Foreigners' Department  in the Castle in Castillo de la Duquesa. The office can be found to the left of the entrance, and is open from 8 am to 2 pm Monday to Friday.

You can also contact Chris or Beli on 952 893 548 or 663 969 636.