Nerja’s future is in your hands

There’s no place like Nerja. Famed for its scenic beauty and the whimsical charm of its whitewashed houses and winding streets, the town is also home to a thriving expatriate community. 

Foreigners travel from all over the world to mingle with the charming Nerjeños, so together they can kick back and bask in their shared love of gastronomy, wine, Mediterranean culture, and the sea, resulting in a unique Spanish village that somehow remains as vibrant as it is tranquil. 

Unfortunately, a potential threat looms just over the horizon in Nerja, one that could deal a serious blow to so many of the things that form the very foundation of the community.  

At the present time, it is estimated that nearly 30 per cent of Nerja’s residents are of foreign origin. The population currently hovers at around 22,000, but if the town census falls below 20,000, Nerja would have to be reclassified and could potentially lose a massive amount of funding. This would result in the town potentially losing police officers, firefighters, teachers and other valuable public services. 

For this reason, the Nerja Town Hall is urging all foreign residents to renew their municipal padron, thus keeping the town well above the 20,000 mark and ensuring that both residents and visitors have access to all of the essentials that contribute to making Nerja the little piece of paradise that it has become today.

All foreign residents must renew their padron every two years, or they will be deregistered. The deadline this time around is March 31. Those looking for more information can contact the Foreigner’s Department at extranjeros@nerja.es, or go directly to the Foreigner’s Department of the town hall, along with an NIE, passport, driving licence, or other identification. The Foreigner’s Department is open from 10am to 1.30pm on Mondays and Thursdays only.