Proof of your residency serves to prove that you are a resident of a particular place and therefore, to determine your right to receive benefits and be part of programs or classifications that are reserved for residents of the area. Residence regulations vary greatly depending on the country, city and municipality where you reside. To register to vote, for example, you only need an identity document; However, it is necessary to prove that you have lived in the European Union for a certain number of years (which varies from country to country) to receive benefits reserved for EU students at EU universities.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Proving residency on the General Line
Step 1. Find out what kind of proof of residence the institution needs before applying
There are some common tests that are required; however, the type of evidence varies by location.
Step 2. Print or take a copy of a utility bill with you
To avoid complications, bring a one year old bill and one from last month. This is if the institution wants to verify that you have lived in that address for at least a year and that you still live there.
You can bring a water, electricity, gas bill, a bank statement or a landline phone bill
Step 3. Make a copy of your rental or property agreement that proves that you live in that location
In some cases, leases are not acceptable. In others, the signature of a notary is required to validate them.
Step 4. Renew your identity card as soon as you move to a new city or town
Make sure your current address is listed on the document. Bring the original of your identity card with you to prove your residence.
Step 5. Keep in mind that checks, passports, cell phone bills, and fishing licenses are most of the time not acceptable as proof of residency
Step 6. Bring an official letter from the municipality that has a court seal and is dated at least twelve months older
These documents may include: adoption certificates, tax forms, a name change certificate, a marriage license, a social services document or the contract for the purchase of a property. In some cases it is enough to prove that you are the owner of the house in which you live or that you are the holder of the insurance that covers it.
Step 7. Bring with you several documents proving your residence if you do not have the opportunity to do research on the institution in question, before applying
Carrying as many documents with you as you can will save you from wasting unnecessary time and incurring additional expenses.
Part 2 of 2: Proving your Residence at a University
Step 1. Get in touch with the university you wish to enroll in
Ask the secretary for how long it is necessary for you to have lived in your current home to benefit from any financial aid. Many universities require at least one year of residency; others even from five to ten years.
Some universities, such as the University of Bozen-Bolzano, require a year of certified residency before applying to receive financial aid
Step 2. Ask your parents for documents if you are under nineteen
Check with your university that they accept them. This way, you can prove your residence, even if you still live with your family.
Step 3. Bring two of these documents, which have your address printed on them, with you to the registration office:
voting document, tax form, driver's license, bank statement, marriage license, utility bills, car tax, health insurance, military leave document, union card or social assistance card. Remember that you need two different documents and they must be dated at least one year before the date of your application.
Step 4. Don't bring credit cards, school records, or affidavits from friends or family
Monthly checks or leases may or may not be acceptable, depending on the university.
