The full guide
What is a cita previa?
A cita previa is a prior appointment. Spain’s police and immigration offices (extranjería) only see people who have booked one. You need it for most first steps after moving: getting an NIE number, taking fingerprints for your TIE card, and many residence procedures.
Appointments are free. The government runs one booking system, called ICP, for all provinces.
Common procedures and what to choose
| You need | Choose this procedure |
|---|---|
| TIE card after a visa | Policía: toma de huellas (expedición de tarjeta) |
| NIE certificate | Policía: certificados y asignación NIE |
| EU citizen registration | Policía: certificado de registro de ciudadano de la UE |
| Paper residence application | Extranjería: the procedure named in your form (EX-xx) |
Names vary slightly between provinces. If two options look similar, read the description underneath before you pick one.
Why it’s hard to get a slot
In busy provinces demand is far higher than supply. Slots are released in batches at times that aren’t published, and they go in minutes. That gap created a black market: people use bots to grab slots and sell them. Police have broken up networks doing this, and paying them puts your passport details in the hands of strangers.
How to get an appointment yourself
Check at odd hours. Early morning (around 8:00 to 9:00) and late evening are commonly the best times, but patterns change. Check several times a day.
Be flexible on the office. In large provinces you can choose any office. A 30-minute train ride is better than waiting six weeks.
Book everyone together. Open the booking in separate browser windows, one per family member, and book back-to-back slots.
Use the phone line as a backup. Some procedures can also be booked by phone on 060, and some offices give appointments at the counter. Ask at your local police station.
What to do if there are never any slots
If you have a legal deadline, such as applying for your TIE within one month of arriving, keep evidence of your attempts: dated screenshots of “no appointments available”. If the deadline passes through no fault of your own, that evidence helps. A registered gestoría or immigration lawyer can also file some applications online for you, which avoids the queue for those procedures. That’s a professional service, not a resold appointment.
Common mistakes
Booking in the wrong province. You must use the province where you live.
Wrong name format. Enter your name exactly as on your passport, including all surnames.
Missing the fee. Many procedures need form 790-012 paid in advance. Bring the stamped receipt.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pay someone to book for me?
You can pay a gestoría for its time and advice, but nobody can legally sell you a slot. If someone offers a guaranteed appointment for a fee, walk away.
Can I change or cancel an appointment?
Yes. Use the same ICP site and the option to cancel with your locator code, then book again. Cancelling frees the slot for someone else.
What if I arrive late?
Offices are strict. Arrive 15 minutes early: if you miss your slot, you’ll usually have to book again.
