NIE Appointment Spain How to Book Cita Previa (Step-by-Step)

Why Is Booking a NIE Appointment So Difficult?

Before we dive into how to book, let's understand why it's so hard:

High demand, limited slots:

• Barcelona, Madrid, and other major expat cities have thousands of foreigners trying to book NIE appointments
• Immigration offices release appointments in batches, not continuously
• Appointments fill up within minutes (sometimes seconds) of being released
• The booking system crashes frequently under heavy load

Seasonal spikes:

• September-October: Students arriving for university
• January-February: New year relocations
• Summer: Digital nomads and seasonal workers

COVID backlog:

• Immigration offices are still catching up from pandemic closures
• Reduced staff and hours in some locations

Scalpers and booking services:

• Some services use bots to grab appointments, then resell them for €50-150
• This further reduces availability for everyone else

The good news: Once you understand the system, you can beat it. Let's show you how.

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NIE Appointment Booking: Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Go to the Official Government Website

The ONLY official site for NIE appointments in Spain:

🔗 https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es

Or search Google for: "cita previa extranjería"

Warning: There are fake/unofficial sites that look similar. Always verify you're on a .gob.es domain (Spanish government).

Step 2: Select Your Province

On the homepage, you'll see a map of Spain or a dropdown menu.

Click on your province (not city). For example:

• Barcelona → Select "Barcelona"
• Madrid → Select "Madrid"
• Valencia → Select "Valencia/València"
• Málaga → Select "Málaga"
• Alicante → Select "Alicante/Alacant"

Important: You must book in the province where you live or will live. You can't book in Valencia if you live in Barcelona.

Step 3: Choose the Correct Appointment Type

This is where many people make mistakes. You must select the exact right option.

For EU citizens getting NIE: Select: "Policía - Certificados de Registros de Ciudadano de la U.E."

This is for the Green NIE certificate (permanent residence registration for EU citizens).

For non-EU citizens getting NIE: Select: "Policía - Toma de Huellas (Expedición de Tarjeta) y Renovación de Tarjeta de Larga Duración"

This is for the TIE card (residence card) which includes your NIE number.

For temporary NIE (white NIE): Select: "Policía - Asignación de NIE"

This is for temporary NIE (valid 3 months) if you need one for a specific transaction like buying property but aren't living in Spain.

Most common mistake: Selecting the wrong appointment type. Double-check before proceeding.

Step 4: Accept Terms and Enter Details

• Click "Aceptar" (Accept) on the disclaimer
• Select the specific office/police station (if multiple options)
• Click "Aceptar" again

You'll now see a form requesting:

• NIE/Passport number (enter your passport if you don't have NIE yet)
• Full name
• Date of birth
• Nationality
• Email address
• Phone number (Spanish format: +34 followed by 9 digits)

Critical: Enter your email correctly. Confirmation is sent here.

Step 5: Check for Available Appointments

After submitting your details, the system will show:

Option A: Appointments available

• You'll see a calendar with available dates
• Dates with appointments show in green/clickable
• Click on a date to see available time slots
• Select a time slot
• Confirm your appointment
• You'll receive confirmation email with appointment details

Option B: No appointments available (most common)

• Screen shows: "En este momento no hay citas disponibles"
• This means: "There are currently no appointments available"
• Don't panic. Read the next section.

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When Are NIE Appointments Released?

This is the most valuable information in this guide.

Appointment Release Schedule by City

Barcelona:

• New appointments released: Mondays at 8:00 AM
• Sometimes also: Tuesdays at 8:00 AM
• Slots fill up: Within 5-20 minutes
• Best strategy: Be online at 7:55 AM Monday, refresh at exactly 8:00 AM

Madrid:

• New appointments released: Mondays and Tuesdays, 8:00 AM
• Also sporadic releases: Thursday mornings
• Slots fill up: Within 10-30 minutes
• Competition is fierce; have backup cities ready

Valencia:

• More consistent availability than Barcelona/Madrid
• New appointments: Monday mornings
• Typically easier to book than Barcelona/Madrid

Málaga (Costa del Sol):

• Moderate availability
• Check: Monday and Thursday mornings

Alicante:

• Better availability than Barcelona
• Check: Monday mornings

Smaller cities (Girona, Tarragona, Lleida, Granada, etc.):

• Much better availability
• Appointments often available throughout the week
• Consider booking in smaller nearby city

Pro tip: Spanish government offices work on Spanish time. If the system says appointments released "Monday morning," that means Monday at 8:00 AM or later—never Sunday night.

How to Maximize Your Chances

1. Set multiple alarms for Monday 7:55 AM

• Be logged in and ready before 8:00 AM
• Have the booking page open
• Have all your details ready to copy-paste

2. Try multiple devices

• Computer + phone simultaneously
• The system sometimes recognizes IP addresses
• Using different devices (different IPs) can help

3. Be persistent

• If Monday doesn't work, try Tuesday same time
• Check sporadically throughout the week (cancellations happen)
• Set aside 15 minutes every Monday/Tuesday morning for 2-4 weeks

4. Have backup cities ready

• If Barcelona is always full, try Girona (1 hour away)
• If Madrid is full, try Toledo or Guadalajara
• Smaller cities = better availability

5. Consider off-season

• July-August: Fewer students
• November-December: Post-autumn rush
• Avoid September-October (university intake)

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No Appointments Available? Here Are Your Options

Option 1: Try Smaller Nearby Cities

Instead of fighting for Barcelona/Madrid appointments, book in a smaller city:

Near Barcelona:

• Girona (1 hour by train) - Much easier to book
• Tarragona (1 hour by train)
• Sabadell (30 min by train)
• Terrassa (30 min)
• Mataró (30 min)

Near Madrid:

• Toledo (30 min by train)
• Guadalajara (45 min)
• Alcalá de Henares (30 min)
• Getafe (20 min)

Near Valencia:

• Castellón (1 hour)
• Alicante (2 hours but better availability)

Requirements:

• You can book in any city within your province
• Bring proof you live in that province (rental contract, empadronamiento)
• Travel costs may apply, but you'll get your appointment faster

Option 2: Use the Official Queue System (Cola de Espera)

Some provinces offer a waiting list system:

• When no appointments available, you can join the queue
• System notifies you via SMS/email when slot opens
• You have 24 hours to confirm
• Not available in all provinces (check your local site)

Option 3: Walk-In (Without Appointment)

This is risky but sometimes works:

Some immigration offices accept walk-ins if:

• You arrive very early (6:00-7:00 AM before office opens at 9:00 AM)
• You explain urgent circumstances
• Office has capacity that day

Where walk-ins sometimes work:

• Smaller cities with less demand
• Mid-week (Wednesday-Thursday)
• Not in Barcelona/Madrid (they'll turn you away)

Success rate: 20-30% depending on office and day

What to bring:

• All required documents (complete, not missing anything)
• Proof of urgency if applicable
• Patience (you might wait 3-4 hours)

Option 4: Hire a Professional NIE Booking Service

Several legal companies offer to book NIE appointments for you.

How it works:

• You pay €50-150 upfront
• They monitor the system and book when slots appear
• They typically get appointments within 1-2 weeks
• You still attend the appointment yourself

Pros:

• Saves you time and frustration
• Higher success rate (they use automated monitoring)
• Money-back guarantee if they can't book (check terms)

Cons:

• Costs €50-150 (NIE itself only costs €9.84)
• Some services are scams (verify reviews first)
• Doesn't guarantee faster overall timeline

Is it worth it?

• If you've tried for 3-4 weeks without success: Yes
• If your visa deadline is approaching: Absolutely
• If you have time and patience: No, keep trying yourself

Verified services:

• Gestorias (administrative agencies) - €80-120
• Immigration lawyers - €100-150
• Online NIE booking platforms - €50-80

→ Professional NIE booking service (€79)

Option 5: Apply at Spanish Consulate in Your Home Country

Before moving to Spain:

If you haven't arrived yet, you can apply for NIE at Spanish consulate/embassy in your country.

Pros:

• Skip the Spain booking nightmare
• Arrive in Spain with NIE already
• Processing: 2-8 weeks typically

Cons:

• Not possible if you're already in Spain
• Requires justification (job offer, property purchase, etc.)
• May still need to complete process in Spain after arrival

Who this works for:

• People with job offers before moving
• Property buyers
• Students with university acceptance

Who this doesn't work for:

• Already in Spain
• Don't have official reason for NIE (but plan to work remotely, etc.)

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NIE Appointment Rejected: Common Reasons & Solutions

You finally got an appointment, attended it, and... they rejected your application. Frustrating!

Here are the most common rejection reasons and how to avoid them:

Rejection Reason #1: Wrong Documents

Problem: Missing documents or wrong document types.

Required for EU citizens:

• Valid passport or national ID
• Form EX-18 (NOT EX-15) - completed but NOT signed
• Proof you live in Spain: rental contract, deed, empadronamiento
• Proof of funds: Bank statement showing €6,000+ OR job contract
• Health insurance: European Health Card OR private insurance

Required for non-EU citizens:

• Valid passport
• Visa/residence permit
• Form EX-17 (for TIE card)
• Biometric photo
• Insurance proof
• Other docs depending on visa type

Solution: Verify exact requirements for YOUR situation at official site or with gestoría BEFORE appointment.

Rejection Reason #2: Form EX-15/EX-18 Signed Before Appointment

Problem: You signed the form at home. They want you to sign IN FRONT OF THEM.

Solution: Fill out the form completely, but leave signature blank. Sign at the appointment in front of the officer.

Rejection Reason #3: Insufficient Proof of Residence

Problem: You show a hotel booking or Airbnb. They want permanent address proof.

Solution: Bring rental contract (contrato de arrendamiento) or empadronamiento certificate from town hall.

If you just arrived:

• Book long-term rental (minimum 6 months)
• Register at town hall (empadronamiento) BEFORE NIE appointment
• Bring both rental contract AND empadronamiento certificate

Rejection Reason #4: Insufficient Proof of Funds

Problem: Your bank statement shows €1,000. They want to see you can support yourself.

Minimum required:

• EU citizens: €6,000 per person (approximate)
• Non-EU varies by visa type

Solution: Show bank statement, savings, or employment contract demonstrating financial stability.

Rejection Reason #5: Wrong Modelo 790 Payment

Problem: You paid the wrong fee code or amount.

Correct for NIE:

• Form: Modelo 790 Código 012
• Amount: €9.84 (as of 2025)
• Payment before appointment at bank or ATM

Solution:

• Download Modelo 790 from official site
• Fill out your details
• Select code 012
• Pay at any Spanish bank (Santander, BBVA, CaixaBank, etc.)
• Bring receipt to appointment

Pro tip: Some banks have machines that print and accept payment instantly. Others require you to wait in line for a teller.

Rejection Reason #6: Photocopies Not Provided

Problem: You brought originals only. They want originals + copies.

Solution: Bring originals + photocopies of EVERYTHING. Make 2 copies of each document just in case.

Rejection Reason #7: Wrong Appointment Type

Problem: You booked "Toma de Huellas" but you need "Certificado de Registro."

Solution: Triple-check you selected the correct appointment type for YOUR situation (EU vs non-EU, first time vs renewal, etc.).

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Form EX-15 vs EX-18: Which One Do You Need?

This confuses everyone. Here's the clear answer:

Form EX-15 (Asignación de NIE)

Use if:

• You're getting a temporary/white NIE (valid 3 months)
• You're a non-resident needing NIE for a specific transaction
• You're buying property but not living in Spain
• You're setting up business remotely

Downloads: Official government site or Google "formulario EX-15 PDF"

Form EX-18 (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la UE)

Use if:

• You're an EU citizen living in Spain
• You're getting the green NIE certificate (permanent)
• You're staying more than 3 months

This is what most EU expats need.

Form EX-17 (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero - TIE)

Use if:

• You're a non-EU citizen
• You're getting a residence card/TIE
• Your NIE is on your TIE card

Downloads: Official site or immigration lawyer

How to Fill Out the Forms

General tips:

• Fill out in BLOCK CAPITALS
• Use black or blue ink (if handwriting)
• Or type directly into PDF and print
• Do NOT sign until you're at the appointment
• Make 2 photocopies

Common fields:

• "Apellidos" = Last name(s)
• "Nombre" = First name
• "Fecha de nacimiento" = Date of birth (DD/MM/YYYY)
• "Nacionalidad" = Nationality
• "Domicilio en España" = Address in Spain
• "Teléfono" = Phone number

Tricky section: "Motivo de la solicitud" (Reason for application)

Be specific:

• ❌ "To live in Spain" (too vague)
• ✅ "Employment - contract with [company name]"
• ✅ "Property purchase - Escritura ref #..."
• ✅ "University studies - Enrollment at [university]"

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NIE vs TIE vs Green Card: What's the Difference?

This causes massive confusion. Let's clarify:

NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero)

What it is: Your foreigner tax identification number. Think of it like a social security number.

Format: Letter (X, Y, or Z) + 7 digits + letter (e.g., X-1234567-A)

Who needs it: Every foreigner who does anything official in Spain

Valid for: Life (the number never changes)

What it's used for:

• Opening bank accounts
• Signing rental contracts
• Employment contracts
• Buying property
• Paying taxes
• Registering a car
• Getting utilities

Types:

• White NIE (temporary): Valid 3 months, for specific transactions
• Green NIE (permanent): For EU citizens living in Spain

TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero)

What it is: Physical residence card for non-EU citizens

What it looks like: Plastic ID card (like a driver's license)

Who needs it: Non-EU citizens with residence permit

What's on it:

• Your photo
• Your NIE number
• Fingerprint
• Residence permit type
• Expiration date

Valid for: Depends on permit type (1-5 years, renewable)

Important: The TIE card CONTAINS your NIE number. You don't get separate documents.

Green NIE Certificate (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la UE)

What it is: Residence registration certificate for EU citizens

What it looks like: A4 green paper with one laminated side

Who needs it: EU citizens living in Spain more than 3 months

What's on it:

• Your NIE number
• Registration date
• Your address

Valid for: Life (doesn't expire, but you should update if you move)

Important: EU citizens don't get TIE cards. You get this green certificate instead.

Quick Decision Tree

Are you from EU/EEA/Switzerland?

• YES → You get Green NIE Certificate (form EX-18)
• NO → You get TIE Card (form EX-17)

Are you living in Spain or just doing a transaction?

• Living here → Green NIE (EU) or TIE (non-EU)
• Just a transaction → White NIE (form EX-15, valid 3 months)

Do I need NIE AND TIE?

• No. Your TIE card has your NIE number on it.
• If someone asks for your NIE, you give the number from your TIE card.

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Complete NIE Appointment Checklist

Before Booking

• ☐ Confirm which form you need (EX-15, EX-17, or EX-18)
• ☐ Determine your appointment type (see earlier section)
• ☐ Find your provincial immigration office
• ☐ Check appointment release days (usually Monday 8 AM)

Booking Your Appointment

• ☐ Go to sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es
• ☐ Select your province
• ☐ Select correct appointment type
• ☐ Try Monday 8:00 AM sharp
• ☐ Have backup cities ready
• ☐ Save confirmation email

Before Appointment Day

• ☐ Download and complete correct form (don't sign yet!)
• ☐ Gather all required documents (see next section)
• ☐ Make photocopies of everything (2 copies each)
• ☐ Pay Modelo 790 fee (€9.84) at bank
• ☐ Get bank receipt stamped
• ☐ Arrive 15-30 minutes early

At the Appointment

• ☐ Bring originals + photocopies of all documents
• ☐ Sign form in front of officer
• ☐ Answer questions honestly
• ☐ Get receipt or temporary NIE certificate
• ☐ Ask when permanent certificate will arrive (1-4 weeks)

After Appointment

• ☐ Check mailbox for NIE certificate (delivered by post)
• ☐ Make copies of your NIE for your records
• ☐ Update all services with your NIE number

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Required Documents for NIE Appointment

For EU Citizens (Green NIE - Form EX-18)

Essential documents:

1. Valid passport or national ID (original + photocopy)
2. Form EX-18 completed (unsigned)
3. Proof of residence in Spain:
   • Rental contract (contrato de arrendamiento) OR
   • Property deed (escritura) OR
   • Empadronamiento (town hall registration)
4. Proof of financial means:
   • Bank statement (€6,000+ recommended) OR
   • Employment contract OR
   • Pension statement OR
   • Scholarship letter (students)
5. Health insurance:
   • European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) OR
   • Private health insurance policy (in Spanish or translated)
6. Modelo 790 payment receipt (€9.84)
7. Appointment confirmation email

Optional but recommended:

• Passport photos (sometimes requested)
• Previous NIE certificate (if renewal)

For Non-EU Citizens (TIE Card - Form EX-17)

Essential documents:

1. Valid passport (original + photocopy - all pages)
2. Current visa or residence authorization
3. Form EX-17 completed (unsigned)
4. Proof of address (rental contract or empadronamiento)
5. Three recent passport photos (white background)
6. Proof of health insurance
7. Modelo 790 payment receipt
8. Additional documents specific to your visa type:
   • Work visa: Employment contract
   • Student visa: University enrollment
   • Family reunification: Family member's documents
   • Entrepreneur visa: Business plan and registration

Pro tip: Check the specific requirements for YOUR visa type on the official immigration website or with your lawyer.

For Temporary NIE (Form EX-15)

Essential documents:

1. Valid passport (original + photocopy)
2. Form EX-15 completed (unsigned)
3. Justification for NIE request:
   • Property purchase contract OR
   • Business incorporation documents OR
   • Court summons OR
   • Any official document requiring NIE
4. Modelo 790 payment receipt (€9.84)

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How Long Does NIE Processing Take?

Timeline breakdown:

Booking appointment:

• Barcelona/Madrid: 2-4 weeks of trying
• Smaller cities: 1-2 weeks
• Walk-in or paid service: 1-2 weeks

Appointment to NIE issuance:

• Same day: Sometimes you get temporary white certificate
• 1-2 weeks: Typical for Green NIE certificate (EU citizens)
• 3-4 weeks: Typical for TIE card (non-EU citizens)
• Up to 6 weeks: If delays or incomplete documents

Total timeline:

• EU citizens: 3-6 weeks from start to finish
• Non-EU citizens: 4-8 weeks from start to finish

Can it be faster?

• Applying at consulate before arrival: 2-8 weeks
• Urgent processing: Not typically available for NIE
• Paid services: Only speed up the appointment booking, not processing

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NIE Appointment Costs

Is professional help worth it?

• If you've tried 4+ weeks without booking: Yes
• If visa deadline approaching: Yes
• If you have time and tech skills: No

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Common NIE Appointment Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Waiting Until Last Minute

Problem: Your visa expires in 2 weeks and you haven't booked NIE appointment yet.

Solution: Start booking process as soon as you arrive in Spain (or even before).

Mistake #2: Booking Wrong Appointment Type

Problem: You book "Asignación de NIE" but need "Certificado de Registro."

Solution: Read carefully and select the correct option for your nationality and situation.

Mistake #3: Signing Form EX-18 Before Appointment

Problem: They reject your application because form was signed at home.

Solution: Fill everything out but sign ONLY at the appointment in front of the officer.

Mistake #4: Not Bringing Photocopies

Problem: They ask for photocopies and you only brought originals.

Solution: Always bring originals + 2 photocopies of every document.

Mistake #5: Paying Wrong Modelo 790 Code

Problem: You paid code 790-052 instead of 790-012.

Solution: Verify you're using Modelo 790 Código 012 for NIE (€9.84).

Mistake #6: Showing Up Without Empadronamiento

Problem: They ask for proof of address and you only have Airbnb booking.

Solution: Register at town hall (empadronamiento) before NIE appointment.

Mistake #7: Assuming Consulate NIE Works the Same

Problem: You got NIE at consulate but it's not accepted in Spain.

Solution: Consulate NIE is sometimes temporary; verify you have the right type for your needs.

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Alternative: Apply for NIE at Spanish Consulate

Before Moving to Spain

If you haven't arrived in Spain yet, applying at a Spanish consulate in your home country can save time.

Pros:

• Skip the Spanish appointment booking nightmare
• Arrive in Spain with NIE already in hand
• Processing typically 2-8 weeks

Cons:

• Must have justification (job offer, property purchase, business, studies)
• May still need to complete residence registration after arrival
• Not available for all nationalities/situations

How to Apply at Consulate

Step 1: Find your nearest Spanish consulate

• Google "Spanish consulate [your city]"
• Check their website for NIE application procedures

Step 2: Book consulate appointment

• Most require appointments (easier to book than Spain appointments)
• Processing times vary by consulate

Step 3: Gather required documents

• Form EX-15
• Passport
• Justification (job offer, property purchase contract, business docs)
• Sometimes: Criminal record check (apostilled)
• Sometimes: Health insurance

Step 4: Attend appointment

• Submit documents
• Pay fee (varies by consulate, typically €10-20)
• Wait for processing

Step 5: Receive NIE

• Usually mailed to you or picked up at consulate
• Timeline: 2-8 weeks

Who this works for:

• Job offer in hand before moving
• Buying property remotely
• University acceptance
• Setting up business from abroad

Who this doesn't work for:

• Already in Spain
• Moving first, then job hunting
• Digital nomads without official business

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Get Expert Help with Your NIE

Use Our NIE Application Checklist

We've created a step-by-step checklist covering every detail of the NIE process.

→ Complete NIE application checklist (5 tasks)

Professional NIE Services

If you're struggling to book an appointment or want expert help:

• Professional NIE booking service (€79) - We book your appointment within 1-2 weeks
• Immigration lawyers - Full NIE application support
• Gestorías - Administrative help with all paperwork

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Related Resources

NIE & Immigration Guides

• NIE vs TIE vs Green Card: Complete Comparison →
• NIE Appointment Rejected: What to Do →
• Form EX-15 Instructions: Step-by-Step →

Expat Essentials

• Opening a Bank Account in Spain (Requires NIE) →
• Renting an Apartment in Spain →
• Healthcare Registration in Spain →

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This guide was last updated in January 2025. NIE procedures and appointment systems may change. Always verify current requirements on official government websites.

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Lifetti helps expats navigate Spain's bureaucracy with step-by-step guides, appointment booking assistance, and verified professional connections.