Dealing with offices
Cita previa: appointments, originals and copies
Much of Spanish administration runs on prior appointments (cita previa), and newcomers often struggle to find one, especially for immigration procedures in Barcelona province. Why it happens, what to expect at the counter, and how to prepare.
What newcomers often notice
Newcomers commonly report that:
- Almost everything needs an appointment. Police procedures for the TIE and the EU registration certificate are by appointment only, booked through the government's online cita previa system, as are many town hall procedures.
- Appointments are hard to get in Barcelona. Barcelona International Welcome warns that demand is high and that it may be difficult to get an appointment at the first attempt. In a 2022 Catalan News report, international residents described months of trying and paying intermediaries to find appointments; the senior government official in Barcelona province said appointments were "not impossible" to get but acknowledged it could be complicated at certain times and police stations.
- Originals and copies. Offices usually ask for the original and a photocopy of each document, and foreign documents often need an apostille and a sworn translation.
Context
Why it is hard
The government official interviewed by Catalan News in 2022 attributed the backlog partly to a lack of staff in earlier years and pandemic delays, and said more staff were being hired.
Paying for help
The same official said paying a lawyer or agency to obtain an appointment is not illegal as long as it is done openly and with a receipt. Official appointments themselves are free.
At the counter
Bring every document on the official list for your procedure, in original and copy, together with the fee receipt; for the EU registration certificate, Barcelona International Welcome notes that the certificate is issued on the spot once the documents are verified.
How it varies
- Office and time. Availability varies by police station and time of day; checking other stations in the province is allowed for many procedures.
- Procedure. Some procedures can be done online with a digital certificate or Cl@ve, such as padró registration in Barcelona or requesting a social security number, which avoids waiting for an appointment.
- Over time. The 2022 report reflects conditions at the time; availability changes, so check the current situation.
Practical tips
Start looking for immigration appointments on your first day in Spain. Keep a folder with originals, two photocopies of each, recent passport photos and printed fee receipts. Check the exact name of the procedure before booking and before filling in fee form 790 code 012. Use online routes where available: padró registration with a digital signature, the social security number via Import@ss. If you pay a lawyer or agency for help, ask for an invoice.
Sources
Our editors base these descriptions on research, official information and newcomers’ reports.
- Ajuntament de Barcelona – Barcelona International WelcomeOfficial sourceIdentity card for foreign nationals (TIE)
(Opens {{site}} in a new tab) Accessed 8 Oct 2026High demand for appointments; originals and copies; apostille and sworn translations.
- Delegación del Gobierno en CataluñaOfficial sourceForeigners – procedures at National Police stations (exclusively by appointment)
(Opens {{site}} in a new tab) Accessed 8 Oct 2026 - Catalan NewsWhy is it so hard for internationals in Catalonia to get residency appointments?
(Opens {{site}} in a new tab) Accessed 8 Oct 2026Published 8 January 2022, updated 19 September 2022.
- Ajuntament de Barcelona – Barcelona International WelcomeOfficial sourceCertificate of registration as an EU national ("green NIE")
(Opens {{site}} in a new tab) Accessed 8 Oct 2026 - Ajuntament de Barcelona – Barcelona International WelcomeOfficial sourceRegistration in the municipal register of residents of the city of Barcelona
(Opens {{site}} in a new tab) Accessed 8 Oct 2026 - Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social – Import@ssOfficial sourceSolicitar el Número de la Seguridad Social
(Opens {{site}} in a new tab) Accessed 8 Oct 2026