Cita previa for foreigner procedures

What it is

• Cita previa is the official online appointment system for foreigner procedures at police and Extranjería offices.[1]

Who needs it

• Anyone giving fingerprints for a TIE, requesting an NIE, registering as an EU citizen or applying for an EU family residence card.[1]

Where and how long

• On the official website: choose your province, then the procedure.[1]
• Procedure names differ slightly from one province to another.[1]
• Book early enough for your deadline: for most TIE applications, within one month of arriving; for EU registration, within 3 months.[1][2]

How it works

1. Open the cita previa website and choose the province where you live.[1]
2. Choose the procedure that matches what you need (for example, fingerprints for the TIE, or the EU registration certificate).[1]
3. Enter your details and confirm the appointment.[1]
4. Prepare your documents and fee receipt (Tasa 790-012) for the day.[3]

Documents to prepare

• Passport (or EU national ID card) for booking and for the appointment[1]
• The documents for your procedure (see the TIE, NIE or EU registration guide)[1]
• Tasa 790-012 receipt[3]

Titles only. The final list is the one given by the office handling your case.

3 common mistakes

1. 1. Choosing the wrong province or procedureBook in the province where you live and pick the exact procedure; the names vary by province.[1]
2. 2. Booking too lateCheck your deadline first (TIE usually one month after arrival, EU registration 3 months).[1][2]
3. 3. Forgetting the fee receiptPay the Tasa 790-012 at a bank before the appointment and bring the stamped copy.[3]

Official sources

1. Cita previa — Extranjería (administracionelectronica.gob.es)
2. Policía Nacional — Trámites de extranjería
3. Policía Nacional — Tasa modelo 790, código 012

This is a general overview, not legal advice. Rules can change; always check the official source and the office handling your case.