If you’ve ever tried to do something simple in Spain — like get your NIE, renew a residency card, or book a government appointment — you’ve probably met your biggest enemy: the cita previa system.
At first glance, it sounds convenient. “Cita previa” means “prior appointment.” It’s the official system for booking appointments online with police stations, immigration offices, and other government bodies.
But here’s the truth: it’s broken, frustrating, and feels like a joke — until you learn how to beat it.
Let me share my full experience without sugarcoating. I’ll also give you a few real tips that actually work.
The Dream vs. The Reality
The first time I tried to book a cita previa, I thought it would be like scheduling a doctor’s appointment. Simple, right?
I went to the official website, selected “NIE”, entered my details…
And boom — “No hay citas disponibles en este momento.”
I refreshed. Same message.
I tried again at midnight. Nothing.
I tried from another device. Nothing.
I tried for a whole week. Still nothing.
That’s when I realized — this wasn’t a system. It was a game. And I didn’t know the rules.
Why Is It So Hard to Get a Cita Previa?
There are a few reasons, depending on where you live:
High demand: Big cities like Madrid and Barcelona are overloaded.
Limited slots: Offices release appointments in small batches, often without warning.
Bots and scalpers: Yes, seriously. Some people use bots to grab citas and sell them illegally.
Website glitches: The official site often crashes or freezes.
So while the government says it’s “online and easy,” for many foreigners, it feels more like trying to win the lottery.
My Most Frustrating Moment (True Story)
I once needed a Cita to renew my TIE card. After 3 weeks of checking the website every single day, I finally got one — in another city, 2 hours away by train.
I took the train, waited in line, showed my documents, and then they told me I had selected the wrong category of appointment. I had to start all over again.
Honestly, I wanted to scream.
So… Does It Ever Work? Yes — With These Tips
Okay, enough ranting. Here’s what actually helped me get a cita — multiple times.
1. Use the Site at Specific Times. Try refreshing around 8:30–9:00 AM (when offices open)
11:00 PM–12:30 AM (new slots are sometimes dropped late)
Monday mornings (new week = new slots)
2. Use Auto-Refresh Tools. You can install Chrome extensions like “Auto Refresh Plus” to monitor the page and beep when a slot appears.
3. Try Different Locations Sometimes there are citas available in nearby towns or cities. Travel might be worth it.
4. Double Check Categories Make sure you select the correct tramite (procedure). Choosing the wrong one = appointment cancelled.
5. Bookmark the Real Link. Here’s the official site: Cita Previa Spain
https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es/icpplus/index.html
Should You Pay Someone for a Cita?
There are Telegram groups, Facebook pages, and shady websites offering to “get you a cita fast” — usually for 20 to 50 euros.
Some people use them, but personally, I didn’t want to take that risk.
It’s technically illegal, and many of them are scams.
If you’re stuck, ask someone who recently got a Cita and see if they can help — often, word of mouth is safer than websites.
Is the Cita Previa System Broken?
Short answer: Yes.
It’s outdated, overburdened, and a massive source of stress for foreigners living in Spain.
But here’s the good news — once you figure out the tricks, it becomes easier.
You just need patience, persistence, and a strong Wi-Fi connection.
So no, bureaucracy in Spain isn’t “made easy.” But it is survivable — and eventually, you’ll win the Cita game too.
Looking for something less frustrating? Read my Spain by Rail adventure and feel inspired.
