Immigration Office appointment in Spain: what to bring and how to file

To file an application at the Immigration Office (Oficina de Extranjería) you need an appointment, the official form signed in duplicate, the fee and the original and one copy of every document. You leave with one stamped copy, which is your receipt and the date from which deadlines run.

The appointment is free and you book it yourself. Here is the whole process, from the form to the day after, so you do not have to go back.

First: do you really have to go in person?

It depends on the procedure and on you:

• The rule is that residence and work applications are filed personally at the competent office, and that requirement is treated as met whether you attend or file by electronic means (article 197 of the Immigration Regulation). With a digital certificate or Cl@ve, many procedures are filed online without an appointment.
• Some procedures accept only electronic filing, such as the initial employee residence and work permit — filed by the employer — or certain renewals.
• Others are in practice filed in person, such as arraigo socioformativo or the EU family member card.
• A representative may also file, if the representation is recorded in a notarial power of attorney or in the electronic register of powers.

Each procedure page states how it is filed.

Step 1: the form

Each procedure has its official form: EX-10 for arraigo, EX-02 for family reunification, EX-03 for employee residence and work, EX-11 for long-term residence, EX-19 for the EU family member card, EX-24 for family of Spanish citizens, EX-00 for studies, EX-15 for the NIE and EX-17 for the card.

• Fill it in with your details exactly as on your passport.
• Print two copies: an original and a copy are filed.
• Sign both by hand, inside the box.

Step 2: the fee

Pay the processing fee before you go and bring the receipt. See Spanish immigration fees: which form 790 to pay.

Step 3: the appointment

1. Go to the public administrations' online office, to the immigration appointment service.
2. Choose your province and the procedure matching your application.
3. Identify yourself with your passport or NIE and choose a day and time.
4. Keep the appointment confirmation.

If no slots appear, try again early another day: new appointments open regularly. Do not pay anyone for an appointment. It is free, and reselling them is an abuse that harms everyone.

Your office is determined by your province of residence; find it under immigration in your province.

Step 4: prepare the folder

Bring the original and a copy of each document: you hand in the copies and show the originals. Order it like this:

1. Appointment confirmation.
2. Both signed copies of the form.
3. Fee receipt.
4. Full passport: the original and a copy of every page.
5. The documents specific to your procedure, in list order: padrón, criminal records, contract, integration report, financial means, family relationship.
6. Sworn translations, each behind its document.

Three last-minute checks:

• Nothing has expired: passport, criminal record, padrón.
• Foreign documents are apostilled or legalised and translated.
• Your name matches on every paper.

Step 5: on the day

• Arrive about fifteen minutes early.
• Go in person, or send your accredited representative.
• If your Spanish is limited, go with someone who can help you understand.
• Hand over the documents in the order prepared. If the official finds something missing, ask whether and how you can provide it later.
• Ask for your copy of the form to be stamped with the date of entry.

That stamped copy is your receipt: proof that you filed, and when. Photograph it as soon as you leave.

After filing

• Period: the Administration generally has three months to decide.
• Status: you can check it online with your file number or NIE and the filing date.
• Requests: if you are asked for more, the time is short. See how to answer a request for documents.
• Card: once granted, you have one month to apply for the card at the Police, with another appointment.

Common mistakes

• Booking for the wrong procedure: the office may not see you.
• Going without copies and losing the slot looking for a copy shop.
• Only one copy of the form, or unsigned.
• A half-copied passport.
• Arriving late.
• Leaving without the stamped receipt.
• Paying a middleman for the appointment.

Frequently asked questions

Can someone go in my place?

Only with representation proven by notarial power of attorney or recorded in the electronic register of powers. A mere companion cannot file for you.

Can I file online and skip the appointment?

For many procedures yes, with a digital certificate or Cl@ve. If you would rather not handle it, we can get everything ready for you to file, or file it for you.

There are no appointments in my province. What do I do?

Keep trying at different times and days, and consider electronic filing. If a deadline is about to expire, keep screenshots of your attempts and file through a registry before it ends.

Do I have to bring originals?

Yes. You hand in copies, but the official may check them against the originals.

What if I am missing a document on the day?

File anyway if the official accepts it: you will be asked for what is missing and given time to provide it. Losing the appointment is usually worse than a request.

Your next step

With the free test you get the exact document list for your procedure and we prepare the completed form. And if a doubt comes up the night before, Resi goes through the folder with you.