Key Takeaways
- Always bring originals AND photocopies. Staff verify originals and keep the copies — arrive without photocopies and you’ll be turned away.
- Pay Tasa 790 código 012 (€12.36) at a bank before your appointment. This fee cannot be paid at the office — no stamped receipt means instant rejection.
- Each procedure requires a different form. NIE uses EX-15, EU Green Card uses EX-18, TIE uses EX-17 — check the exact form for your specific appointment type.
- Foreign documents need official sworn translations (traducción jurada) and apostille. Untranslated or unapostilled documents won’t be accepted.
- Print your cita previa justificante and bring it. The confirmation slip is required at the door — don’t rely on showing it on your phone.
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What to Bring to Your Cita Previa: Document Checklists by Procedure
You finally got an appointment. Don't waste it by arriving without the right documents. Here's exactly what you need for each procedure.
General Rules
Always Bring
- Original documents – They verify originals
- Photocopies of everything – They keep copies
- Cita previa confirmation (justificante) – Printed
- Pen – Forms may need signing
Document Standards
- Photocopies: A4 size, clear, complete
- Photos: Passport-style, white background, recent
- Translations: Official (jurado) translations for foreign documents
- Apostille: Required for documents from signatory countries
NIE Assignment (First-Time NIE)
For people getting an NIE number without full residency.
Documents
- EX-15 form – Completed, signed
- Passport – Original + copy of all pages
- Proof of reason for NIE:
- Property contract (buying)
- Business document
- Employment contract offer
- Other legitimate reason
- Tasa 790 código 012 – Paid (€12.36)
- Proof of address in Spain – Hotel, rental, or property
- Cita previa justificante
Where to Get Forms
- EX-15: extranjeros.inclusion.gob.es
- Tasa 790: sede.agenciatributaria.gob.es
EU Registration Certificate (Green Card)
For EU citizens registering residence.
Documents
-
EX-18 form – Completed, signed
-
Passport or EU ID – Original + copy
-
Padrón certificate – Recent (within 3 months)
-
Proof of economic activity:
If employed:
- Work contract or employment letter
- Recent payslip
If self-employed:
- Alta de autónomo
- Tax registration
If not working:
- Private health insurance
- Proof of economic means (bank statements, pension)
-
Tasa 790 código 012 – Paid (€12.36)
-
Cita previa justificante
TIE Application (Non-EU Residency)
For non-EU citizens applying for their residency card.
Documents
- EX-17 form – Completed, signed
- Passport – Original + copy of ALL pages (including visa page)
- 3 passport photos – White background, recent
- Padrón certificate – Recent
- Proof of income/means:
- Employment contract and payslips, OR
- Bank statements showing sufficient funds, OR
- Pension documents
- Private health insurance – Full coverage in Spain
- Tasa 790 código 012 – Paid (€12.36)
- Tasa 790 código 052 – Paid (€16.08, fingerprinting fee)
- Visa in passport – Entry visa that allows residency
- Cita previa justificante
Additional by Visa Type
Non-Lucrative:
- Proof of income (pension, investments, savings)
- Health insurance certificate
Work Visa:
- Employment contract
- Company details
Student:
- Enrollment certificate
- Proof of funding
TIE Renewal
For renewing an existing residency card.
Documents
- EX-17 form – Completed, signed
- Current TIE – Original + copy
- Passport – Original + copy
- 3 passport photos
- Padrón certificate – Recent
- Proof of continued eligibility:
- Same evidence as original application
- Updated employment/income proof
- Tasa 790 código 012 – Paid
- Tasa 790 código 052 – Paid
- Cita previa justificante
Padrón Registration (Empadronamiento)
For registering on the municipal census.
Documents
-
Passport or ID – Original + copy
-
NIE/TIE – If you have one
-
Proof of address:
If you own:
- Escritura (deed) or nota simple
If you rent:
- Rental contract
- Landlord authorization (some towns)
If staying with someone:
- Written authorization from owner
- Owner's ID copy
- Owner's proof of ownership
-
Cita previa confirmation – If required
For Family Registration
- Marriage certificate (spouse)
- Birth certificates (children)
- All documents translated/apostilled if foreign
Healthcare Registration (SIP Card)
For registering with public healthcare.
Documents
- Passport or ID – Original + copy
- NIE/TIE – Original + copy
- Padrón certificate – Recent
- Social security number – If employed/autónomo
- Proof of employment:
- Work contract or payslip, OR
- Alta de autónomo, OR
- S1 form (EU pensioners)
For Dependents
- Birth certificates (children)
- Marriage certificate (spouse)
- Proof of dependency
Driving License Exchange
For exchanging a foreign license for Spanish.
Documents
- Foreign driving license – Original (you surrender this)
- TIE or EU registration – Original + copy
- Passport – Original + copy
- Padrón certificate – Recent
- Medical certificate – From authorized center (CRC)
- Tasa 4.4 – Paid (approximately €29)
- Two passport photos – Some offices require
- Cita previa justificante
Social Security Registration
For getting a Spanish social security number.
Documents
- TA.1 form – Completed
- Passport or ID – Original + copy
- NIE/TIE – Original + copy
- Employment contract – If employed
Tax Office (Hacienda) Appointments
For tax-related matters.
General Documents
- Passport or ID
- NIE/TIE
- Previous tax returns – If relevant
- Supporting documents – Depends on procedure
- Cita previa justificante
Tips for All Appointments
Extra Copies
Bring more copies than you think you need. Offices keep copies, and running to a copy shop wastes time.
Organized Folder
Keep documents in order. Officials appreciate not having to dig through a pile.
Arrive Early
15 minutes early minimum. Late arrivals may lose their slot.
Phone Charged
You may need to show digital documents or receive calls.
Patience
Even with an appointment, waits happen. Bring something to do.
If Documents Are Missing
Don't panic. Ask what specifically is missing and whether you can:
- Email/upload the missing document
- Return the same day
- Get a new appointment quickly
Get missing requirements in writing if possible.
Related:
- Cita Previa in Spain: Complete Guide
- Cita Previa Tips: How to Get an Appointment
- Common Cita Previa Errors and How to Fix Them
Related Guides
- Cita Previa for NIE
- Cita Previa for Padron
- Cita Previa for SIP Card
- NIE Spain: Complete Guide
- What Is a Gestoria?
- How to Find a Good Gestor
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book a cita previa in Spain?
Go to sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es, select your province, choose the procedure (NIE, TIE, empadronamiento, etc.), and pick an available date. Appointments fill fast, check early morning for new slots.
What if there are no cita previa appointments available?
Keep checking daily, especially at 8-9 AM when new slots are released. Alternatively, your gestor may have access to professional booking channels. Some procedures accept walk-ins at quieter offices.
Can I book a cita previa for someone else?
Yes, but you need their NIE or passport number and personal details to complete the booking. Your gestor can also book on your behalf.
What documents do I need for my cita previa?
This depends on the procedure. At minimum: passport or NIE, the appointment confirmation (printed or on phone), and all documents specific to your procedure. Bring originals and copies of everything.
What happens if I miss my cita previa?
You lose the appointment and must book again. There is no penalty, but rebooking can take weeks depending on availability. If you are running late, call the office to ask if they can still see you.
