What the Term "Cita" Means in Spain
"Cita" is a colloquial term used to refer to cita previa, the Spanish phrase for "prior appointment." It is a crucial requirement for accessing public institutions in Spain. Without a cita, you cannot attend immigration offices, police stations, social security agencies, tax offices, or healthcare facilities.
The system of cita previa was introduced to reduce queues, structure service delivery, and handle increasing demand for public services, especially in large cities. It is now an essential part of everyday life for both Spanish citizens and foreign residents.
Government Offices That Require Cita Previa
Multiple government agencies require you to book an appointment through official channels before accessing services. Here are the main institutions and procedures where cita previa is mandatory.
Immigration and Police Services
- Applying for or renewing a residence permit
- Getting a NIE (Foreigner Identification Number)
- Issuance or renewal of TIE (Foreigner Identity Card)
- Fingerprinting (toma de huellas)
- Applying for re-entry permits (autorizacion de regreso)
- Reporting a change of address or other data
- Family reunification procedures
- Asylum applications
Employment Service (SEPE)
- Registering as unemployed
- Applying for unemployment benefits
- Requesting changes in personal or banking data
- Scheduling advisory sessions
Social Security (Seguridad Social)
- Getting a social security number (NUSS)
- Registering with the system
- Managing pensions or contributions
- Requesting medical assistance entitlements
Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria)
- Filing personal income tax (IRPF)
- Requesting tax certificates
- Changing tax address or personal data
- Making appointments for tax advice or disputes
Local Municipal Offices and Autonomous Communities
- Registering your residence (empadronamiento)
- Requesting municipal certificates
- Filing local administrative requests
- Scheduling consultations with social workers
Traffic Department (DGT)
- Exchanging or renewing driver’s licenses
- Booking driving tests
- Vehicle registration or de-registration
- Payment of traffic fines
Why Is Cita Previa So Important?
The system helps reduce congestion in public offices, ensures a more efficient service experience, and helps allocate administrative resources better. For non-citizens especially, a missing or delayed cita can lead to legal consequences, including problems with residency status.
Appointments prevent overbooking, help structure daily service loads, and make the bureaucratic process more predictable. Most institutions refuse entry without proof of a confirmed appointment.
Types of Appointments
Appointments vary by urgency, location, and delivery format.
By Urgency
- Standard appointments (most common)
- Urgent appointments (only for critical needs like death of a relative, surgeries, etc.)
By Format
- In-person appointments
- Telephone or video appointments
By Region
Availability varies drastically between provinces. For example, appointments in Barcelona or Alicante for immigration services are often scarce, while smaller regions may offer more availability.
Common Problems with the System
No Available Slots
One of the most common issues. In some cities, especially for immigration procedures, no appointments may be visible for weeks.
Technical Failures
Websites often crash or display errors such as:
- "No hay citas disponibles"
- CAPTCHA failures
- Non-loading forms
Attempt Limits
Some systems restrict how many times per day you can attempt to book.
No Modification Option
Most systems don't allow you to change an existing appointment. You must cancel and rebook.
Human Errors
Even with a valid appointment, users may be turned away due to:
- Wrong procedure selection
- Spelling errors in names or numbers
- Missing email confirmation
- Arriving late to the appointment
What to Do if You Cannot Find an Appointment
- Refresh portals multiple times daily
- Try booking early morning or late at night
- Use incognito mode and different browsers
- Clear cache and cookies
- Try nearby provinces if acceptable
- Register with autonomous community apps like Mi Carpeta Ciudadana
- Call the office directly and ask about availability
Legal Risks of Buying Appointments
There is a black market where people sell appointments via WhatsApp or Telegram. This is illegal and risky:
- You could lose your slot
- Your personal data might be stolen
- You might be blocked from official systems
- The appointment might be canceled without notice
Only use official government portals.
What Happens Without a Cita
Trying to access a service without a confirmed appointment generally results in:
- Denial of entry into the office
- Loss of your place in line
- Administrative delays
- Missed legal or residency deadlines
Final Notes
Cita previa is an integral part of public life in Spain. Understanding how it works helps prevent frustration and delays. Take your time to read instructions on official sites, verify appointment categories, and never rely on unofficial sources.
Plan early, double-check your information, and always bring confirmation documents when attending a cita.