What to bring, and what happens if your paperwork is wrong

Key rules

• Fee receipt: Bring proof that you paid the fee, unless your procedure is exempt.
• Fix deadline: A requerimiento gives you a short window, so act as soon as you receive it.
• Missing papers: A simple gap can mean a new appointment, so check everything before you go.
• Copies: Bring a photocopy of each document alongside the original.

Pay the fee first, then pack

For most procedures you pay the fee (modelo 790, code 012) before the appointment and bring the receipt. You can pay at a bank or online. Fill in the form first, then pay. Some exempt procedures need no fee, so check yours before paying.

The documents list and the appointment day checklist below show what to pack. The exact list depends on your procedure, so check the checklist for your specific procedure as well.

Forms, photos and copies

• Print your application form, such as the EX form. Some offices ask for it in duplicate.
• Bring one or two recent colour photos, passport size, 32x26 mm, white background, face uncovered. The number varies by procedure.
• Bring a photocopy of every document. If you file electronically, you may need digital copies instead.
• Foreign public documents may need an apostille or legalisation, and a sworn translation if they are not in Spanish. Get these done before the appointment.

If something is wrong

There are three possible outcomes at the counter:

1. The official refuses the filing. For a simple gap, you are usually told to return with the documents. That means booking a new appointment, which can take weeks in busy offices.
2. The official accepts it and issues a requerimiento. This is a formal written request to fix the problem. You normally have 10 working days to fix it.
3. You miss the deadline. The application is treated as withdrawn (desistimiento) and archived. You would have to start again.

If you get a requerimiento, read it the day you receive it, note the deadline, and hand in the missing or corrected documents before it ends. Keep proof that you submitted them.

Whether an office accepts a partial filing depends on the procedure and the official. Bring everything so you do not have to rely on it.

Timeline and deadlines

• Pay the fee and gather your documents: before the appointment

• If a document is missing, the official may accept the filing and issue a formal request to fix it (a requerimiento): at the appointment

• Hand in the missing or corrected documents: within 10 working days of the request

• If nothing is fixed, the application is treated as withdrawn and archived: after the 10 working days pass

• If the official sends you away for a simple gap, book a new appointment and return with the documents: if the filing is refused at the counter

Documents you need

• Passport or other valid ID

• Application form for your procedure, such as the EX form, completed and printed

• Proof of payment of the fee (modelo 790, code 012), unless your procedure is exempt

• Appointment confirmation

• Supporting documents for your procedure, plus a copy of each

• One or two recent passport-size colour photos, 32x26 mm, white background, face uncovered

• Fingerprinting receipt, if you are collecting a TIE

Appointment day checklist

• Pack your passport or other valid ID.

• Bring the completed application form for your procedure, such as the EX form.

• Print your appointment confirmation (the justificante de cita, with its code and QR) and keep a digital copy on your phone as backup.

• Bring the supporting documents for your procedure in original, plus a photocopy of each one.

• Bring passport-size photos and, if you are collecting a TIE, the fingerprinting receipt.

What to watch out for

• Your filing can be refused at the counter: If documents are missing or wrong, the official may refuse your filing, and you lose the appointment and must book another. Check your procedure's list the day before and bring every document with a copy.

• Your application can be treated as withdrawn: If the office accepts your filing and asks you to fix defects, missing the deadline means the application is treated as withdrawn and archived. Fix the defects within 10 working days of the request and keep proof of what you hand in.

Frequently asked questions

Should I bring paper forms or digital copies?

Yes, bring printed forms, in duplicate where the office asks for it, because most counters work from paper.

What size and style of photo does the office accept?

Offices normally want one or two recent colour photos of passport size, 32x26 mm, with a white background and the face uncovered. The number of photos varies by procedure, so check your procedure's list.

Do I need to pay the fee if my procedure is exempt?

No, some exempt procedures need no fee, so there is no receipt to bring. Check with the office handling your procedure that you are exempt before you skip the payment.

What happens if the official refuses my filing at the counter?

If the official refuses your filing for simple gaps, you are often told to return with the missing documents, which means booking a new appointment. Ask the official exactly what is missing so you bring it all next time.