Navigating Spain’s government services often feels like a test of patience, but few experiences are as universally frustrating as trying to book an online appointment with extranjería (immigration office). Whether it’s for a NIE, residency renewal, or other crucial paperwork, the process has become a source of stress for countless people. The issue isn’t just about inefficiency—it’s about fairness and accessibility.
The problem is simple: appointments are almost impossible to book. Log onto the government’s official website, and you’re likely to encounter the dreaded message: “No hay citas disponibles” (No appointments available). Refresh the page at odd hours? Still no luck. Try again for weeks on end? You’ll likely receive the same result. For many, this deadlock isn’t just inconvenient; it can delay important life plans, from securing a job to enrolling in health care or registering a child for school.
What’s particularly frustrating is the contrast between the government’s platform and third-party appointment brokers. These intermediaries, operating outside the official system, always seem to have appointments available—for a fee, of course. The going rate for securing a slot ranges from €50 to €300, depending on the service and urgency. This disparity raises uncomfortable questions about the integrity of the system. How is it that private entities can access appointments that regular citizens cannot?
Critics argue that the government’s flawed system is being exploited, either through bots or other questionable means, allowing brokers to monopolize slots. Meanwhile, those who lack the financial means to pay are left scrambling for a rare, elusive appointment. This dynamic creates a two-tier system that undermines the principles of equality and fairness.
While the government occasionally promises improvements to its online platforms, progress has been slow. Some regions have implemented reforms, such as CAPTCHA verification and random appointment releases, but these measures often fall short of solving the deeper issue.
For Spain’s digital government to truly serve its people, it must address the extranjería appointment crisis with urgency. Solutions might include stricter security measures to prevent appointment hoarding, increased transparency about the availability of slots, and the expansion of in-person service options for those struggling with the online system. Until these steps are taken, the system will remain a source of frustration and inequality for those navigating Spain’s immigration and residency processes.
The Scams
Unfortunately, this broken system has also created fertile ground for scams. Websites like citaonline-extranjeria.com and extranjeria-citaprevia.com – two websites run by the same company in Barcelona (AAN Host SL) – exploit the desperation of those trying to navigate the system. Promising quick appointments for a price, these platforms often charge fees without delivering a legitimate booking. Victims are left not only out of pocket but still without the critical appointment they need.
These scams thrive because of the deep frustrations with the government’s online system and the lack of alternatives. Some of these websites even mimic official government platforms, making it difficult for users to differentiate between a legitimate service and a fraudulent one. The situation leaves many feeling trapped: stuck between a dysfunctional public system and predatory private schemes.
If you look at the terms and conditions on these websites they claim to be charging users for information only, and not the appointment. I leave it to your judgment as to whether the screen below makes you think you are paying for an appointment or just for information:

Scam run by https://citaonline-extranjeria.eu/
A Call for Reform
The government’s flawed system is being exploited, either through bots or other questionable means, allowing brokers and scammers to monopolize slots. Meanwhile, those who lack the financial means to pay are left scrambling for a rare, elusive appointment. This dynamic creates a two-tier system that undermines the principles of equality and fairness.
While the government occasionally promises improvements to its online platforms, progress has been slow. Some regions have implemented reforms, such as CAPTCHA verification and random appointment releases, but these measures often fall short of solving the deeper issue.
For Spain’s digital government to truly serve its people, it must address the extranjería appointment crisis with urgency. Solutions might include stricter security measures to prevent appointment hoarding, increased transparency about the availability of slots, and the expansion of in-person service options for those struggling with the online system. Additionally, tackling the growing issue of scams and prosecuting those responsible for fraudulent websites is essential.
Until these steps are taken, the system will remain a source of frustration, inequality, and exploitation for those navigating Spain’s immigration and residency processes.