For years, one of the main problems within Spain’s immigration system has not been the processing of applications, but what comes after a favorable decision: securing an appointment for fingerprinting and the issuance of the Foreigner Identity Card (TIE).
At ARC Legal Abogados, we have been particularly critical of this situation. Not only because of the unjustified delays it caused, but also because the structural lack of available appointments led to the emergence of an illegal resale market, with organized groups profiting from a basic necessity affecting thousands of foreign nationals. We have publicly denounced these practices on numerous occasions and consistently argued that the system required a deep structural change.
At this stage, it remains unclear whether this pilot initiative applies to all police stations in the province of Barcelona or only to specific locations.
From ARC Legal Abogados, we welcome and strongly support the new measures being introduced in Barcelona, as they clearly represent a step in the right direction.
⏺️ A shift in approach: appointments are no longer an obstacle course
The Government Subdelegation in Barcelona has begun implementing an automatic appointment assignment system for the issuance of the TIE, directly linked to a favorable immigration decision.
The logic is straightforward—and it is exactly what we have been advocating for years: once an application is approved, the system should automatically assign the fingerprint appointment, without forcing individuals to compete on overloaded online portals or rely on intermediaries.
Under this new model, once the decision is notified, the fingerprint appointment is assigned directly by the National Police, informing the applicant of the date, time, and designated police station.
⏺️ How will the appointment be communicated?
The appointment details are sent using the contact information included in the administrative file:
– By SMS to the mobile phone number provided.
– By email, where a valid email address has been recorded.
This point is particularly important and reinforces the need to submit complete and up-to-date applications, something we consistently emphasize in our legal practice.
⏺️ When is the appointment assigned?
The system provides for the appointment to be assigned within approximately 15 days from the notification of the favorable decision. This allows for realistic planning and significantly reduces the uncertainty that has traditionally surrounded this stage of the process.
⏺️ What happens if the appointment is not received or cannot be attended?
If no appointment is communicated within that timeframe, or if the applicant cannot attend the assigned date, the traditional route remains available: requesting an appointment through the official portal and attending an authorized police station within the province of Barcelona.
In other words, the new system does not completely eliminate the appointment booking process, but it does significantly reduce its impact in the most common scenarios.
⏺️ An important step forward, although still partial
At ARC Legal Abogados, we openly welcome and applaud this initiative. It shows that the system can improve when there is genuine willingness to do so, and that many solutions previously considered unworkable are, in fact, entirely feasible.
⏺️ A clear message against appointment mafias
Beyond its technical implications, this change carries an essential added value: it directly targets the organized groups that have long profited from the desperation of foreign nationals.
Eliminating artificial scarcity and automating processes is the most effective way to eradicate these practices. At ARC Legal Abogados, we have been denouncing them for years and will continue to do so whenever necessary.
⏺️ How ARC Legal Abogados can assist you
At ARC Legal Abogados, we support our clients from the initial application through to the effective issuance of their residence card, closely monitoring deadlines, communications, and administrative appointments to avoid unnecessary errors and delays.
If you have received a favorable decision, have questions about your appointment assignment, or need assistance with your TIE process, we are here to help.
Publicaciones relacionadas
- The ordeal of securing an immigration appointment in Spain: a collapsed system and a thriving black market
- Foreign Identity Card (Tarjetas de Identidad de Extranjero) | Madrid y Barcelona
- How long does it take? Immigration cases processing times in Madrid – January 2026
¿Prefieres leer el artículo en español 🇪🇸? Aquí te dejamos el enlace: Barcelona inicia un nuevo modelo automático de citas para la toma de huellas (TIE)
El contenido de este artículo tiene un carácter meramente informativo y no constituye asesoramiento legal. La normativa de extranjería está sujeta a continuos cambios interpretativos y administrativos. En ARC Legal hacemos todo lo posible por mantener la información actualizada y contrastada con fuentes oficiales, pero recomendamos siempre consultar con un profesional especializado antes de iniciar cualquier trámite o tomar decisiones legales. Si necesitas asesoramiento personalizado sobre tu situación, puedes contactar con nuestro despacho.