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Tenerife Appointment Guide

NIE & TIE Appointments in Tenerife

Santa Cruz de Tenerife province covers Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro. The Canary Islands have 339,000 foreign residents in total, with many concentrated in southern Tenerife’s tourist areas.

Province Offices

Tenerife

  • Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Main office, capital
  • La Laguna. University town
  • Puerto de la Cruz. Northern tourist area
  • Arona/Los Cristianos. South, very busy

Other Islands

  • Santa Cruz de La Palma
  • San Sebastián de La Gomera

Policía Nacional Office Locator →

How to Book Your Appointment

  1. Go to Cita Previa Extranjería (search Google for “cita previa extranjería”) (the site may be slow, keep trying)
  2. Select province: Santa Cruz de Tenerife
  3. Choose procedure:
    • NIE: “Policía. Certificados y Asignación de NIE”
    • TIE: “Policía. Toma de huellas (expedición de tarjeta)”
  4. Enter passport and personal details
  5. Select office and date
  6. Print confirmation

No Appointments Available?

  • Southern Tenerife offices are the busiest – try Santa Cruz or La Laguna
  • Check early morning (8:00-9:00)
  • Las Palmas province is an alternative (cheap inter-island flights)

Full troubleshooting guide →

Empadronamiento in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Online: Sede Electrónica Santa Cruz

Phone: 922 606 010

Common Situations in Tenerife

Digital Nomads: South Tenerife is a popular remote work hub. Digital Nomad Visa →

Retirees: Large community of European retirees in the south. Non-Lucrative Visa →

EU Citizens: Registration required after 3 months of residence. EU Registration →

What to Bring

For NIE (EX-15)

  • ☐ Passport + copy
  • EX-15 form
  • ☐ Justification document
  • Modelo 790-012 paid
  • ☐ Appointment confirmation printed

For TIE (EX-17)

  • ☐ Passport + copy
  • EX-17 form
  • ☐ Approval resolution
  • ☐ Photo 32x26mm, white background
  • Modelo 790-012 paid
  • ☐ Empadronamiento certificate

Tenerife Appointment FAQ

Is southern Tenerife harder than the north for appointments?

Yes. The south has a higher concentration of tourists and expats. Santa Cruz and La Laguna offices usually have better availability than Arona or Los Cristianos.

Can I use Gran Canaria offices instead?

Yes. NIE/TIE from any province is valid. Flights between Tenerife and Gran Canaria are frequent and cheap. Check both provinces for availability.

Need Help with Your Tenerife Appointment?

We help with document preparation, appointment strategy, and full representation.

Last updated: January 2026