If you apply for residency or study in Madrid, you must deal with the local immigration office. This guide explains how the Oficina de Extranjería works, where the offices are, and how to submit applications.
What is Extranjería?
The official name is the Oficina de Extranjería (immigration office). This government department processes and resolves all residence and work permit applications for foreigners in Spain.
The office is run by the Spanish government delegation in Madrid. They review your documents and decide if you qualify for a permit.
Note the difference between Extranjería and the police. Extranjería approves your residency, but the National Police print your physical identity card.
How the Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) works
Key Extranjería offices in Madrid
Madrid has several immigration offices located across the city. Each office handles specific types of procedures and requests.
Calle Silva 19
This is the main central office in Madrid. It handles employee and freelance permits, family members of EU citizens, and modifications.
Calle García de Paredes 65
This branch handles the general registry and public inquiries. You can submit documents physically at this location.
Calle Manuel Luna 29
This office provides general information to the public. You can visit this office to ask questions about your application.
The office on Avenida Plaza de Toros closed permanently in 2018. You should not visit this location.
How to book an appointment
You must book an appointment to visit an office in person. This appointment is called a cita previa (prior appointment).
You must book your appointment on the official government portal. Select Madrid from the province list and choose your procedure.
Finding a free appointment slot in Madrid is very difficult. Slots are released in batches on specific mornings.
Try checking the portal daily at 8:00 AM or 9:00 AM. Many expats spend weeks trying to book a slot.
Common appointment booking errors
You must enter your details exactly as they appear on your passport when booking a cita previa.
If your name contains accents or special letters, try entering them without accents. Spelling errors can cause the office to reject your appointment.
You must print the confirmation page and bring it to your appointment. The security guards will check it at the entrance.
Applying online: The Mercurio platform
You can avoid in-person appointments by submitting your application online. The online platform is called Mercurio.
You need a certificado digital (digital certificate) or a Cl@ve (electronic signature system) to use this system.
You can upload PDF copies of all your documents. You can also pay application fees online through the portal.
Online submission is much faster than applying in person. It is the preferred method for most immigration lawyers.
Getting a digital certificate in Madrid
You must verify your identity in person to obtain a digital certificate. You must book a verification appointment at a public office.
You can do this at many social security offices or local town halls in Madrid. Once verified, you can download the certificate file to your computer.
Processing times and administrative silence
Extranjería has a legal processing limit of 3 months for most residency applications.
The government office starts counting the 3 months from the day after they receive your application.
If they do not respond within 3 months, administrative silence rules apply. The outcome depends on your application type.
Initial applications
For new residency applications, silence is negative. This is called silencio administrativo negativo (negative administrative silence), which means your request is rejected.
Renewals
For renewal applications, silence is positive. This is called silencio administrativo positivo (positive administrative silence), which means your request is approved.
You can check your status on the official portal using the online lookup tool.
How to Renew Your Residence Permit in Spain
What to do if your application is delayed
If your application takes longer than 3 months, you can contact the office for information.
You can submit a query online or visit the office on Calle Manuel Luna for general updates.
If your renewal was approved by positive silence, you can request an official certificate of approval.
This certificate is called a certificado de silencio administrativo (certificate of administrative silence). It serves as proof of your status.
Filing an appeal
You can file an appeal if Extranjería rejects your application. This appeal is called a recurso de alzada (administrative appeal).
You must submit the appeal within 1 month of receiving the rejection letter. You should hire a legal professional to draft the appeal document.
Questions and answers
Can I go to any Extranjería office in Madrid?
No. You must go to the office listed on your appointment confirmation paper. Each branch only handles specific procedures.
Do the office staff speak English?
Usually no. Most immigration officers speak only Spanish. You should bring a Spanish speaker or a translator if you do not speak Spanish.
Can I submit physical documents at Calle Silva?
Yes, but only with an appointment. You cannot walk into the office and hand in documents without a booked cita previa.
What is the best day to find an appointment slot?
Fridays. Many offices release booking slots on Friday mornings between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM. You should refresh the portal page frequently.
What happens if I make a mistake on my online application?
They will ask for corrections. The office will send you a requerimiento (request for documents). You have 10 working days to upload the corrected files.
