Getting an appointment at the Immigration Office is a nightmare for many immigrants. And some people have turned this into a lucrative business. SOS Colombia has exposed a black market: they charge between 50 and 80 euros per person for an appointment—which, by law, is free. So now you know.
Ana María—a fictitious name—experienced this firsthand. She arrived in Spain a few months ago seeking asylum. She called and called the Immigration Office in Zaragoza, to no avail. Until someone gave her the contact information for a middleman. Price: 70 euros. She paid. She had no other choice, you understand?
“It’s a scam,” say the folks at SOS Colombia. These networks operate through WhatsApp and Telegram. They offer appointments in exchange for money. Sometimes they don’t even follow through. Other times they use the personal information of people who have no idea what’s going on.
If you find yourself in this situation, don’t pay. Don’t let them fool you: no agent or private individual has the right to charge you for an appointment. And file a complaint. With the National Police or at the Immigration Office itself. Save screenshots, any evidence.
Appointments are released gradually on the online portal. There are no official shortcuts. If you see paid “fast-track appointments,” run the other way. The only safe way is through the website of the Secretary of State for Migration. So stick to that.
If you’re having trouble with your appointment or application, message us on Telegram: https://t.me/cita_extranjeria
Need an appointment?
We book Immigration, DGT, Civil Registry and Digital Certificate appointments across Spain.
Request Service