EX Forms

Overview of EX forms and related immigration documents

A complete reference guide to all official forms for immigration and residency in Spain. Updated following the introduction of the new Reglamento de Extranjeria (RD 1155/2024), which came into force on 20 May 2025.

IMPORTANT: The new Reglamento de Extranjeria (RD 1155/2024) entered into force on 20 May 2025. Some form numbers have changed. Always download the most recent version directly from the official website of the Ministerio de Inclusion, Seguridad Social y Migraciones.

Overview of EX forms and related immigration documents

Quick Reference: Which Form Do I Need?

Identity and Residency Documents

These forms apply to both EU and non-EU citizens and concern the registration of your identity and residency status in Spain.

Form EX-15
Who Non-EU citizens and EU citizens in urgent situations
Purpose Application for the NIE number (Numero de Identificacion de Extranjero) and related certificates. The NIE is the personal identification number required for almost all official and financial transactions in Spain.
Form EX-16
Who Stateless persons and those without travel documents
Purpose Application for the Cedula de Inscripcion, a travel document issued by Spain for people who do not hold a valid national passport.
Form EX-17
Who Non-EU citizens with a residence permit
Purpose Application for or renewal of the TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero), the physical residence card that shows the NIE and type of residence permit. Also used for loss, theft, or change of personal data.
Form EX-18
Who EU, EEA citizens, and Swiss nationals
Purpose Registration in the Registro Central de Extranjeros as an EU citizen residing in Spain for more than three months. The result is the Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Union (the green card with NIE number).
Form EX-19
Who Non-EU family members of EU citizens
Purpose Application for the Tarjeta de Residencia de Familiar de Ciudadano de la Union (EU family member residence card). Applies to spouses, registered partners, children, and dependent family members.

Residence Permits for Non-EU Citizens

(New Numbering under RD 1155/2024)(New Numbering under RD 1155/2024)

Important: the new reglamento changed many form numbers as of 20 May 2025. Always verify that you are using the correct form for your situation.

Form EX-00
Who Non-EU citizens
Purpose Application for a long-stay authorisation (estancia de larga duracion), generally for study programmes or specific stay arrangements without an employment objective.
Form EX-01
Who Non-EU citizens
Purpose Application for a temporary non-lucrative residence permit (residencia temporal no lucrativa). Intended for retirees, people living on passive income, and individuals with sufficient means who do not intend to work in Spain.
Form EX-02
Who Non-EU citizens with a valid residence permit
Purpose Application for family reunification (reagrupacion familiar) for spouses, minor children, and dependent family members of a non-EU citizen with a valid residence permit.
Form EX-03
Who Non-EU citizens
Purpose Application for a temporary residence and work permit as an employed person (cuenta ajena), or solely a work permit. Requires a signed employment contract or job offer.
Form EX-04
Who Non-EU students and trainees
Purpose Application for a residence permit for a placement or internship (autorizacion de residencia para practicas).
Form EX-05
Who Highly qualified non-EU employees
Purpose Application for the EU Blue Card (Tarjeta Azul UE), for highly qualified workers earning above the set salary threshold with a European employer.
Form EX-06
Who Non-EU citizens for a fixed term
Purpose Application for a temporary residence and work permit as an employed person for a defined period, for example seasonal work or a short-term project.
Form EX-10
Who Non-EU citizens in exceptional circumstances
Purpose Application for a residence permit on grounds of exceptional circumstances, such as arraigo (social or labour integration after a minimum of two to three years of continuous residence in Spain).
Form EX-13
Who Non-EU citizens with a valid residence permit
Purpose Application for the autorizacion de regreso, a temporary return authorisation allowing you to leave Spain and return while your residence document is being renewed or processed.
Form EX-24
Who Family members of Spanish nationals
Purpose Application for a temporary residence permit for family members of Spanish nationals (new form under RD 1155/2024). A different regime from EX-19 (EU citizens) and EX-02 (non-EU citizens).
Form EX-25
Who Minor foreign children
Purpose Application for a temporary residence permit and temporary relocation authorisation for minor foreign children (new under RD 1155/2024).
Form EX-26
Who Holders of an existing residence status
Purpose Application to modify an existing residence permit or status (new under RD 1155/2024), for example when changing the purpose of residence.
Form EX-29
Who Persons on a short stay in Spain
Purpose Application for extension of a short stay (estancia de corta duracion), generally for individuals legally allowed to stay up to 90 days who are applying for an extension.

Brexit Forms for British Nationals

Following Brexit, British nationals and their family members use separate forms under the Withdrawal Agreement (Article 50 TEU). Existing residence documents issued before 31 December 2020 remain valid as long as the holder continues to meet the conditions.

Form EX-20
Who British nationals applying for permanent status at the Oficina de Extranjeria
Purpose Application for permanent residence status at the Ministerio once the initial five-year temporary TIE expires. Submitted to the immigration office, not the police. After approval, form EX-23 is still needed for the physical card.
Form EX-21
Who Non-EU family members of British nationals
Purpose Application for the residency document under the Withdrawal Agreement for non-EU family members of British nationals who were legally resident in Spain before 31 December 2020.
Form EX-22
Who British frontier workers
Purpose Application for a work permit for British frontier workers under the Withdrawal Agreement.
Form EX-23
Who All British nationals under the Withdrawal Agreement at the Policia Nacional
Purpose The only correct form for the physical TIE card at the Policia Nacional for Withdrawal Agreement beneficiaries. Used for the first application, renewal, replacement after loss, or change of address. Never use EX-17 for this group: it risks misclassification and loss of treaty protection.

Other Official Supporting Documents

In addition to the EX forms, several other official documents may be required as part of immigration procedures.

Form EX-17 (TIE expeditions)
Who Non-EU citizens
Purpose See also section 1. Used specifically for the TIE on first collection after a residence permit is granted, for renewal, replacement after loss, or when transitioning to long-term residence.
Form Modelo 790 (Code 052)
Who Non-EU citizens applying for a residence permit
Purpose Payment form for the administrative fee (tasa) payable to the Ministerio de Inclusion on the initial application for a residence and work permit. Completed and paid at the time of submitting the application, before any assessment takes place.
Form Modelo 790 (Code 012)
Who All foreign nationals for police procedures
Purpose Payment form for the physical card fee at the Policia Nacional. Paid just before the huellas appointment (fingerprinting), once the permit has been approved. Required for the first TIE, renewal, replacement after loss, or for the EU registration certificate. Payment validity: 3 months.
Form Carta de Invitacion
Who Those wishing to invite a visitor to Spain
Purpose Official letter of invitation by which a resident of Spain invites a non-resident family member or acquaintance for a short visit. Applied for at the Comisaria de Policia Nacional. Requires payment of Modelo 790 code 012.
Form Declaracion Responsable
Who Employers, sponsors, and applicants
Purpose Responsibility declaration signed by employers or sponsors as part of certain residence applications, such as for trainees or qualified workers.

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