Modelos
Spain Immigration Modelos: Which EX Form Do You Need?
Spanish immigration modelos are official application forms used for residence, work authorization, family immigration, NIE, TIE, EU registration and other immigration procedures in Spain.
The form you need depends on the legal procedure you are applying for.
For example:
- EX-15 is commonly used for an NIE or certain foreigner certificates.
- EX-17 is used for the TIE.
- EX-18 is used for EU citizen registration.
- EX-19 is used for qualifying non-EU family members of EU citizens.
- EX-24 is used for many qualifying family members of Spanish citizens.
- EX-10 is used for several exceptional-circumstances and standard arraigo procedures.
- Digital Nomad, Highly Qualified Professional and other Ley 14/2013 cases generally use the separate MI system rather than the standard EX forms.
Choosing the correct form should therefore happen after identifying the correct immigration route, not before.
Which Spanish Immigration Form Do I Need?
Use this table as a starting point.
| Form | Main purpose |
|---|---|
| EX-00 | Long-duration stay, including qualifying study and training procedures |
| EX-01 | Non-lucrative temporary residence |
| EX-02 | Family reunification |
| EX-03 | Residence and work as an employee |
| EX-04 | Residence for internships |
| EX-06 | Seasonal residence and work |
| EX-07 | Self-employed residence and work |
| EX-09 | Residence with an exception from work authorization |
| EX-10 | Exceptional circumstances and standard arraigo procedures |
| EX-11 | Long-term residence and long-term EU residence |
| EX-13 | Authorization to return to Spain |
| EX-15 | NIE and certain foreigner certificates |
| EX-16 | Cédula de inscripción and travel documents |
| EX-17 | Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero — TIE |
| EX-18 | EU citizen residence registration |
| EX-19 | Residence card for qualifying non-EU family members of EU citizens |
| EX-20 to EX-23 | Brexit Withdrawal Agreement procedures |
| EX-24 | Residence for qualifying family members of Spanish citizens |
| EX-25 | Residence and temporary displacement of foreign minors |
| EX-26 | Modification of an existing residence or stay authorization |
| EX-28 | Transitional procedure for certain applications pending when Spain’s new Immigration Regulation took effect |
| EX-29 | Extension of a qualifying short stay |
| EX-31 | Special 2026 arraigo procedure connected with qualifying international-protection applicants |
| EX-32 | 2026 extraordinary arraigo procedure |
Not every number in the EX sequence is currently used. You should not assume a form is missing simply because the numbering is not continuous.
What Does “Modelo” Mean in Spanish Immigration?
A modelo is a standardized administrative form used to request a particular procedure from the Spanish authorities.
The form itself does not create immigration rights.
For example:
EX-15 → NIE request
does not mean:
EX-15 → Spanish residence
Likewise:
EX-17 → TIE application
does not mean:
EX-17 → residence authorization
The underlying visa, residence, work, family or EU-registration requirements must still be satisfied.
NIE, TIE and Residence Permit: What Is the Difference?
This is one of the most common sources of confusion in Spanish immigration.
NIE
The Número de Identidad de Extranjero is an identification number assigned to foreigners who have qualifying dealings with Spain.
The form commonly associated with requesting an NIE directly is EX-15.
An NIE alone does not prove legal residence in Spain.
TIE
The Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero is the physical foreigner identity card issued in qualifying immigration situations.
The general TIE application form is EX-17.
Residence Authorization
The residence authorization is the underlying legal permission to live in Spain.
A person may therefore go through a sequence such as:
Residence application → approval → EX-17 → fingerprints → TIE
Do not confuse the physical card with the legal authorization behind it.
EX-00: Study and Other Long-Duration Stay Procedures
Modelo EX-00 is used for qualifying long-duration stay procedures, including several study, educational, training and related activities.
It can be relevant to international students and participants in other activities legally classified as estancia rather than ordinary residence.
This distinction matters because estancia and residencia are different immigration concepts.
See the full EX-00 explanation
EX-01: Non-Lucrative Residence
Modelo EX-01 is associated with Spain’s temporary non-lucrative residence framework.
This route is intended for qualifying applicants who have sufficient resources to reside in Spain without carrying out employment or professional activity under this authorization.
It should not be confused with Spain’s Digital Nomad route.
See the full EX-01 requirements
EX-02: Family Reunification
Modelo EX-02 is used for ordinary family reunification when a qualifying foreign resident in Spain sponsors eligible family members.
This is different from cases involving a Spanish sponsor or certain EU free-movement situations.
A useful distinction is:
Foreign resident sponsoring family → EX-02
Spanish citizen sponsoring qualifying family → often EX-24
EU citizen sponsoring qualifying non-EU family → generally EX-19
See the full EX-02 family reunification guide
EX-03: Residence and Work as an Employee
Modelo EX-03 is used for specified residence-and-work procedures involving employment.
For initial ordinary employment authorization, the employer often plays a central role in the application.
EX-03 should not automatically be used for every foreign professional working in Spain. Highly qualified professionals, international teleworkers and other specialist categories may fall under different immigration systems.
See the full EX-03 work permit guide
EX-04: Residence for Internships
Modelo EX-04 is associated with qualifying residence procedures for internships.
Applicants should distinguish an immigration-authorized internship from ordinary employment, student placements and other educational activities.
EX-06: Seasonal Work
Modelo EX-06 concerns residence and work for qualifying seasonal activities.
Seasonal authorization is normally connected with a defined employment situation and should not be treated as unrestricted residence and work authorization.
EX-07: Self-Employed Residence and Work
Modelo EX-07 applies to qualifying residence-and-work procedures for people carrying out self-employed activity in Spain.
It can be relevant to entrepreneurs, consultants, tradespeople and independent professionals using Spain’s ordinary cuenta propia immigration framework.
It is different from the Digital Nomad route and the specialist Entrepreneur Residence route.
See the full EX-07 Cuenta Propia guide
EX-09: Residence With an Exception From Work Authorization
Modelo EX-09 applies to specialized situations where Spanish immigration law recognizes an exception from the ordinary requirement to obtain work authorization.
It is not a general alternative to a work permit.
The applicant’s activity must fall within a legally recognized exception.
EX-10: Exceptional Circumstances and Arraigo
Modelo EX-10 is one of the principal forms used for temporary residence based on exceptional circumstances.
Under the current immigration framework, it is associated with standard arraigo categories and several other exceptional-circumstances procedures.
Depending on the route, applicants may need to demonstrate factors such as residence history, employment, family relationships, integration, training or other qualifying circumstances.
See the complete EX-10 and Arraigo explanation
EX-11: Long-Term Residence
EX-11 is used for applications involving:
- Long-term residence in Spain
- Long-term EU residence
These statuses should not be confused with an ordinary renewal of temporary residence.
Eligibility depends on the particular long-term residence category, qualifying residence history and compliance with absence and continuity requirements.
Read about long-term and permanent residence in Spain
EX-13: Authorization to Return to Spain
Modelo EX-13 is used to request an autorización de regreso.
It can be relevant when a qualifying resident needs to travel while a TIE is being renewed, replaced or processed.
It does not replace a passport and should not be treated as a general travel document.
EX-15: NIE and Foreigner Certificates
Modelo EX-15 is commonly used for an NIE assignment and certain certificates relating to foreigners.
An NIE may be required for activities such as property transactions, taxes, company formation and other economic or administrative matters.
But:
NIE ≠ residence permit
Receiving an NIE does not automatically give someone permission to live or work in Spain.
See how EX-15 and the NIE process work
EX-16: Cédula de Inscripción and Travel Documents
Modelo EX-16 is used for specialized foreigner documentation procedures involving a cédula de inscripción or qualifying travel document.
It is not a standard substitute for an ordinary passport.
See the full EX-16 explanation
EX-17: TIE Application
Modelo EX-17 is the general application form for a Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero, commonly known as a TIE.
The TIE is usually obtained after the underlying immigration authorization has already been granted.
A typical sequence is:
Residence authorization → approval → TIE appointment → EX-17 → fingerprints → card collection
EX-18: EU Citizen Registration
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens establishing residence in Spain generally use Modelo EX-18 for registration in the Central Register of Foreigners.
This is different from the procedure used by non-EU family members.
See the full EX-18 EU registration guide
EX-19: Non-EU Family Members of EU Citizens
Modelo EX-19 is used for the residence card of qualifying non-EU relatives of EU, EEA or Swiss citizens exercising applicable free-movement rights in Spain.
It can apply to qualifying spouses, partners, children, parents and certain other family members.
Do not automatically use EX-19 simply because the sponsor is Spanish. Spain now has a separate residence framework for many family members of Spanish nationals.
See the EX-19 family residence guide
EX-20, EX-21, EX-22 and EX-23: Brexit Forms
EX-20, EX-21, EX-22 and EX-23 relate to documentation and residence rights protected by the United Kingdom’s Withdrawal Agreement.
These forms apply to specific Brexit-related situations.
They are not general immigration routes for British nationals deciding to move to Spain now.
Compare the four Brexit EX forms
EX-24: Family Members of Spanish Citizens
Modelo EX-24 is used for Spain’s dedicated temporary residence framework for qualifying foreign family members of Spanish citizens.
Depending on the circumstances, it can apply to qualifying:
- spouses;
- registered partners;
- stable partners;
- children;
- parents;
- and other family members covered by the applicable rules.
Do not confuse:
EX-02 → family reunification with a qualifying foreign resident
EX-19 → qualifying EU free-movement family cases
EX-24 → many qualifying family members of Spanish citizens
See the full EX-24 family residence guide
EX-25: Foreign Minors
Modelo EX-25 covers several procedures involving temporary residence or temporary displacement of foreign minors.
The correct route can depend on whether the child:
- was born in Spain;
- was born outside Spain;
- lives with a legally resident parent or guardian;
- is under a child-protection arrangement;
- or is participating in an authorized temporary program.
See which EX-25 procedure applies
EX-26: Modification of Immigration Status
Modelo EX-26 is used for specified modifications from an existing residence or long-duration stay authorization to another immigration status.
Examples can include qualifying transitions involving:
- studies to employment;
- studies to self-employment;
- residence without work rights to residence permitting work;
- existing work authorizations;
- certain exceptional-circumstances permits.
EX-26 is primarily a change-of-status form, not the normal starting point for someone beginning an immigration application from abroad.
See the EX-26 modification routes
EX-28: Transitional Applications Under the New Immigration Regulation
Modelo EX-28 is a specialized transitional form connected with applications that were already pending when Spain’s current Immigration Regulation replaced the previous framework.
It allows qualifying applicants to request application of corresponding provisions of the newer immigration rules before their existing procedure is decided.
EX-28 is therefore not a general immigration application form.
Its relevance depends on the date, procedural history and status of the underlying immigration application.
EX-29: Extension of a Short Stay
Modelo EX-29 is used to request an extension of certain qualifying short stays in Spain.
It is not a way to simply convert tourism into residence or automatically remain beyond the normal short-stay limit.
A qualifying legal basis for the extension must exist.
See the EX-29 short-stay extension rules
EX-31: Special 2026 Arraigo Procedure
Modelo EX-31 was introduced for a specific exceptional residence procedure involving qualifying people connected with international-protection applications submitted before the applicable cutoff.
Important: the extraordinary 2026 application period closed on June 30, 2026.
New initial applications under that special filing period can therefore no longer be submitted unless Spain creates another legal extension or procedure.
EX-31 nevertheless remains important for people who filed on time and are now:
- awaiting a decision;
- responding to a requerimiento;
- completing post-approval procedures;
- or planning what happens when the resulting authorization approaches expiry.
See the current EX-31 status and procedure
EX-32: Extraordinary Arraigo in 2026
Modelo EX-32 was created for Spain’s extraordinary 2026 regularization procedure based on arraigo extraordinario.
It applied to qualifying foreigners who were already present in Spain and satisfied the specific conditions of the extraordinary procedure.
The initial EX-32 filing period ended on June 30, 2026.
As a result, EX-32 should no longer be presented as an open general immigration route.
It remains highly relevant to people whose applications were filed before the deadline and are:
- pending;
- subject to additional-document requests;
- approved but awaiting a TIE;
- refused or under challenge;
- or approaching later modification or renewal decisions.
See the current EX-32 information
Digital Nomad Visa: Which Form Is Used?
Spain’s Digital Nomad authorization is an important example of why not every immigration procedure uses an EX form.
International teleworker residence falls under Spain’s international-mobility system.
Applications under this system commonly use the MI forms administered through the international mobility framework.
The main forms include:
| Form | Purpose |
|---|---|
| MI-T | Residence authorization for the principal applicant |
| MI-F | Residence authorization for qualifying family members |
| MI-T Audiovisual | Specific audiovisual-sector procedures |
| MI-TIE | TIE procedure associated with the international-mobility system |
The same international-mobility framework also covers other qualifying categories such as highly qualified professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers and intra-company transfers.
See Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa requirements
Is Modelo 790 an EX Immigration Form?
No.
A Modelo 790 is generally associated with the payment of an administrative fee.
It does not replace the immigration application itself.
A procedure may therefore require both:
EX or MI application form
and
applicable fee payment
Using the correct application form while paying the wrong fee can still create problems.
Where Are Spanish Immigration Forms Submitted?
There is no single submission location for every immigration procedure.
Depending on the application, responsibility may fall to:
Oficina de Extranjería
Provincial immigration offices process many residence, work, family, arraigo and modification procedures.
Policía Nacional
Police offices commonly deal with procedures such as:
- NIE;
- TIE;
- EU registration;
- EU-family cards;
- authorization to return;
- certain foreigner documentation procedures.
Spanish Consulates
Certain visas and immigration procedures begin at a Spanish consulate when the applicant is outside Spain.
International Mobility Authorities
Digital Nomad, Highly Qualified Professional and other qualifying international-mobility authorizations use their own electronic procedure.
The correct form and the correct authority must match.
Does Your City Change Which EX Form You Need?
Normally, the legal form itself is national.
An EX-17 does not become a different form because you live in Alicante rather than Madrid.
However, the practical process may differ according to location.
Differences can include:
- competent office;
- appointment availability;
- police jurisdiction;
- processing time;
- local submission practices;
- transferred regional employment competencies;
- availability of electronic or in-person procedures.
The national immigration route should therefore be identified first, followed by the competent local authority.
Common Mistakes With Spanish Immigration Forms
Choosing the Form Before Choosing the Immigration Route
This is the biggest mistake.
Do not begin with:
“Which PDF should I download?”
Begin with:
“Which legal immigration procedure applies to me?”
Then identify the correct form.
Confusing NIE and TIE
EX-15 and EX-17 perform very different functions.
EX-15 → NIE/certificates
EX-17 → physical TIE
Using EX-19 Instead of EX-24
Family members of Spanish citizens should not automatically assume that EX-19 is correct.
The family relationship, nationality and EU free-movement circumstances must be examined first.
Using EX-10 for Every Arraigo Search Result
Standard arraigo procedures generally use EX-10, but specialized procedures can use other forms.
EX-31 and EX-32 are examples of special 2026 procedures and should not be confused with the ordinary arraigo framework.
Using an Old Version of a Form
Spanish immigration forms are amended when immigration rules change.
Always work from the current form applicable to the procedure.
Paying the Wrong Fee
The application form and administrative fee are separate.
Identify both before making payment.
Filing With the Wrong Authority
An application can involve:
Consulate
Extranjería
Police
UGE / international mobility
electronic submission
or another competent administrative body.
Correct paperwork submitted to the wrong authority may still cause serious delays.
What Documents Are Submitted With an EX Form?
The supporting documents depend entirely on the procedure.
They can include:
- passport;
- proof of legal status;
- employment contract;
- employer documentation;
- proof of income or financial resources;
- health insurance;
- criminal-record certificate;
- medical certificate;
- birth certificate;
- marriage or partnership documentation;
- academic qualifications;
- business plan;
- housing evidence;
- empadronamiento;
- proof of family dependency;
- evidence of continuous presence in Spain;
- administrative fee receipt.
Foreign public documents may also require apostille or legalization and, where required, sworn translation.
See the documents commonly needed when moving to Spain
How to Choose the Correct EX Form
Before downloading anything, answer these questions:
- Are you an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen or a third-country national?
- Are you currently outside Spain or already in Spain?
- Are you applying for a first authorization, extension, renewal or modification?
- Is the procedure based on work, study, family, financial resources or exceptional circumstances?
- If family is involved, is the sponsor Spanish, another EU citizen or a non-EU resident?
- Does your case fall under the general Immigration Regulation or the international-mobility framework?
- Which authority is responsible for the procedure?
- Which province is competent?
- Is an administrative fee required?
- Does the procedure require electronic or personal submission?
Only after answering these questions should you select the modelo.
Spanish Immigration Form Checklist
Before submitting an immigration form:
- Confirm the exact immigration procedure.
- Confirm that the form is still currently applicable.
- Use the current version.
- Check who must complete and sign it.
- Match names exactly to the passport.
- Verify the NIE or passport number.
- Confirm the competent province.
- Confirm the correct authority.
- Check the filing deadline.
- Prepare all supporting documents.
- Arrange apostilles or legalization where required.
- Arrange sworn translations where required.
- Confirm the correct administrative fee.
- Keep proof of filing.
- Keep a complete copy of the application.
- Monitor official notifications.
- Respond to any requerimiento within the required period.
How Newcomer.es Can Help With Spanish Immigration Forms
The difficult part of Spanish immigration is rarely typing information into a PDF.
The difficult part is making sure that:
immigration route + form + supporting documents + authority + fee + submission method
all correspond to the same legal procedure.
Newcomer.es helps newcomers organize the immigration and relocation process, including:
- identifying the relevant immigration route;
- selecting the appropriate EX or MI form;
- organizing document requirements;
- preparing for NIE and TIE procedures;
- family residence;
- EU registration;
- arraigo documentation;
- residence modifications;
- Digital Nomad applications;
- apostilles and sworn translations;
- immigration appointments;
- and post-arrival administration.
For broader immigration support, see our Immigration Services in Spain.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spain Immigration Modelos
Which form do I use to get an NIE in Spain?
EX-15 is commonly used to request an NIE assignment and certain foreigner certificates.
Which form is used for a TIE?
EX-17 is the general TIE application form under the ordinary immigration system.
Which form does an EU citizen use to register residence?
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens generally use EX-18 for qualifying residence registration.
Which form does the non-EU spouse of an EU citizen use?
A qualifying non-EU family member covered by EU free-movement rules generally uses EX-19.
Which form is used for the family member of a Spanish citizen?
Many qualifying non-EU family members of Spanish citizens now use EX-24. Specific EU free-movement situations can require different analysis.
Which form is used for family reunification?
Ordinary family reunification where the sponsor is a qualifying foreign resident generally uses EX-02.
Which form is used for arraigo social?
Standard arraigo social applications generally use EX-10.
Which form is used for a Digital Nomad application?
Spain’s Digital Nomad authorization belongs to the international-mobility framework and generally uses the applicable MI procedure rather than a standard EX form.
Is an NIE proof that I legally live in Spain?
No. An NIE is an identification number and does not by itself prove permission to reside or work in Spain.
Is EX-17 a residence application?
No. EX-17 concerns the physical TIE. The underlying immigration authorization normally comes first.
Can I still apply with EX-31 or EX-32?
The extraordinary 2026 application period associated with these special procedures closed on June 30, 2026. People who submitted applications before the deadline may still have pending or post-approval procedures connected with these forms.
Can every EX form be filed online?
No. Submission methods vary. Some procedures are electronic, while others require police, immigration-office or consular procedures.
Why are some EX numbers missing?
The current EX-form sequence is not continuous. Applicants should use the forms that currently exist for recognized procedures rather than assuming every number must have a corresponding form.
The Key Rule for Spanish Immigration Forms
Do not choose your immigration status based on a form.
Choose the correct legal immigration route first.
Then determine:
Route → Modelo → Documents → Fee → Authority → Submission → Decision → TIE or next administrative step
That approach dramatically reduces confusion between NIE, TIE, residence, work permits, family procedures, EU registration and Spain’s international-mobility system.
If you are unsure which route applies to your circumstances, contact Newcomer.es for an immigration consultation.