EX-00 Form in Spain: Application for Stay Authorization and Extensions

EX-00 Form Spain: Long-Duration Stay for Studies, Training and Volunteering

Form EX-00 is Spain’s official application form for certain long-duration stay authorizations, known as estancia de larga duración. Under Spain’s current Immigration Regulation, it is used in procedures involving higher education, post-compulsory secondary education, student mobility, volunteering, qualifying training activities, certain family members, extensions and some work-authorisation applications connected with long-duration stay.

EX-00 is not a TIE application and it is not simply an NIE form.

The current version of EX-00 operates under Spain’s Immigration Regulation approved by Royal Decree 1155/2024.

If you are trying to identify which Spanish immigration form applies to your situation, start with our complete Spain Immigration Forms guide.

What Is Form EX-00 in Spain?

EX-00 is formally the application for:

Autorización de estancia de larga duración

or long-duration stay authorization.

In Spanish immigration law, estancia and residencia are not identical concepts.

EX-00 is particularly important for foreign nationals coming to Spain for qualifying studies, education, training, mobility or volunteering lasting more than 90 days.

The form can also be used for certain extensions and, in specific circumstances, applications for authorization to work while holding long-duration stay status.

EX-00 at a Glance

Question	Answer
Form	EX-00
Main legal concept	Estancia de larga duración
Typical duration	More than 90 days
Common users	Students, trainees, mobility participants and volunteers
Can it be used for an initial application?	Yes, in applicable procedures
Can it be used for an extension?	Yes
Can it be connected with work authorization?	Yes, in specified cases
Is EX-00 the TIE application?	No
Is EX-00 the NIE application?	No
Current regulatory framework	Royal Decree 1155/2024

What Can EX-00 Be Used For?

The current EX-00 form identifies several different immigration situations.

Higher Education

EX-00 can be used for qualifying long-duration stays involving higher education.

This can include recognized university and other qualifying higher-education studies when the legal requirements are satisfied.

Applicants should also review our complete Spain Student Visa guide because the immigration procedure depends partly on whether the application begins outside Spain or from within Spain.

Post-Compulsory Secondary Education

The form also covers qualifying post-compulsory secondary education.

The rules for applying from inside Spain are not identical to those for higher education.

This distinction is important because simply being legally present in Spain does not necessarily make every applicant eligible to submit an EX-00 application from within Spain.

Secondary-School Student Mobility

EX-00 is used for qualifying student-mobility programs involving secondary education.

The applicant must satisfy the conditions of the specific mobility authorization rather than simply demonstrating enrollment in any educational program.

Volunteering

Long-duration stays connected with qualifying volunteering programs can also use EX-00.

The volunteering activity must fit the immigration rules governing recognized volunteer programs.

EX-00 should therefore not be used merely because someone intends to perform unpaid work informally in Spain.

Training Activities

The current EX-00 form also includes several specific categories of actividades formativas.

These include qualifying situations involving:

• foreign language assistants;
• Spanish or co-official-language studies in qualifying institutions;
• preparatory courses for specialized health-training selection procedures;
• training leading to technical aptitude or professional qualification;
• professional certificates.

Each category has its own eligibility rules.

Do not assume that enrollment in any private course automatically qualifies for a Spanish long-duration stay authorization.

Specialized Health Training

EX-00 also covers qualifying formación sanitaria especializada.

This is a specific immigration situation and should not be treated as a generic student category.

Student Mobility Within Europe

The form includes procedures relating to student mobility under qualifying EU or multilateral programs as well as certain mobility situations outside such programs.

The applicable requirements depend on the applicant’s existing student status and the mobility arrangement involved.

Studies Under the Agreement With Andorra

EX-00 also contains specific options connected with studies under Spain’s arrangements with Andorra.

These are specialist cases and should not be generalized to other nationalities.

Can Family Members Use EX-00?

In some circumstances, yes.

The current form includes specific categories for certain family members of holders of long-duration stay authorizations.

These include qualifying family members connected with:

• higher-education studies;
• specialized health training;
• studies under the relevant agreement with Andorra;
• certain children born in Spain to holders of long-duration stay status.

This does not mean that every family member of every EX-00 applicant automatically qualifies.

For example, current rules provide family-accompaniment possibilities particularly in connection with qualifying higher-education stays.

Family members have their own eligibility and documentation requirements.

EX-00 Is Not Just a Student Form

This is one of the most important corrections to older explanations of Modelo EX-00.

Students are certainly major users of the form, but the current EX-00 covers a broader framework.

It can relate to:

Studies → Training → Student Mobility → Volunteering → Certain Family Members → Extensions → Certain Work Authorizations

For that reason, choosing EX-00 should come after identifying the correct immigration procedure.

Do not choose your immigration route merely because you found an EX-00 PDF online.

What Does “Estancia de Larga Duración” Mean?

Under the current immigration framework, long-duration stay allows a qualifying foreign national to remain in Spain for more than 90 days for one of the legally recognized purposes.

This should be distinguished from ordinary residencia.

The difference matters because it can affect:

• the application procedure;
• permitted activities;
• work rights;
• family rights;
• extension rules;
• TIE requirements;
• future changes to another immigration status.

A person can therefore lawfully live in Spain for an extended study period while their immigration authorization remains legally classified as estancia rather than ordinary temporary residence.

Can You Apply With EX-00 From Inside Spain?

In some categories, yes—but the rules differ substantially according to the activity.

Higher Education

For qualifying higher studies, an adult foreign national who is legally present in Spain may be able to apply from Spain when the applicable requirements and filing deadlines are satisfied.

The current procedure generally requires sufficient time remaining in the applicant’s lawful situation and advance filing before the studies begin.

Post-Compulsory Secondary Education

The rules are more restrictive.

For this category, the current framework for an application initiated within Spain requires the applicant to hold qualifying residence status rather than simply assuming that tourist or other lawful short-stay status is sufficient.

Other EX-00 Categories

Volunteering, mobility and training categories have their own conditions.

Some require residence status in Spain, while certain others refer to the applicant being in a regular legal situation.

Therefore:

“I am legally in Spain” does not automatically mean “I can submit every EX-00 application from Spain.”

The precise category must be checked first.

Can You Apply From Outside Spain?

Yes, many long-duration study and related processes begin while the applicant is outside Spain.

Where a visa is required, the process generally begins through the competent Spanish consular authorities.

This is why EX-00 should not be described simply as a “student visa form.”

A visa and a stay authorization are related but legally distinct elements of the immigration process.

What Documents Are Normally Required With EX-00?

The exact documents depend on the particular EX-00 category.

There is no universal EX-00 document package that works for every applicant.

However, common requirements can include the following.

Passport

Applicants generally need a valid passport or recognized travel document.

The personal information entered on EX-00 should match the passport precisely.

Pay particular attention to:

• full legal name;
• surnames;
• passport number;
• nationality;
• date of birth.

Proof of Studies, Training or Activity

You must demonstrate the legal reason for the requested stay.

Depending on the category, this could include:

• admission to a higher-education institution;
• proof of enrollment;
• proof of payment of enrollment or registration fees;
• secondary-education admission;
• student-mobility documentation;
• volunteering agreement;
• training-program documentation;
• documentation connected with professional training or certification.

Proof of Financial Means

Applicants in study-related categories normally need to demonstrate adequate financial resources.

For qualifying higher-education and post-compulsory-secondary study applications, the basic reference for the student is generally linked to 100% of the monthly IPREM, subject to the applicable rules and adjustments such as qualifying prepaid accommodation.

Additional financial requirements can apply when qualifying family members accompany the student.

The funds used to pay for the studies themselves are not automatically treated as resources available for living expenses.

Health Insurance

Applicants must normally have qualifying health coverage where required by their immigration category.

Do not assume that ordinary travel insurance automatically satisfies Spanish immigration requirements.

Our Health Insurance for Spain Visa guide explains what to check before purchasing a policy.

Criminal Record Certificate

For applicable long-duration stays exceeding six months, adult applicants may be required to provide criminal-record documentation covering the relevant countries in which they have lived.

The exact requirement depends on the immigration procedure.

Medical Certificate

A medical certificate may be required in applicable procedures.

However, the requirements can differ depending on whether the application is made from abroad or, where legally permitted, from within Spain.

Documents for Minors

Where minors are involved, parental or guardian authorization and documentation identifying the responsible institution or organization may be required.

Apostille, Legalization and Translation

Foreign public documents may need:

• an apostille;
• consular legalization where applicable;
• or an exemption under an international agreement.

Documents not accepted in their original language may also require a sworn translation into Spanish.

How to Complete Form EX-00

The current form contains several important sections.

1. Details of the Foreign Applicant

Enter the applicant’s personal information exactly as shown in the passport or recognized identity document.

This section includes information such as:

• passport;
• NIE if already assigned;
• surnames;
• name;
• date and place of birth;
• nationality;
• Spanish address;
• telephone;
• email;
• legal representative where applicable.

2. Institution, Study Centre, Training Organisation or Volunteer Organisation

The form asks for information about the institution connected with the activity.

Depending on the case, this may include:

• institution name;
• tax identification;
• official registration or recognition;
• address;
• representative.

The current EX-00 specifically recognizes that the institution itself can be a critical element of eligibility.

3. Study or Training Program

Applicants provide details of the program, including information such as:

• name of the program;
• start date;
• end date;
• whether teaching is in person;
• whether it uses an accepted hybrid or semi-presential format.

Do not enter a generic description if the supporting admission documentation identifies a specific official program.

4. Family Member Information

Where the application relates to an eligible family member accompanying a qualifying student, the corresponding student information must be completed.

5. Employer Information

The current EX-00 also contains an employer section for applications involving authorization to work as an employee.

This is one reason it is no longer accurate to describe EX-00 exclusively as a student application form.

6. Representative Information

If another person is legally filing the application for the foreign national, the corresponding representation details must be completed.

7. Address for Notifications

This section is extremely important.

Official immigration communications can include:

• requests for additional documents;
• resolutions;
• deadlines;
• procedural notices.

The form also includes electronic-notification options.

If you use electronic administration regularly in Spain, our Digital Certificate guide explains one of the principal tools used for accessing Spanish public services.

8. Type of Authorization Requested

This is one of the most important sections of EX-00.

You must identify the actual legal procedure you are requesting.

Selecting the wrong category can lead to delays or an incorrectly prepared application.

The supporting documents must correspond to the category selected.

Can EX-00 Be Used to Extend a Stay?

Yes.

The current form specifically includes PRÓRROGA.

For qualifying study authorizations, the current rules allow an extension application during the applicable filing window when the underlying studies continue and the requirements remain satisfied.

For higher education and post-compulsory secondary education, the extension can generally be requested during the two months before expiration or the three months following expiration, although applying before expiry is normally preferable.

Importantly, the current EX-00 form states that the extension procedure must be submitted electronically.

Applicants should not therefore assume that a paper appointment is the normal extension route.

How Long Can an EX-00 Study Authorization Last?

The answer depends on the study category.

Higher Education

For qualifying higher education, the long-duration stay authorization can correspond to the total duration of the studies.

Where an authorization is granted for more than one year, continued enrollment or equivalent evidence may need to be demonstrated for subsequent academic years.

Post-Compulsory Secondary Education

For qualifying post-compulsory secondary studies, the authorization corresponds to the duration of the studies but is generally subject to a maximum of one year.

Different EX-00 categories can have different validity rules.

Do You Need a TIE After EX-00 Approval?

If the qualifying stay lasts more than six months, the foreign national generally needs to obtain a Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero.

The TIE is a separate physical card.

The immigration sequence may therefore look like:

EX-00 / qualifying authorization → approval → EX-17 → fingerprints → TIE

Read our complete EX-17 TIE application guide for the physical-card stage.

EX-00 vs EX-17

These forms perform completely different functions.

Form	Main purpose
EX-00	Qualifying long-duration stay authorization, extension or specified related procedure
EX-17	Application for the physical TIE card

EX-00 deals with the underlying immigration authorization or specified procedure.

EX-17 deals with foreigner identity-card documentation.

A person may therefore need both at different stages.

EX-00 vs NIE

EX-00 is also not the standard standalone application for an NIE.

The NIE — Número de Identidad de Extranjero — is an identification number assigned to a foreign national.

The form commonly associated with a direct NIE request is EX-15.

An immigration procedure can result in an NIE being assigned, but that does not make EX-00 simply an “NIE application.”

For a detailed explanation, see our NIE Number in Spain guide.

Can You Work in Spain With an EX-00 Study Authorization?

This depends on the specific long-duration stay category.

Higher-Education Students

Under the current rules, a qualifying long-duration stay authorization for higher education automatically permits compatible employed and self-employed work without a separate work-authorization procedure.

The work must remain compatible with the studies.

Other Long-Duration Stay Categories

Different rules can apply to other categories.

Where a separate authorization to work is required, the current EX-00 form itself includes an option for:

Autorización para trabajar para titular de estancia de larga duración

covering:

• employment — cuenta ajena;
• self-employment — cuenta propia.

Applicable work activity is generally subject to compatibility and working-time conditions.

This is another reason to identify the precise EX-00 category rather than applying generic “student work” rules to everyone.

Can Family Members of Students Work?

Do not assume that a student’s work rights automatically extend to accompanying family members.

Under the current framework for qualifying family members of higher-education students, accompanying family status does not automatically authorize employment.

The student’s authorization and the family member’s authorization should be analyzed separately.

What Happens After EX-00 Is Submitted?

The authority reviews both the form and the supporting evidence.

Possible outcomes include:

Approval

The requested authorization is granted.

If a TIE is required, the applicant must then complete the physical-card procedure.

Request for Additional Documents

The administration may issue a requerimiento requesting additional evidence or corrections.

Do not ignore it.

The response must be filed correctly and within the applicable deadline.

Refusal

The application can be refused when the legal requirements have not been demonstrated.

Depending on the decision and circumstances, administrative or judicial remedies may be available.

How Long Does an EX-00 Application Take?

There is no single decision period for every procedure appearing on EX-00.

For example, current applications initiated in Spain for qualifying higher-education or post-compulsory-secondary study authorization have an official maximum decision period of two months.

Other EX-00 procedures can have different statutory periods.

For this reason, do not treat one processing-time estimate as applying to every EX-00 category.

Common EX-00 Mistakes

Using an Old EX-00 Form

Spain introduced a new Immigration Regulation through Royal Decree 1155/2024.

Use the current EX-00 version corresponding to the current regulatory framework.

Treating EX-00 as Only a Student Form

The current form covers multiple long-duration stay procedures.

Applying From Spain Without Checking Eligibility

Different categories have different requirements regarding lawful stay or existing residence status.

Choosing the Wrong Category

The legal category selected on EX-00 must match the supporting documents.

Assuming Any School or Course Qualifies

The institution and program must satisfy the requirements of the applicable immigration route.

Insufficient Financial Evidence

Financial means must meet the requirements of the specific procedure.

Incorrect Health Insurance

A policy should be checked against immigration requirements before relying on it.

Missing Apostille or Legalization

Foreign public documents may require authentication.

Missing Sworn Translation

Documents may require official translation before they are accepted.

Missing Electronic Notifications

Applicants who use electronic procedures should monitor official notifications carefully.

Confusing EX-00 With EX-17

Approval of a long-duration stay does not automatically produce the physical TIE.

EX-00 Application Checklist

Before filing, confirm that you have:

• the current EX-00 form;
• identified the correct legal category;
• completed all relevant sections;
• entered passport information accurately;
• included NIE details if already assigned;
• provided the correct institution or organization information;
• documented the study, mobility, training or volunteer activity;
• demonstrated required financial means;
• obtained qualifying health insurance where required;
• obtained criminal-record documentation where applicable;
• obtained medical documentation where applicable;
• prepared parental authorization where necessary;
• apostilled or legalized foreign public documents where required;
• arranged sworn translations where required;
• paid the correct administrative fee;
• confirmed who is legally entitled to submit the application;
• confirmed whether filing must be electronic;
• saved a complete copy of the application and submission receipt.

Frequently Asked Questions About EX-00

What is EX-00 in Spain?

EX-00 is the official form used for specified Spanish long-duration stay procedures under the current immigration framework, including qualifying studies, training, mobility, volunteering, certain family procedures, extensions and specified work-authorization applications.

Is EX-00 a student visa form?

Not exactly. It is a long-duration stay application form. A visa may form part of the immigration process for applicants applying from abroad, but the visa and EX-00 are not the same thing.

Is EX-00 only for university students?

No. The current form covers several categories beyond higher education.

Can EX-00 be submitted from Spain?

Yes in qualifying situations, but the conditions vary by category. Higher-education applicants and applicants in other categories do not necessarily have the same eligibility rules.

Can a tourist apply for EX-00 from Spain?

A person legally present in Spain may qualify to apply from within Spain for certain categories, particularly qualifying higher studies, but this does not mean every tourist can use every EX-00 procedure. The specific legal category, timing and applicant status must be checked.

Does EX-00 give me an NIE?

EX-00 is not primarily an NIE application. An NIE may be assigned through an immigration process, but the direct NIE form is normally EX-15.

Does EX-00 give me a TIE?

No. Where a TIE is required, the physical-card procedure is separate and generally uses EX-17.

Do I need a TIE if my study stay exceeds six months?

Generally yes. Holders of qualifying long-duration stays exceeding six months normally need to complete the TIE procedure.

Can higher-education students work?

Under the current rules, a qualifying long-duration stay authorization for higher education automatically allows compatible employed and self-employed work without an additional work-authorization procedure.

Can EX-00 be used for a work authorization?

Yes in specified circumstances. The current form includes an authorization-to-work option for holders of long-duration stay status where a separate work authorization is required.

Can EX-00 be extended?

Yes. The form includes a prórroga option for qualifying extensions. Current extensions are submitted electronically.

Is EX-00 the same as EX-17?

No. EX-00 concerns the underlying long-duration stay or related procedure; EX-17 is used for the physical TIE.

Need Help Choosing the Correct Spanish Immigration Form?

EX-00 demonstrates why Spanish immigration forms should never be selected in isolation.

The correct sequence is:

Immigration route → Legal category → EX form → Supporting documents → Fee → Correct authority → Submission → Decision → TIE or next step

You can compare the full set of forms in our Spain Immigration Forms: EX-00 to EX-32 guide.

If you need broader assistance identifying the correct immigration route and preparing your documentation, see our Immigration Services in Spain or contact Newcomer.es.