EX-04 Form Spain: Residence Permit for Internships

EX-04 is Spain’s official application form for a residence authorization for internships, known as an autorización de residencia para prácticas. It allows qualifying non-EU nationals to live in Spain while completing professional internships connected with their higher-education studies or a recently obtained higher-education qualification.

EX-04 is not a general work permit and it is not the form used for every student internship in Spain.

The route is specifically intended for people who:

• obtained a qualifying higher-education qualification within the previous two years; or
• are currently completing studies leading to a higher-education qualification.

The internship must also be connected with the same academic field and qualification level as the applicant’s studies or qualification.

Applications are normally submitted by the host entity in Spain, not independently by the trainee.

If you are comparing Spanish immigration forms, see our complete Spain Immigration Forms: EX-00 to EX-32 guide.

What Is Form EX-04?

EX-04 is officially used for:

Solicitud de autorización de residencia para prácticas

or an application for residence authorization for internships.

The authorization is based on Spain’s international-mobility framework and allows a qualifying foreign national to reside in Spain while participating in an internship program.

The internship can generally be structured through either:

1. an internship agreement — convenio de prácticas; or
2. a qualifying employment contract for professional practice.

These two routes are related but should not be treated as identical.

EX-04 at a Glance

Question	Answer
Form	EX-04
Main purpose	Residence authorization for professional internships
Main applicants	Higher-education students and recent graduates
Graduate time limit	Degree generally obtained within previous 2 years
Internship must relate to studies	Yes
Internship agreement allowed	Yes
Employment contract allowed	Yes
Who submits	Host entity
Submission	Electronically through Mercurio
Decision period	30 days
Administrative silence	Positive
TIE required	Yes
Renewal possible	Yes, subject to the type of internship
General family reunification right	No

Who Can Qualify for EX-04?

The internship-residence authorization is aimed at qualifying third-country nationals.

The applicant generally must have either:

• obtained a higher-education qualification during the two years immediately before the application; or
• currently be completing studies that lead to a higher-education qualification.

Qualifying higher education can include more than university degrees.

Depending on the program, it can include:

• university education;
• higher artistic education;
• higher vocational training;
• higher professional education in art and design;
• higher-level sports education.

If the person is currently studying in Spain, they generally need to hold the appropriate Spanish long-duration study authorization.

For the wider study route, see our Spain Student Visa guide.

The Internship Must Be Related to Your Studies

One of the most important EX-04 requirements is often overlooked.

The internship must take place within:

• the same academic field; and
• the same qualification level

as the higher-education qualification or study program on which the application is based.

For example, someone with an engineering qualification applying for a professional engineering internship presents a logical connection.

Someone attempting to use an unrelated qualification simply to obtain residence for an entirely different internship may have difficulty satisfying the requirement.

The application should clearly explain the relationship between:

Education → Skills → Internship activities → Professional development

EX-04 Is Not Required for Every Internship in Spain

Not every foreign student completing an internship needs an EX-04 residence authorization.

For example, some internships form part of an existing Spanish study program and may already be covered by the student’s study authorization.

A university student completing curricular professional practice as part of their degree should therefore not automatically assume that they need to change to EX-04.

EX-04 is a specific residence-for-internships route.

Before applying, determine whether the internship is:

• already covered by existing student status;
• part of the study curriculum;
• a separate post-study professional internship;
• based on an internship agreement;
• based on an employment contract.

EX-04 vs EX-00

EX-00 and EX-04 can both appear in the immigration journey of international students, but they serve different purposes.

Form	Main purpose
EX-00	Long-duration stay for qualifying studies, training, mobility or volunteering
EX-04	Residence authorization specifically for professional internships

EX-00 is primarily connected with the educational or training stay itself.

EX-04 concerns a professional internship linked to higher education.

Read our complete EX-00 Form Spain guide if you are still in the study stage.

Internship Agreement vs Employment Contract

EX-04 supports two principal structures.

Understanding the difference is extremely important.

Internship Based on a Convenio de Prácticas

A convenio de prácticas is an internship agreement establishing the professional-training relationship between the trainee and host entity.

The agreement should explain the educational and practical structure of the internship.

It must normally contain information including:

• description of the internship program;
• educational objective;
• practical components;
• duration;
• conditions;
• supervision arrangements;
• internship hours;
• legal relationship between the trainee and host organization.

Where there is no employment contract, the immigration procedure also places particular importance on:

• financial resources;
• health insurance.

Internship Based on an Employment Contract

EX-04 can also be used where the internship is based on a qualifying employment contract.

In this situation, the host entity must provide the employment contract and demonstrate that it can meet its obligations toward the worker.

The contract must contain the information required for the internship and comply with applicable Spanish employment law.

The company may therefore need to demonstrate:

• sufficient economic resources;
• sufficient material resources;
• ability to operate the project;
• capacity to pay the agreed salary;
• compliance with tax obligations;
• compliance with Social Security obligations.

Who Is the Host Entity?

The entidad de acogida, or host entity, is the organization providing the internship.

It can be a qualifying public or private entity.

Examples could include:

• companies;
• universities;
• research organizations;
• professional organizations;
• foundations;
• other qualifying entities.

The host organization plays a central role because it is normally the party legally responsible for submitting the EX-04 residence application.

Who Submits EX-04?

For the residence-for-internships procedure, the host entity submits the application.

This is an important distinction from immigration procedures where the foreign national applies personally.

The host organization may act directly or through an appropriately authorized representative.

The trainee should nevertheless participate closely in preparing:

• passport documentation;
• educational evidence;
• immigration-status evidence;
• criminal-record documentation where applicable;
• insurance;
• financial evidence;
• other personal documents.

Where Is EX-04 Submitted?

The application is submitted electronically through Mercurio.

Mercurio is Spain’s electronic immigration platform used for many residence and work procedures.

For EX-04, electronic submission is not simply an optional convenience. The current official procedure provides for electronic filing by the host entity.

This makes electronic identification important for the organization or authorized representative handling the application.

Our Digital Certificate in Spain guide explains how Spanish electronic identification works.

What Information Does EX-04 Ask For?

The EX-04 form is organized around the foreign trainee and the host organization.

Foreign Applicant Details

The applicant section includes information such as:

• passport;
• NIE if already assigned;
• surname;
• name;
• sex;
• date of birth;
• country and place of birth;
• nationality;
• marital status;
• Spanish address where applicable;
• telephone;
• email;
• legal representative where applicable.

The information should match the applicant’s passport and immigration documents exactly.

Host Entity Details

The form asks for information concerning the organization providing the internship.

This includes details such as:

• company or organization name;
• NIF or other identification;
• activity;
• occupation;
• address;
• telephone;
• email;
• legal representative.

The person acting for the organization should have sufficient legal authority to submit the application.

Representative Details

Where an authorized representative handles the submission, EX-04 includes a separate section identifying that person or organization.

Address for Notifications

The form also requires information for official administrative communications.

Government notifications can include:

• requests for additional documents;
• approval decisions;
• procedural communications;
• deadlines.

Electronic immigration procedures should therefore be monitored carefully after submission.

Type of Authorization Requested

The current EX-04 distinguishes between an initial authorization and renewal.

The application must also identify whether the internship is based on:

• an internship agreement; or
• an employment contract.

Selecting the correct legal basis is important because the supporting evidence differs.

Documents Required for EX-04

The exact document package depends on the applicant and internship structure.

However, several documents are central to the procedure.

EX-04 Form

The current official EX-04 must be properly completed.

The host entity is responsible for signing and submitting the application.

Passport

The foreign national must normally provide a copy of a valid passport or recognized travel document.

The passport should remain valid for at least the period for which residence is requested.

Higher-Education Evidence

The applicant needs to demonstrate either:

• completion of qualifying higher education during the previous two years; or
• current enrollment in studies leading to a qualifying higher-education qualification.

This can involve:

• university degree;
• diploma;
• academic certificate;
• enrollment certificate;
• other official educational documentation.

Proof That the Internship Matches the Qualification

The application should demonstrate that the internship takes place in the same academic field and at the same qualification level as the studies.

Useful evidence can include:

• degree transcript;
• description of the academic program;
• internship description;
• internship training plan;
• job or internship duties;
• educational objectives.

Host Entity Documentation

The host organization may need to provide evidence including:

• NIF;
• incorporation documents;
• registration documentation;
• legal-representation documentation;
• identification of the representative;
• tax-compliance information;
• Social Security compliance information.

Internship Agreement or Employment Contract

One of these documents forms the foundation of the application.

The agreement or contract should clearly explain the professional-training arrangement.

Financial Means

Where the internship is not based on an employment contract, the applicant must demonstrate sufficient financial resources.

The standard benchmark is:

100% of monthly IPREM for the applicant.

For 2026, monthly IPREM remains €600.

This gives a basic reference of:

€600 per month

for the period of residence.

If accommodation has been fully paid in advance for the entire period, the applicable maintenance requirement may be reduced to:

50% of monthly IPREM

which is currently €300 per month.

These financial requirements apply to maintenance and return expenses and should be considered separately from costs already committed to other purposes.

Financial Resources for Existing Accompanying Family Members

Where qualifying family members already accompany the applicant under an existing student-family authorization, additional financial resources may need to be demonstrated.

The standard reference is:

• first qualifying family member: 75% of monthly IPREM;
• each additional qualifying family member: 50% of monthly IPREM.

Using the 2026 monthly IPREM of €600:

• first family member: €450 per month;
• each additional family member: €300 per month.

However, EX-04 residence should not be treated as creating a general new family-reunification right.

Health Insurance

Where the internship is based on an internship agreement rather than an employment contract, qualifying health insurance must normally be demonstrated.

The coverage should satisfy the immigration requirements applicable to the residence period.

Ordinary travel insurance should not automatically be assumed to qualify.

For help understanding Spanish immigration insurance, see our Health Insurance for Spain Visa guide.

Criminal Record Certificate

Criminal-record documentation can be required depending on the applicant’s circumstances and previous Spanish immigration status.

This is particularly relevant where the applicant has not already demonstrated the necessary criminal-history requirements through an existing sufficiently long Spanish study authorization.

Foreign criminal-record documents may need:

• apostille;
• legalization;
• sworn translation.

Medical Requirements

Applicants must satisfy the health requirements applicable to the residence authorization, including the rules concerning diseases with serious public-health implications.

The exact supporting documentation can depend on the applicant’s circumstances and previous immigration status.

Apostille, Legalization and Translation

Foreign public documents may need to be prepared for legal use in Spain.

Depending on the issuing country, this can involve:

• Hague Apostille;
• consular legalization;
• exemption under an international agreement.

Documents in foreign languages can also require sworn translation into Spanish or the relevant co-official language.

Academic certificates and criminal-record documents should therefore be prepared well before the planned filing date.

EX-04 Application Process Step by Step

The procedure can be understood as follows.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Determine whether the applicant:

• completed higher education within the previous two years; or
• is currently completing qualifying higher education.

Step 2: Confirm the Academic Connection

Make sure the internship matches the applicant’s academic field and qualification level.

Step 3: Choose the Internship Structure

Determine whether the arrangement will use:

• an internship agreement; or
• an employment contract.

Step 4: Prepare the Host Entity

The organization should confirm that it satisfies the legal and administrative requirements to act as host.

Step 5: Prepare the Internship Agreement or Contract

The document should clearly identify:

• purpose;
• duration;
• responsibilities;
• training;
• supervision;
• hours;
• legal relationship.

Step 6: Prepare the Applicant’s Documents

Gather:

• passport;
• educational evidence;
• current immigration documentation;
• criminal-record evidence where applicable;
• insurance where applicable;
• financial evidence where applicable;
• translations and apostilles.

Step 7: Complete EX-04

Make sure applicant, host-entity and internship information is consistent across every document.

Step 8: Submit Through Mercurio

The host entity submits the application electronically.

Step 9: Pay the Government Fee

The applicable residence fee is processed through Modelo 790 Código 052, under the category for residence authorization for internships.

The fee becomes due when the application is submitted and should be paid within the applicable payment period.

Step 10: Monitor Electronic Notifications

Save the submission receipt and monitor government notifications.

A request for additional documents should be answered within the specified deadline.

How Long Does EX-04 Take?

The official decision period for the residence-for-internships authorization is 30 days, calculated from the day after submission.

This is significantly shorter than the official period for many ordinary immigration procedures.

However, practical timing can still be affected by:

• incomplete documents;
• requests for additional evidence;
• technical filing problems;
• document authentication;
• host-entity issues.

What Happens if There Is No Decision Within 30 Days?

EX-04 has an important administrative-silence rule.

If the statutory decision period expires without an express response, the application can be understood as approved through positive administrative silence, subject to the applicable administrative procedure.

This is different from many standard initial immigration applications in Spain, where silence can operate negatively.

Applicants should still obtain the corresponding administrative confirmation and complete the necessary later steps.

Applying for EX-04 From Outside Spain

A qualifying foreign national can obtain internship residence while outside Spain.

The host entity still handles the residence-authorization application in Spain.

After approval, a foreign national who resides outside Spain and requires entry authorization must complete the corresponding visa process under the applicable international-mobility framework.

The typical sequence is therefore:

Host entity → EX-04 → Approval → Visa → Entry into Spain → TIE

Applying for EX-04 While Already in Spain

EX-04 can also be relevant to qualifying foreign nationals already legally in Spain.

A common example is a higher-education student who already holds a Spanish study authorization and then moves into a qualifying professional internship.

The person should not assume that finding an internship automatically changes their immigration status.

The host entity must submit the correct residence-for-internships application where EX-04 is required.

Do You Need to Leave Spain to Apply?

Not necessarily.

A qualifying higher-education student already holding the appropriate legal status in Spain can potentially transition to internship residence without first leaving Spain.

The exact procedure depends on:

• existing immigration authorization;
• educational status;
• internship arrangement;
• eligibility under the internship-residence rules.

This is one of the reasons EX-04 can be an attractive professional transition for qualifying international students.

How Long Does EX-04 Residence Last?

The answer depends on whether the internship is based on an agreement or employment contract.

Internship Agreement

Where the internship is based on a convenio de prácticas, the residence authorization generally lasts for the duration of the internship agreement, with a maximum initial duration of 12 months.

It can generally be renewed once.

The combined initial authorization and renewal cannot normally exceed two years.

Employment Contract

Where the internship is based on an employment contract, the duration of the residence authorization corresponds to the duration permitted for the contract under the applicable Spanish employment legislation.

The two routes should therefore not be assumed to have identical validity periods.

Can EX-04 Be Renewed?

Yes.

The official EX-04 includes a renewal option.

For an agreement-based internship, renewal can generally occur once, provided that:

• the internship continues;
• the legal requirements continue to be satisfied;
• the maximum total duration is respected.

The total residence period under the agreement-based route cannot normally exceed two years.

Contract-based cases are governed by the applicable contract and immigration framework.

Does EX-04 Allow You to Work?

The answer depends on how the professional internship is structured.

Internship Agreement

A residence authorization based on an internship agreement is focused on participation in the professional-training program established by that agreement.

It should not be treated as a general unrestricted Spanish work permit.

Employment Contract

Where the EX-04 application is based on an employment contract, the professional practice takes place within an employment relationship.

This involves the corresponding labour and Social Security obligations.

If employment registration is required, the worker will also need the appropriate Spanish Social Security identification.

See our guide to obtaining a Social Security Number in Spain.

Does EX-04 Allow Any Job in Spain?

No.

The purpose of EX-04 is the qualifying internship relationship.

The authorization should not be treated as permission to take unrelated employment anywhere in Spain.

If the trainee later wants to move into ordinary employment, another immigration route or modification may become appropriate depending on the circumstances.

Can EX-04 Lead to a Regular Work Permit?

Potentially.

One of the main strategic advantages of professional internship residence is that it can help a graduate build:

• Spanish professional experience;
• employer relationships;
• sector knowledge;
• local employment history.

When the internship ends, the person may need to transition into another immigration status if they want to remain in Spain for ordinary employment.

Possible routes depend on the circumstances and can include:

• standard employee residence/work authorization;
• highly qualified professional authorization;
• EU Blue Card;
• self-employment;
• another qualifying residence category.

The internship authorization itself should not be assumed to convert automatically.

EX-04 vs Spain Student Visa

The two statuses serve different purposes.

Student authorization	Internship residence
Main purpose is education	Main purpose is professional internship
Connected to qualifying studies	Connected to higher education and professional experience
Uses the applicable study procedure	Uses EX-04
Student remains primarily a student	Applicant holds residence for internships
Curricular internship may already be covered	Separate internship residence may apply

A student should therefore first determine whether changing immigration status is actually necessary.

EX-04 vs Standard Work Permit

EX-04 should also not be confused with the ordinary employee work route.

EX-04	Standard employee route
Professional internship	Ordinary employment
Must relate to higher education	Job is not inherently an internship
Special internship-residence framework	General work-authorization framework
Host entity submits	Employer normally submits
30-day official decision period	Different processing rules
EX-04 form	EX-03 commonly applies

If the position is actually ordinary employment rather than professional practice, see our EX-03 Work Permit guide.

Do EX-04 Holders Need a TIE?

Yes.

The foreign national must normally request the Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero personally.

The deadline is generally one month:

• from entry into Spain, where the applicant was abroad; or
• from notification of approval, where the applicant was already in Spain with qualifying study status.

The TIE is separate from EX-04.

Read our complete TIE Card Spain guide before completing the physical-card procedure.

EX-04 vs EX-17

These forms represent different stages.

Form	Purpose
EX-04	Underlying residence authorization for internships
EX-17	Physical TIE application

A successful EX-04 applicant may therefore later use EX-17 when obtaining the residence card.

Can Family Members Join an EX-04 Holder?

EX-04 internship residence does not create a general family-reunification route for bringing new relatives to Spain.

However, qualifying family members who had already accompanied the person during their previous student stay may be able to continue under the corresponding linked status where the legal requirements are satisfied.

Do not assume that obtaining internship residence allows a new spouse, partner or child abroad to automatically apply as an EX-04 dependant.

Family status should be reviewed separately.

Common EX-04 Mistakes

Assuming Any Internship Qualifies

The internship must be connected with qualifying higher education.

Using an Unrelated Degree

The internship must be in the same academic field and qualification level as the relevant studies.

Applying More Than Two Years After Graduation

A recent graduate normally needs to have obtained the higher-education qualification within the previous two years.

Assuming the Trainee Submits the Application

The host entity is normally responsible for submitting EX-04.

Using the Wrong Internship Structure

A convenio and an employment contract have different requirements.

Weak Internship Agreement

The agreement should clearly explain the training program, duration, supervision, hours and legal relationship.

Forgetting Financial Requirements

Agreement-based cases without an employment contract normally require evidence of sufficient resources.

Using Inadequate Health Insurance

Qualifying insurance is important in agreement-based cases.

Assuming Student Status Automatically Becomes Internship Residence

A new immigration procedure may be necessary.

Assuming EX-04 Is a General Work Permit

The authorization is linked to the qualifying professional internship.

Missing Electronic Notifications

The host entity or representative should monitor Mercurio and official notifications carefully.

Missing the TIE Deadline

Approval of EX-04 does not automatically produce the physical residence card.

Confusing EX-04 With EX-17

EX-04 grants the underlying immigration authorization. EX-17 concerns the physical TIE.

EX-04 Application Checklist

Before filing, confirm that:

• EX-04 is the correct immigration route;
• the applicant has qualifying higher education;
• the qualification was obtained within the required period where applying as a graduate;
• the internship is in the same academic field;
• the internship matches the qualification level;
• the host entity is eligible;
• the host entity has authorized the person submitting the application;
• the correct internship structure has been selected;
• the internship agreement or employment contract is properly prepared;
• passport documentation is valid;
• educational documents are available;
• financial means are demonstrated where required;
• health insurance is in place where required;
• criminal-record documentation is available where applicable;
• foreign public documents are apostilled or legalized where necessary;
• sworn translations are prepared where required;
• EX-04 is completed correctly;
• the applicable government fee is paid;
• Mercurio access is ready;
• copies of the full submission are saved;
• electronic notifications are monitored.

Frequently Asked Questions About EX-04

What is EX-04 in Spain?

EX-04 is the official form used to apply for residence authorization for qualifying professional internships in Spain.

Who can qualify?

A person who obtained a qualifying higher-education qualification within the previous two years or who is currently completing qualifying higher education can potentially qualify.

Does the internship have to be related to my degree?

Yes. The professional internship must generally be within the same academic field and at the same qualification level as the relevant studies or qualification.

Who submits EX-04?

The host entity providing the internship normally submits the application.

Can I submit EX-04 myself?

The standard procedure provides for submission by the host entity rather than an independent application by the trainee.

How is EX-04 submitted?

The application is filed electronically through Mercurio.

Can I apply while already studying in Spain?

Potentially yes. A qualifying higher-education student holding the appropriate study status can potentially move into the internship-residence route.

Can I apply after graduating outside Spain?

Potentially yes, provided the qualification and timing requirements are satisfied.

How long after graduation can I apply?

The qualifying higher-education degree generally needs to have been obtained during the two years before the application.

Can the internship use an employment contract?

Yes. EX-04 supports internships based on either a qualifying internship agreement or employment contract.

How much money do I need in 2026?

Where there is no internship employment contract, the standard financial benchmark for the trainee is 100% of monthly IPREM.

With the 2026 IPREM at €600, this is €600 per month.

Where accommodation has been paid in advance for the entire stay and the applicable conditions are satisfied, the maintenance benchmark can be reduced to 50% of IPREM, currently €300 per month.

Do I need health insurance?

For an agreement-based internship without an employment contract, qualifying health insurance is normally required.

How long does EX-04 take?

The official decision period is 30 days.

What happens if there is no decision after 30 days?

Under the applicable procedure, positive administrative silence can apply.

How long does EX-04 last?

With an internship agreement, the initial authorization generally follows the agreement for up to 12 months.

With an employment contract, duration follows the applicable contract and labour-law framework.

Can an agreement-based EX-04 be renewed?

Yes, generally once, with the total initial-plus-renewal period normally limited to two years.

Do I need a TIE?

Yes. The physical TIE must generally be requested within one month of entry or approval, depending on whether the applicant was outside or already inside Spain.

Can I bring my family?

EX-04 does not establish a general new family-reunification right. Family members who already accompanied the applicant under student status may have separate continuation possibilities.

Can I stay in Spain after the internship?

Potentially yes, but another appropriate immigration authorization may be required for ordinary employment, self-employment or another long-term activity.

Need Help With EX-04 Residence for Internships?

EX-04 sits at the intersection of education and employment immigration.

The correct sequence is:

Higher education → Qualifying internship → Correct agreement or contract → Host entity → EX-04 → Mercurio → Approval → Visa if required → TIE → Professional transition

If you are currently studying in Spain, start with our Spain Student Visa guide.

You can compare all the Spanish immigration forms in our Spain Immigration Forms guide.

If the internship develops into ordinary employment, review our EX-03 Work Permit guide.

For help coordinating immigration documents and relocation procedures, contact Newcomer.es.