Spanish Immigration Forms, Fees and Appointments Guide

Spanish immigration paperwork becomes much easier once you understand that forms, fees and appointments are three separate parts of the same procedure.

You may need:

• the correct EX application form;
• the correct government fee form;
• supporting documents; and
• the correct Cita Previa appointment category.

Getting one of those right does not compensate for getting another one wrong.

This guide explains the system and the most common forms newcomers encounter.

There Is No Single “Immigration Form”

Spain uses a family of official forms generally identified by codes such as EX-15, EX-17 and EX-18.

Each form corresponds to particular procedures.

The Ministry of Inclusion publishes the current official forms on its immigration portal. Do not download an old copy from a random blog and assume it is still current.

The Most Common EX Forms

This is not the complete list. Spain has many additional EX forms for residence, work, family, long-term residence and exceptional circumstances.

EX-15: NIE and Certificates

EX-15 is used for several procedures connected with the foreigner identification number and certificates.

Common examples include:

• assignment of a NIE at the request of the interested person;
• certificate of resident status; and
• certificate of non-resident status.

The fact that these procedures use the same form does not mean they are the same procedure.

For standalone NIE assignment, see our Non-Resident NIE Guide.

EX-18: EU Citizen Registration

EX-18 is the form used by qualifying EU, EEA and Swiss citizens to register under the applicable EU residence regime.

The result is the Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión, commonly called the CUE.

This is not merely a “green NIE.”

Your NIE is the identification number printed on the certificate. The certificate itself documents your EU registration.

See our complete CUE guide.

EX-17: TIE Application

EX-17 is the standard form used when applying for a Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero.

The TIE is the physical foreigner identity card documenting the immigration status to which it relates.

It does not itself create the underlying residence or stay authorisation.

Police procedures currently use EX-17 for ordinary initial and renewed residence or residence-and-work cards, as well as student cards in applicable cases. citeturn254040search13

See our TIE in Spain guide.

EX-19: Non-EU Family Member of an EU Citizen

A qualifying non-EU family member of an EU citizen generally does not use EX-18.

The official Ministry form for the Tarjeta de residencia de familiar de ciudadano de la Unión is EX-19. citeturn254040search1

EX-13: Autorización de Regreso

EX-13 is used for an Autorización de Regreso.

This document can be relevant in certain circumstances when a foreign resident needs to travel and return to Spain while residence documentation is being processed, renewed or replaced.

The Policía Nacional currently lists EX-13 together with Modelo 790 Código 012 for the return-authorisation procedure. citeturn254040search14

Do not assume that every expired or pending TIE automatically requires, or automatically qualifies for, an Autorización de Regreso. The specific conditions must be checked.

What Is Modelo 790?

Modelo 790 is a family of government fee forms used for different administrative procedures.

The important part is the code.

For many Policía Nacional foreigner-document procedures, the relevant form is:

That does not mean every immigration fee in Spain uses Código 012.

What Is Modelo 790 Código 012 Used For?

Police currently use Código 012 for a range of foreigner documentation procedures, including examples such as:

• NIE assignment;
• resident and non-resident certificates;
• CUE issuance;
• TIE issuance;
• Autorización de Regreso;
• certain short-stay extension procedures;
• Cédula de inscripción; and
• other Policía Nacional foreigner-document procedures.

The official Policía Nacional fee generator lists the individual procedures and corresponding current amounts. citeturn254040search11

Does Modelo 790 Código 012 Have One Fixed Fee?

No.

This is one of the most common misunderstandings.

The form is a container for many different fee concepts.

The amount depends on the procedure you select.

Where Should You Generate Modelo 790 Código 012?

Use the official Policía Nacional fee generator.

The online form asks for identification and address information and then lets you select the relevant fee concept.

The Policía Nacional system currently accepts identification using NIF/NIE or, where applicable, a passport, travel document or analogous identity document valid for entry into Spain. citeturn254040search11

How Can You Pay the 790-012 Fee?

The exact available method depends on the generated form and current payment system.

For the Policía Nacional procedures reviewed for this guide, official instructions state that payment can be made through banks, savings banks and credit cooperatives, and specifically note that you do not need to hold an account at the institution simply to present the payment document. citeturn254040search2turn254040search14

Follow the payment instructions printed on the current official form.

When Should You Pay the Fee?

Where proof of payment is listed as required documentation, pay the correct fee before attending the appointment unless the official procedure says otherwise.

Bring the required proof of payment.

Do not assume that showing an unpaid Modelo 790 form is equivalent to proving that the fee has been paid.

Can You Reuse a Modelo 790?

Do not assume that an old paid form can simply be reused for another procedure.

The payment corresponds to the selected fee concept and payment record.

If you selected the wrong concept or circumstances changed, check with the competent authority rather than modifying a paid form yourself.

What Is Cita Previa?

Cita Previa simply means a prior appointment.

Many immigration and foreigner-document procedures require an appointment before you attend an office.

But “Cita Previa” is not one national appointment for everything.

The appointment category must match the procedure you actually need.

Why the Appointment Category Matters

Consider these examples:

The exact labels displayed in the appointment system can vary by province and procedure.

Who Handles Immigration Procedures in Spain?

One reason the system feels confusing is that different parts are handled by different authorities.

The authority that approves your underlying immigration status may therefore be different from the authority that later issues your physical card.

Application vs Documentation: Do Not Confuse Them

A typical non-EU residence case may involve two distinct stages:

The second stage is not a new application for the underlying residence right.

This distinction is central to understanding Spanish immigration paperwork.

Do You Always Need to Attend in Person?

No.

Some immigration applications can be submitted electronically or through authorised representatives.

Other procedures specifically require personal attendance.

Biometric card procedures are an obvious example because fingerprints and identity verification require the applicant’s presence.

EU citizen registration is also normally a personal application.

Always check the official procedure rather than assuming that because one EX form can be filed by a representative, another can too.

Can a Gestoría Book or Attend Your Appointment?

A gestoría or authorised representative can help with many administrative tasks, but representation does not eliminate personal-attendance requirements.

For example, a representative cannot provide your fingerprints for a TIE.

Professional assistance can be useful, but it does not change what the law requires you personally to do.

Do All Offices Ask for Exactly the Same Documents?

The legal requirements are national, but practical document handling can vary.

Differences may arise because:

• your legal category is different;
• your circumstances require additional proof;
• the office wants originals and copies arranged in a particular way;
• local appointment instructions specify additional practical requirements; or
• a document must be recent or still valid.

This does not mean every unofficial local request is automatically legally mandatory.

Paperwork Spain therefore distinguishes between:

Should You Bring Originals and Copies?

If the official instructions require originals and copies, bring both.

Even when not explicitly stated, having an organised set of copies can prevent avoidable problems at in-person appointments.

Keep originals separate so they can be checked without being accidentally retained with ordinary copies.

Should Documents Be Translated?

Foreign documents may need an official Spanish translation depending on the procedure and language involved.

Where an official translation is required, Spain commonly uses a traductor-intérprete jurado authorised by the competent Spanish authority, or another translation accepted under the applicable rules.

Do not assume that your own translation is sufficient simply because the content is easy to understand.

Do Foreign Documents Need an Apostille?

Sometimes.

Foreign public documents may require:

• a Hague Apostille;
• another form of legalisation; or
• no legalisation because an applicable EU rule, treaty or other exemption applies.

The correct treatment depends on the issuing country and document.

How to Prepare for a Spanish Immigration Appointment

What Is a Resguardo?

Resguardo is a common Spanish administrative term for a receipt or proof that something has been submitted, paid or processed.

Depending on the procedure, your resguardo can be important evidence while you wait for the final document.

Keep it with your immigration records.

What Is a CSV on an Immigration Document?

A Código Seguro de Verificación, or CSV, allows an electronic government document to be verified online.

If a document is electronically generated and contains a valid verification code, it does not necessarily need a traditional ink stamp to be official.

For more on electronic government documents, see our Digital Administration in Spain guide.

Can You Submit Immigration Applications Online?

Many procedures handled by the immigration administration can be submitted electronically where the applicable service permits it.

Electronic submission should not be confused with Policía Nacional documentation appointments.

For example, even if the underlying residence application is processed electronically, obtaining the physical TIE still normally involves personal biometric attendance.

What if There Are No Appointments Available?

Appointment availability is one of the most frustrating practical parts of Spanish administration.

If the official system shows no appointments:

• check again later;
• confirm you selected the correct province and procedure;
• check whether another competent office within the province is available;
• read the office’s current official instructions; and
• keep evidence of attempts where a legal deadline could become important.

Does Booking an Appointment Protect a Legal Deadline?

Not automatically.

Some deadlines concern when an application must be submitted, while others relate to personal attendance or documentation.

If you face a statutory deadline and appointment availability is poor, check whether the relevant procedure can be submitted electronically, through a register or by another legally recognised method.

Do not assume that simply holding an appointment for a later date always counts as filing the application on time.

Forms and Appointments for EU Citizens

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens moving to Spain for more than three months normally focus on EX-18 and the EU registration procedure.

They generally do not apply for a TIE simply because they live in Spain.

See our cornerstone guide: EU Citizen Moving to Spain: Complete Paperwork Guide.

Forms and Appointments for Non-EU Citizens

Non-EU immigration is much more route-dependent.

The form used for the underlying authorisation depends on whether the case concerns employment, self-employment, study, family, long-term residence, exceptional circumstances or another category.

Once the relevant authorisation has been granted, a TIE may then require EX-17 and a Policía Nacional appointment.

See our cornerstone guide: Non-EU Citizen Moving to Spain: Complete Paperwork Guide.

Common Forms, Fees and Appointment Mistakes

“EX-15 means NIE.”

Not quite. EX-15 is used for NIE assignment and certain certificates. You must still identify the actual procedure you are requesting.

“EX-17 is my residence application.”

Usually not. EX-17 is the TIE card application. The underlying immigration authorisation is a separate matter.

“Every non-EU family member uses EX-17.”

No. A qualifying family member of an EU citizen normally uses the EU-family procedure, including EX-19 for the residence-card application.

“790-012 costs the same for everyone.”

No. The amount depends on the selected fee concept.

“Any Cita Previa with NIE in the name will work.”

No. The appointment should correspond to your actual procedure.

“If I booked an appointment, I have filed the application.”

Not necessarily.

“The TIE appointment grants my residence.”

No. It documents the status already granted or otherwise recognised under the relevant procedure.

“My gestor can attend every appointment for me.”

No. Personal-attendance requirements still apply.

“An old PDF form from another website is good enough.”

Risky. Use the current official version.

Quick Reference: Which Form Do I Need?

Spanish Immigration Forms, Fees and Appointments: The Short Version

Spanish immigration paperwork is easier when you separate four questions:

1. What legal procedure am I carrying out?
2. Which official form applies?
3. Which fee, if any, must I pay?
4. Which appointment or submission method does that procedure use?

For the most common documentation procedures:

Always use the current official form, select the exact fee concept and book the appointment corresponding to the legal procedure rather than guessing from a familiar acronym.