The Modelo EX-00 is the official Spanish form for long-stay student residence applications. Learn exactly how to fill each section, avoid common errors, and submit correctly to your provincial Extranjería office.
Ministry of Interior (Ministerio del Interior)
Initial applications, renewals, modifications
Provincial Extranjería or online via Mercurio
The Modelo EX-00 (Application for Long-Stay Residence Authorization for Studies/Mobility) is the primary form you submit to Spanish immigration authorities when applying for a student residence permit. It is used whether you are making your application from inside Spain after entering on a short-stay visa, or as part of the TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero — residence card) registration process.
The form must be accompanied by supporting documents such as proof of acceptance, financial evidence, health insurance, and a police certificate. Submission is made to the Oficina de Extranjería in your province of residence, either in person or digitally (if you hold a digital certificate).
The form is free to download from the Ministry of Interior's online registry at sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es under the section for foreigners' forms.
The form comes in both paper and digital versions. Digital submission is faster if you have access to a valid digital certificate (firma electrónica).
Spanish student visa applicants will encounter several forms throughout the process. Understanding which form to use when is critical to avoiding delays.
The main form for applying for or renewing long-stay student residence. Used for initial applications, renewals, course changes, and modifications. Submitted to Extranjería with supporting documents.
If you need a NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) separately, or wish to apply without student residency, use the EX-15. Many students complete this alongside the EX-00 to ensure they have a NIE registered with the police.
Used when your TIE residence card is expiring, lost, or damaged. Some students file both EX-00 (for residence renewal) and EX-17 (for card replacement) if the card itself needs replacement.
If a spouse or dependent child is applying to join you in Spain based on your student residence status, they may use the EX-23. However, some families simply add dependents to the main EX-00 application.
This is not a form you fill out but a fee declaration. The Modelo 790-052 is the government fee payment form for long-stay student residence applications (approximately €80–100 depending on application type). Submitted with your EX-00.
Once your residence is approved, you pay the TIE card fee via Modelo 790-012 (approximately €20–30). Some provinces combine this with the 790-052 in a single payment.
A detailed walkthrough of each section of the form, with common errors and how to avoid them.
Enter your full name exactly as it appears in your passport. If your name contains accent marks or special characters (e.g., García, Müller), ensure they are typed correctly. Some older Spanish systems drop accents, but modern Extranjería offices expect them.
Surname order: If you are from a country where surname order differs (e.g., some Asian countries use family name first), enter your surname(s) in the order used in your passport.
Enter your full passport number as it appears on the document. Passport formats vary by country:
Include any leading zeros and letters. Do not add spaces or dashes between characters unless they appear on your actual passport.
If you already have a NIE, enter it here. Format: Letter-7 digits-Letter (e.g., X1234567Y). If you do not yet have a NIE, leave this field blank. You will be assigned one after your application is approved.
Enter date of birth in DD/MM/YYYY format. Place of birth should be the city and country (e.g., "Manchester, United Kingdom" or "São Paulo, Brazil").
Select your current marital status (single, married, divorced, widowed). Enter parents' full names as they appear on official documents. This information is used for background verification.
This is your residential address in Spain. It must be a real address where mail can reach you.
Enter the full address including:
Example: Calle de Gran Vía, 42, 3º A, 28013 Madrid, Madrid
Provide a Spanish phone number if possible. At minimum, provide a number where immigration authorities can reach you. Email should be one you check regularly.
Indicate whether you are applying on your own behalf or whether a legal representative, family member, or authorized person is submitting the form on your behalf.
In most cases, you will tick the box for "Solicitante" (applicant) if you are submitting the form yourself. You will sign the form at the end in your own name.
If a lawyer, immigration agent, or family member is submitting on your behalf, they must have a "Power of Attorney" (Otorgamiento de Representación) signed by you before a notary or police officer. They will tick "Representante" and provide their details.
If the applicant is a minor, the form must be signed by both parents or a legal guardian. A parental authority certificate may be required.
This section identifies the type and purpose of your application.
Select one:
Select the primary purpose:
The form will ask for the requested duration. For most undergraduate programmes, this is 4 years. For master's degrees, 1–2 years. State the actual expected duration of your course, not the maximum allowed (which is up to 5 years for long-stay residence).
Complete details of the Spanish educational institution where you are enrolled or have been accepted.
Enter the official full name of the university, school, or centre. Examples:
Provide the full official name of your degree or course. Use the exact name from your acceptance letter or enrolment certificate.
Example: "Grado en Ingeniería Informática" (Degree in Computer Engineering) or "Máster Universitario en Derecho Comercial" (Master's in Commercial Law).
State the total duration of the programme (e.g., "48 months" for a 4-year degree) and the number of contact hours per week (often 15–25 for full-time programmes). This will be in your course documentation.
Spanish immigration requires proof that you can financially support yourself during your stay. This is one of the most critical sections.
Indicate the primary source of your financial support:
State the total amount available and expected monthly income. The current minimum is approximately €565–600 per month for university students, though amounts vary by region and may be higher. Include:
If a parent or relative is sponsoring you, provide their name, relationship, residence address, and contact details. You will need an "Affidavit of Support" (written statement) from them confirming they will provide financial support.
If dependent family members (spouse, children) are applying alongside you, list them here. Otherwise, leave blank.
For each family member, provide name, relationship, date of birth, and passport number. Each dependent may require a separate application or may be added as an appendix to your main form.
At the end of the form is a statutory declaration confirming that the information you have provided is true and complete.
If you are submitting the form online via Mercurio, you can sign electronically using a Spanish digital certificate. If you do not have a digital certificate, you can upload an image of your hand-written signature.
Step 1: Download the EX-00 form from sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es and print a copy. Fill it completely in black or blue ink, or print a digital version with your signature.
Step 2: Prepare all supporting documents (acceptance letter, empadronamiento, financial statements, health insurance, police certificate, passport copy).
Step 3: Pay the Modelo 790-052 fee (€80–100) and obtain a payment receipt.
Step 4: Request an appointment at your provincial Oficina de Extranjería (often via their website or phone). Some offices require appointments; others have walk-in slots on specific days.
Step 5: Attend your appointment with original and copy documents. The officer will stamp your application and give you a receipt (sello de entrada / comprobante de registro).
Requirement: Spanish digital certificate (DNI-e, firma electrónica) or valid digital signature.
Step 1: Log in to the Mercurio system (tramites.inclusion.gob.es/tramites/mercurio).
Step 2: Create a new application for "Solicitud de Autorización de Estancia por Estudios."
Step 3: Fill the form fields in the system. Upload scanned or photo copies of all supporting documents (PDF format, max 5 MB per file).
Step 4: Pay the fee online via Mercurio (usually available through a bank transfer link).
Step 5: Sign electronically and submit. You will receive a digital confirmation code (expediente) for tracking.
Whether you submit in person or online, you will receive a receipt proving your application was registered. Keep this receipt. It is your proof of application and needed to track status or request a copy later. The receipt contains an application number (número de expediente).
The form alone is not sufficient. You must submit the following documents with your application.
Any document not in Spanish must be translated by an official translator (traductor jurado). Many foreign documents also require apostille (a Hague Convention certification). Your accepting university can advise which documents need translation.
After submission, your application is processed by the provincial Extranjería. Typical timelines:
In practice, some applications are approved within 3–4 weeks, especially if all documents are correct. Others take the full 90 days if further information is needed.
If you do not receive a decision within 90 days, Spanish law allows "silencio administrativo positivo" — administrative silence — which can work in your favour. In some regions, this means your application is deemed approved if not denied within the legal period. However, this is not guaranteed and varies by region.
Once approved, you will receive an official letter (Resolución Favorable) or a resolution code. Your student residence is now authorized. Next steps:
Visit your nearest police station (Comisaría de Policía) and register for or collect your NIE. You will receive a provisional NIE certificate on the spot.
After approval, you must apply for your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) physical card. Request an appointment at your provincial Extranjería to apply for the TIE. Pay the fee (€20–30 via Modelo 790-012) and submit passport photos and your residence authorization letter.
The TIE is usually ready within 2–3 weeks. You will receive a letter to collect it from Extranjería. This card is your legal proof of student residence and is required for bank accounts, work contracts, and travel.
If your application is denied, you will receive a resolution letter explaining the reason (insufficient funds, incomplete documents, institutional issues, etc.). You have the right to appeal (recurso) within one month. Many students successfully appeal with additional evidence or corrected information.
If conditional approval is granted (meaning you must provide additional documents), you have 10–15 days to submit the required information.
If documents are incomplete or unclear, Extranjería may issue a "Requerimiento de Subsanación" — a request to correct or resubmit documents. Respond within the given deadline (usually 10 days) to avoid rejection.
Impact: Application returned or delayed. Fix: Print the form clearly, fill all fields with black or blue ink, and proofread before submitting. Use capital letters for clarity. Do not leave blank fields; cross out N/A if truly not applicable.
Impact: Immediate rejection. Fix: Match your name character-for-character with your passport. Include accent marks and middle names if they appear in your passport.
Impact: Application rejected. Fix: You must have a Spanish address to apply. Register at a Spanish address (via empadronamiento) before submitting. The Extranjería needs to be able to reach you by mail in Spain.
Impact: Application denied. Fix: Ensure your bank statements clearly show the minimum amount (€565–600/month or higher, depending on region). If using a family sponsor, ensure their income is fully documented and notarized. Include salary slips or tax returns for additional proof.
Impact: Severe delay or rejection. Fix: Obtain your empadronamiento certificate from the municipal town hall (ayuntamiento) before submitting the EX-00. Ensure the address matches your form.
Impact: Application suspended. Fix: Secure health insurance that covers your entire planned stay in Spain. Policy must be valid for at least 12 months or the duration of your stay, whichever is longer. Include a copy with your application.
Impact: Rejected or invalid. Fix: Sign the form in full with black or blue ink on the day of submission. If using a digital version, sign electronically or add your scanned signature. Date the signature.
Impact: Delayed processing. Fix: Obtain a police certificate from your home country and have it apostilled (Hague Convention certification) at the appropriate authority. Check expiry; most are valid 6–12 months.
Impact: Rejection or reassignment. Fix: Confirm you are using Modelo EX-00 for long-stay student residence. Use EX-15 only for NIE registration; EX-17 only for TIE renewal; EX-23 only for family reunification as a separate process.
For faster processing and fewer office visits, digital submission through Mercurio is recommended if you have a digital certificate.
Navigate to tramites.inclusion.gob.es/tramites/mercurio. Click "Ciudadano" (Citizen) and sign in with your digital certificate. If you do not have a certificate, contact the Centro de Certificación. Many universities offer student digital certificates.
Select "Nueva Solicitud" (New Application). Choose the application type: "Solicitud de Autorización de Estancia por Estudios" (Student Residence). The system will open the digital EX-00 form.
Complete each section as you would on paper. The form guides you through fields and shows required sections. Drop-down menus simplify selections (e.g., nationality, purpose).
Scan or photograph all supporting documents (acceptance letter, bank statements, empadronamiento, health insurance, passport copy, police certificate, etc.). Upload as PDF or image files. The system assigns each file to the relevant section.
The system will prompt you to pay the Modelo 790-052 fee (€80–100). Payment is usually via bank transfer or debit card. You will receive a payment confirmation code.
Review your application for completeness. Click the sign/submit button. You will be prompted to sign electronically using your digital certificate. This generates a secure, legally binding submission.
Upon successful submission, you will receive a "Número de Expediente" (Application Number) and a confirmation email. Save this number; it is your reference for all future correspondence.
Yes. You can apply for long-stay student residence while in Spain on a short-stay (tourist) visa. This is called a "cambio de estatuto" (change of status). You must meet all requirements (acceptance, funds, insurance, empadronamiento). Once approved, your student residence permit is backdated to your entry date or application date, whichever is later, securing your legal status.
NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero): A 9-character ID number assigned to all foreign residents. You obtain it from the police (Comisaría de Policía).
Empadronamiento: Municipal registration at a specific Spanish address. Obtained from the town hall (ayuntamiento). Necessary for access to services and required for your EX-00.
TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero): A physical residence card that shows your legal status, permit duration, and NIE. Obtained from the Extranjería after residence approval. Acts as your primary ID in Spain.
You need all three for full legal status as a resident student.
Student residence permits are typically issued for the duration of your declared course (up to a maximum of 5 years). If your course is 4 years, your permit is valid for 4 years. You can renew it once by filing another EX-00 (Renovación) before it expires.
You must file a "Modificación" (modification) of your existing authorization. This is done by submitting another EX-00 form with your new acceptance letter and updated course details. Most Extranjería offices process modifications within 2–3 weeks.
Yes, but with limitations. Student visa holders can work up to 30 hours per week during term time and full-time during official academic breaks. Your employer must register you as an employee. Some work (internships, research assistantships at your institution) may fall under your studies and not count against the 30-hour limit. Check with your university's international office for specifics.
You will receive a denial letter (Resolución Desfavorable) explaining the reason (insufficient funds, incomplete documents, etc.). You can appeal (recurso) within one month. Many applicants successfully appeal by submitting additional evidence or correcting issues. Alternatively, you can reapply with improvements after 3 months.
The student residence application fee (Modelo 790-052) is currently €80–100, depending on the application type (initial vs. renewal). This is a government fee paid directly to the Treasury, not to the Extranjería. The form itself is free to download and complete.
You can submit in person at the Extranjería office with all documents. Digital submission via Mercurio is faster but requires a valid digital certificate (DNI-e or Certificado Digital). If you do not have one, apply for a digital certificate at a Certification Authority (Centro de Certificación) or contact your university; many offer free student digital certificates.
If you submitted digitally, log in to Mercurio with your expediente number to check status. If you submitted in person, contact your provincial Extranjería directly with your application number or call their helpline (find the number on the provincial Extranjería website). Some provinces allow status checks via SMS or email; ask when you submit.
Yes. Spanish immigration requires proof of health insurance as a condition of approval. This can be private insurance (e.g., Axa, Sanitas) or public coverage (if your institution or sponsor provides it). The insurance must be valid for at least 12 months and must cover healthcare in Spain. Include a copy of your insurance policy or certificate of coverage with your application.
You can withdraw (desistimiento) your application at any time before approval. File a formal withdrawal letter at the Extranjería office or via Mercurio if submitted digitally. This stops processing and closes the case. If you wish to reapply later, you must file a new EX-00.
Empadronamiento can last indefinitely at the same address as long as you remain registered. However, if you move addresses, you must update your empadronamiento at the new town hall. If you change address during your studies, notify the Extranjería and update your registration. This is a simple administrative change and does not invalidate your residence permit.
Complement your EX-00 knowledge with these essential guides.
Complete guide to Spanish student residence: eligibility, work rights, post-graduation paths, and costs.
Step-by-step process: from acceptance to TIE card, timelines, and the full application checklist.
Renewing your student residence: timing, EX-17, financial requirements, and extension deadlines.
How to prepare financial proof: required amounts, formats, and common rejection reasons.
What is a NIE, how to get one, and why it's essential for every resident student.
After approval: obtaining your residence card, biometrics, and renewal procedures.
Student insurance options, coverage requirements, and providers recognized by Spanish immigration.
Bringing dependents to Spain: process, forms (EX-23), and financial requirements for families.
What to do if your application is denied or you need to fix errors (subsanación and recurso).
Transitioning from student visa: job-seeking residence permit and permanent pathways.
Municipal registration: how to obtain it, costs, and why it's critical for all applications.
How to obtain a digital certificate and submit forms online via Mercurio for faster processing.
Platinum Legal Spain specializes in student visa applications. Our team of bar-registered solicitors, legal specialists, and immigration specialists ensures every form is correct, every document is in order, and your application is submitted to the right office on time.
Start Your Application →This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Spanish immigration law and procedures change frequently. The information provided reflects current practice as of April 2026 but may be subject to updates. Always verify current requirements with your provincial Oficina de Extranjería or the official government website (sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es). For personalized legal advice regarding your specific situation, consult a qualified immigration lawyer. Platinum Legal Spain is not liable for any consequences arising from use of this information.
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