On this page
- Quick summary
- Overview (What is Form EX-03?)
- Context and workflow
- Requirements snapshot
- Failure prevention (What causes Form EX-03 rejections?)
- What you need (What do you need for Form EX-03?)
- Checklist (What is the Form EX-03 checklist?)
- Processing times
- Where to file
- Fees
- Form sections (What sections does Form EX-03 have?)
- Choose your path
- Strategy tips
- Mistake severity
- Examples (What are examples for Form EX-03?)
- Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form EX-03?)
- Edge cases and variations
- Scenarios
- Next steps
- Verification
- Related guides
- Resources
- Visual references
Quick summary
#Eligibility depends on the specific stream and may require employer compliance.
NATIONAL-WORK: National Work Visa
Include it with your application package and follow official instructions for submission.
Names, dates of birth, and passport details on other forms Program checklist requirements Supporting documents and translations
Overview (What is Form EX-03?)
#The EX-03 form is used to apply for residencia y trabajo por cuenta ajena in España, specifically for a work visa to legally work for a Spanish company. Applicants must be employed under a contract with a Spanish employer. It is important to review the instructions for your specific eligibility category before starting the application process. Filing the EX-03 form does not guarantee approval, and processing times can vary by category and location.
First page of EX-03 form
Source: EX-03 PDF
Context and workflow
#Processing time for EX-03 varies by case type and current workload — always check the official SEM processing time tool.
Why this matters
- This form helps confirm that the application matches the program’s requirements and checklist.
- Inconsistencies often trigger returns or follow-up requests because they create uncertainty in the case record.
Where it fits in the workflow
- Typically filed alongside or before the main application
- May need to be filed separately for each case or petition
- Remains in effect until withdrawn or a new representative is designated
Who uses it
Eligibility depends on the specific stream and may require employer compliance. Common filers: Employee Renewal, Independent Contractor Renewal.
When it is used
- NATIONAL-WORK: National Work Visa
- Foreign nationals renewing their temporary residence and work permit as employee.
- Self-employed foreign nationals renewing their temporary residence permit who ca.
- Foreign nationals renewing their temporary residence and work permit as employee…
- Self-employed foreign nationals renewing their temporary residence permit who ca…
Requirements snapshot
#- Review the official instructions to confirm eligibility for residence and work permit.
Failure prevention (What causes Form EX-03 rejections?)
#Substantive weaknesses
- Insufficient supporting evidence
- Inconsistencies between forms and documents
- Failure to address all eligibility criteria
- To avoid incomplete or incorrect information: Double-check all fields and include every required document per instructions.
- To avoid insufficient supporting evidence: Verify: insufficient supporting evidence.
What you need (What do you need for Form EX-03?)
#- The current edition of EX-03
- Proof of qualifications
- Proof of identity
- Complete all required sections, sign, and submit with required evidence.
- Copy of your filed or approved EX-15 (NIE required for work permit)
- Employment contract or Vida Laboral
- Social security contribution records
- Tax returns (IRPF)
- Self-employment registration (alta en autónomos)
- Tax returns and quarterly VAT declarations
Checklist (What is the Form EX-03 checklist?)
#- Access the latest EX-03 form and accompanying instructions directly from the official SEM website.
- Review the official EX-03 instructions before filing
- Gather required supporting documents per the instructions
- Complete all required sections of EX-03
- Sign, date, and submit EX-03 with all required supporting evidence
Sources for this section
Processing times
#| Category | Processing time |
|---|---|
| Schengen Visa | approximately 15 daysas of February 2026 |
- Processing time for EX-03 under "Schengen Visa": approximately 15 days (as of February 2026).
- Processing times for EX-03 vary by category and processing location. Verify current processing times with the issuing authority.
- Processing times differ significantly by eligibility category. Initial applications, renewals, and replacements each go through different adjudication queues, and some categories consistently take longer than others.
- Processing times for this form vary by SEM office and current workload. Verify current processing times with SEM.
- While pending: track your case status using your File number (expediente number), respond promptly to any requests for additional documents, and update your contact information with SEM if it changes.
Where to file
#Submit your application at the designated SEM office, embassy, or consulate. Check the official website for the location with jurisdiction over your place of residence.
Submit application
Submit your application at the SEM office or designated embassy/consulate in your country of residence. Check the official instructions for the correct location.
Filing locations and procedures may change. Always verify on the official SEM website before submitting. For related guidance, see Form EX-02.
Fees
#| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Filing FeeThe standard filing fee for form ex-03. Check the official fee schedule for the current amount. | See official schedule |
| Biometrics Services FeeA biometrics fee may be required depending on your category. Check the official fee schedule. | See official schedule |
Can the Form EX-03 fee be waived?
Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility.
What happens if I submit the wrong fee?
SEM will reject your application if the incorrect fee is submitted. Verify the current fee on the official schedule before filing.
Fee waiver: Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility. For related guidance, see national-work.
Fees change; always verify on SEM.
Form sections (What sections does Form EX-03 have?)
#Personal Information
Current identification details.
- Full name and NIE number
- Passport details
- Current address (empadronamiento)
Current Permit Details
Information about the permit being renewed.
- Issue date and expiration date
- Type of residence authorization
Continued Eligibility
Proof you still qualify for residence.
- Employment contract or self-employment registration
- Social security contribution records
- Tax returns (IRPF) for the permit period
Supporting Documents
Required renewal attachments.
- Valid passport
- Proof of health insurance
- Empadronamiento certificate
Choose your path
#Choose your path based on your eligibility category. Each block summarizes who qualifies, what to file, common mistakes, and typical processing time.
Employee Renewal (Cuenta Ajena)
cuenta_ajena_renewal
Foreign nationals renewing their temporary residence and work permit as employees with continued or new employment in Spain.
File with:
- Employment contract or Vida Laboral
- Social security contribution records
- Tax returns (IRPF)
Common mistakes:
- Filing after the current residence permit has already expired without demonstrating justified cause
Typical processing: 1-3 months
Self-Employed Renewal (Cuenta Propia)
cuenta_propia_renewal
Self-employed foreign nationals renewing their temporary residence permit who can demonstrate continued business activity and tax compliance.
File with:
- Self-employment registration (alta en autónomos)
- Tax returns and quarterly VAT declarations
- Social security contribution records
Common mistakes:
- Not maintaining active autónomo registration and social security payments during the permit period
Typical processing: 1-3 months
Strategy tips
#Mistake severity
#| Mistake type | Severity | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Insufficient supporting evidence | Delay | Verify: insufficient supporting evidence. |
| Inconsistencies between forms and documents | Delay | Verify: inconsistencies between forms and documents. |
| Failure to address all eligibility criteria | Delay | Verify: failure to address all eligibility criteria. |
| To avoid incomplete or incorrect information: Double-check all fields and include every required document per instructions. | Delay | Verify: to avoid incomplete or incorrect information: double-check all fields and include every required document per instructions.. |
| Incomplete form sections | Delay | Verify: incomplete form sections. |
| Missing or illegible signatures | Delay | Include or illegible signatures. |
Examples (What are examples for Form EX-03?)
#- Strong application: A software engineer submits the EX-03 form with a detailed employment contract and a letter of intent from the Spanish company; the application is processed without delays.
- Strong application: A chef includes a comprehensive job offer and proof of relevant culinary qualifications with the EX-03 form, ensuring all sections are accurately completed, leading to a smooth review process.
- Strong application: An applicant for a teaching position attaches a notarized copy of their degree and a letter of recommendation from a previous employer, resulting in a seamless submission of the EX-03 form.
- A foreign national applies for EX-03 to obtain legal authorization to work in the country
- An employer sponsors a worker who files EX-03 as part of the work authorization process
- An applicant in the National-work category files EX-03 as part of their immigration process
Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form EX-03?)
#- Filing this form does not guarantee approval of the underlying case
- Filing does not authorize immediate work
- Work permits are employer- or category-specific; changing jobs may require a new permit
- Filing EX-03 automatically allows you to start working — You must wait for official approval before beginning employment. Working without authorization can have serious immigration consequences.
Edge cases and variations
#- If you are asked to submit or update EX-03, treat it as a package update: check every place the same details appear and keep them consistent.
Scenarios
#Renewal approved.
File renewal 60 days before expiration with updated employment and tax documentation for a smooth process.
An applicant files EX-03 renewal but has been unemployed for 8 months and cannot show active job seeking or social insurance contributions.
Renewal is conditionally approved but for a shorter period, requiring the applicant to demonstrate employment or active job search at next renewal.
Even during unemployment, maintain social security registration and evidence of job search efforts to support renewal.
A residence permit holder files EX-03 renewal 2 months after their permit has already expired.
Late filing is accepted but subject to a fine. The applicant may face a gap in legal status during processing.
File well before expiration. Late renewals are possible but create legal uncertainty and potential penalties.
Next steps
#- Await receipt confirmation from the agency
- Respond promptly to any requests for additional information
- Keep copies of all submitted materials
Verification
#This guide is based on official SEM instructions for the EX-03 form and is updated whenever there are changes to form editions or filing rules. Always confirm current requirements on the official SEM website.
Resources
#Visual references
#EX-03 quick reference guide PDF
FAQs
Why does SEM need the information requested on EX-03?
Consult the official EX-03 instructions for comprehensive guidance tailored to your particular immigration case and circumstances.
What should I do if my employer changes after submitting EX-03?
Check with SEM for specific guidance.
Can I use EX-03 to apply for residency if I am an EU citizen?
EU citizens typically have different procedures and forms for residency applications.
What happens after I submit EX-03?
After submitting EX-03, SEM will issue a Confirmation of receipt confirming acceptance. You may then be scheduled for biometrics, an interview, or additional evidence requests depending on your case. You can monitor your case status online using the receipt number from your notice.
What are common reasons EX-03 gets rejected?
Common reasons EX-03 is rejected include missing or incorrect signatures, using an outdated form edition, incomplete required fields, incorrect fee payment, missing required supporting documents, and photographs that do not meet official specifications. Carefully review the instructions and checklist before submitting.
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Next steps
Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. VisaMind turns uncertainty into a sequenced checklist with official source citations.
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