On this page
- Quick summary
- Overview (What is Form EX-04?)
- Context and workflow
- Failure prevention (What causes Form EX-04 rejections?)
- What it asks for (What does Form EX-04 ask for?)
- What you need (What do you need for Form EX-04?)
- Checklist (What is the Form EX-04 checklist?)
- Fees
- Processing times
- Where to file
- Form sections (What sections does Form EX-04 have?)
- Key terms
- Strategy tips
- Mistake severity
- Examples (What are examples for Form EX-04?)
- Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form EX-04?)
- Edge cases and variations
- Scenarios
- Key differentiators
- Why it matters
- Next steps
- Verification
- Related guides
- Resources
Quick summary
#Eligibility depends on the specific stream and may require employer compliance.
TRAINEE: Trainee/Internship 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-04?)
#The EX-04 form is essential for individuals seeking residency in España for prácticas, whether non-labor or labor internships. Applicants must have been admitted to an internship program with a signed agreement from a public or private company or a recognized professional training center. Additionally, a signed internship work contract is required for labor internships. By fulfilling these requirements and submitting the form to the appropriate immigration office, trainees can legally reside in Spain and gain valuable professional and cultural experiences.
First page of EX-04 form
Source: EX-04 online portal
Context and workflow
#Processing time for EX-04 varies by case type and current workload — always check the official SEM processing time tool.
Why this matters
- Inconsistencies often trigger returns or follow-up requests because they create uncertainty in the case record.
- This form helps confirm that the application matches the program’s requirements and checklist.
Where it fits in the workflow
- Application receipt (resguardo de solicitud)
- Provide fingerprints at the Foreigners Office (Oficina de Extranjería) for TIE issuance
- TIE card issuance and collection
- EX-04 is commonly filed alongside Form EX-15, Form MODELO-790-052.
Who uses it
The EX-04 form is intended for individuals seeking residency in Spain for the purpose of participating in an internship, practicum, or training program. It is necessary for those who have been admitted to a program based on a signed agreement with a public or private company or a recognized professional training center. Applicants must have a signed internship work contract for labor internships or a signed agreement for non-labor internships. Eligibility depends on the specific stream and may require employer compliance.
When it is used
- TRAINEE: Trainee/Internship Visa
Failure prevention (What causes Form EX-04 rejections?)
#Technical rejections
- Ensure form edition is current
Substantive weaknesses
- Failure to provide a signed internship agreement.
- To avoid incomplete or incorrect information: Double-check all fields and include every required document per instructions.
- To avoid failure to provide a signed internship agreement.: Verify: failure to provide a signed internship agreement..
- To avoid to avoid incomplete or incorrect information: double-check all fields and include every required document per instructions.: Verify: to avoid incomplete or incorrect information: double-check all fields and include every required document per instructions..
- To avoid ensure form edition is current: Verify: ensure form edition is current.
What it asks for (What does Form EX-04 ask for?)
#- Details about the internship program and the host organization.
- Personal identification and contact information.
- Proof of acceptance into an internship program
- Foreigner Identification Number (NIE — Número de Identidad de Extranjero) if applicable
- Signature and passport-style photographs
- Your full legal name as it appears on official documents
- Your date and place of birth
- Your current passport number and issuance details
- Your passport validity and expiration information
- Your current residential address and contact information
- Documentation related to: Complete all required sections, sign, and submit with required evidence
Sources for this section
What you need (What do you need for Form EX-04?)
#- The current edition of EX-04
- Proof of identity
- Complete all required sections, sign, and submit with required evidence.
- Certified copy of your marriage certificate
- Copy of your filed or approved EX-15 (NIE required for trainee permit)
- Copy of your filed or approved MODELO-790-052 (Fee payment for residence application)
Checklist (What is the Form EX-04 checklist?)
#- Access the latest EX-04 form and accompanying instructions directly from the official SEM website.
- Review the official EX-04 instructions before filing
- Gather required supporting documents per the instructions
- Complete all required sections of EX-04
- Sign, date, and submit EX-04 with all required supporting evidence
Sources for this section
Fees
#| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Filing FeeThe standard filing fee for form ex-04. Check the current fee on the official SEM fee schedule. | 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-04 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 Solicitud de NIE y Certificados.
Fees change; always verify on SEM.
Processing times
#| Category | Processing time |
|---|---|
| Schengen Visa | approximately 15 daysas of February 2026 |
- Processing time for EX-04 under "Schengen Visa": approximately 15 days (as of February 2026).
- Processing times for EX-04 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 Solicitud de prórroga de estancia.
Form sections (What sections does Form EX-04 have?)
#Applicant Information
Non-EU family member details.
- Full name and passport details
- Nationality and date of birth
- Current address in Spain
EU/Spanish Family Member
Details of the qualifying EU citizen.
- Full name and DNI/passport number
- Nationality
- Proof of residence in Spain
Family Relationship
Documentation of the qualifying relationship.
- Marriage certificate (apostilled/translated)
- Birth certificate for parent-child relationships
- Proof of dependency for other family members
Supporting Documents
Additional requirements.
- Valid passport
- Proof of cohabitation or family ties
- Criminal record certificate
- Health insurance or enrollment in Spanish social security
Key terms
#- Prácticas no laborales
- Non-labor internshipsIn this form: Internships that do not involve a formal employment contract but require an agreement with a host organization.
- Contrato de trabajo en prácticas
- Internship work contractIn this form: A formal contract required for labor internships, indicating employment terms.
Strategy tips
#Mistake severity
#| Mistake type | Severity | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Failure to provide a signed internship agreement. | Delay | Verify: failure to provide a signed internship agreement.. |
| 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.. |
| Ensure form edition is current | Delay | Verify: ensure form edition is current. |
| Failure to provide a signed agreement or contract. | Delay | Verify: failure to provide a signed agreement or contract.. |
| Submitting incomplete forms. | Delay | Verify: submitting incomplete forms.. |
| Using outdated form versions. | Delay | Verify: using outdated form versions.. |
Examples (What are examples for Form EX-04?)
#- Strong application: An applicant submits the form with all required documents and receives a timely decision.
- Weak application: An applicant submits EX-04 without a signed internship agreement, leading to a rejection due to incomplete documentation.
- A foreign national applies for EX-04 to obtain legal authorization to work in the country
- An employer sponsors a worker who files EX-04 as part of the work authorization process
- An applicant in the Trainee category files EX-04 as part of their immigration process
Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form EX-04?)
#- 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-04 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-04, treat it as a package update: check every place the same details appear and keep them consistent.
Scenarios
#A non-EU citizen who married a Spanish national applies for the EU family card (Tarjeta de Familiar de Ciudadano de la UE) using EX-04 with marriage certificate and spouse identity.
Family members of EU/Spanish citizens have a streamlined process with faster timelines than standard work permits.
An applicant files EX-04 but the marriage is suspected of being one of convenience. The authorities request additional evidence of genuine cohabitation.
Processing suspended pending investigation. The applicant must provide utility bills, joint bank accounts, or photographs proving genuine relationship.
Be prepared to demonstrate a genuine relationship with extensive documentation; sham marriages result in denial and potential criminal charges.
A non-EU parent of a Spanish minor child applies for the EU family card using EX-04 with the birth certificate showing the child is Spanish.
Full work authorization included.
Parents of EU citizen minors have strong residence rights under EU free movement law.
Key differentiators
#- Unlike EX-03 Form: The EX-04 form is specifically for internships, whereas the EX-03 form is for general work and residence authorization.
- Unlike Form EX-15: Solicitud de NIE y Certificados: Filed together: NIE required for trainee permit (Internship pathway)
- Unlike Form EX-00: Solicitud de prórroga de estancia: Next step after approval: Extension of trainee stay (Internship pathway)
- Unlike Form MODELO 790 (CODE 052): Tasa por autorización de residencia: Filed together: Fee payment for residence application (Internship pathway)
Why it matters
#Next steps
#- Application receipt (resguardo de solicitud)
- Provide fingerprints at the Foreigners Office (Oficina de Extranjería) for TIE issuance
- Receive notification of approval or denial
- TIE card issuance and collection
- Begin internship once residence permit is granted
Verification
#This guide is based on official SEM instructions for the EX-04 form and is updated whenever there are changes in form editions or filing rules. Always confirm current requirements on the official SEM website.
FAQs
Why does SEM need the information requested on EX-04?
Consult the official EX-04 instructions for detailed guidance tailored to your specific immigration situation.
Do I need to submit EX-04 if I am already in Spain on a different visa?
To apply for an internship residency permit, you may need to submit the EX-04 form.
What is EX-04?
The EX-04 form, known as the Solicitud de residencia para prácticas, is an official document from SEM. To ascertain its relevance to your circumstances, consult the official instructions.
What happens after I submit EX-04?
After submitting EX-04, 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-04 gets rejected?
Common reasons EX-04 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
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