Quick summary
#Eligibility depends on the specific stream and may require employer compliance.
SELF-EMPLOYMENT: Self-Employment Visa (Autónomo)
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-07?)
#By securing a self-employment residence and work permit through this form, individuals can legally establish their businesses and contribute to the Spanish economy while enjoying the benefits of living in Spain, as described in the Self-Employment Visa (Autónomo) guide.
First page of EX-07 form
Source: EX-07 online portal
Context and workflow
#Processing time for EX-07 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 acts as a cross-check point: details here must match other forms and supporting documents.
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-07 is commonly filed alongside Form EX-15, Form MODELO-790-052.
Who uses it
The EX-07 form is intended for individuals seeking residence and self-employment work authorization in Spain. It is specifically designed for those planning to start their own business, work as freelancers, or operate as autónomos in the country. This form is suitable for entrepreneurs who wish to establish their self-employment activities in Spain. Ensure you provide evidence of your planned self-employment activities when submitting the application.
When it is used
- SELF-EMPLOYMENT: Self-Employment Visa (Autónomo)
Failure prevention (What causes Form EX-07 rejections?)
#Technical rejections
- Incorrectly filled personal identification numbers
- Ensure form edition is current
Substantive weaknesses
- Lack of detailed business plan
- Insufficient evidence of financial means to support the business
- To avoid incomplete or incorrect information: Double-check all fields and include every required document per instructions.
- To avoid lack of detailed business plan: Verify: lack of detailed business plan.
- To avoid insufficient evidence of financial means to support the business: Verify: insufficient evidence of financial means to support the business.
What it asks for (What does Form EX-07 ask for?)
#- Details about your planned self-employment activities in Spain.
- Your current immigration status and arrival history
- Details of your business plan and financial projections
- Information about any partnerships or collaborations with Spanish entities
- Biographical and identity details
- Your full legal name as it appears on official documents
- Your current residential address and contact information
- Documentation related to: Complete all required sections, sign, and submit with required evidence
- Documentation related to: Failing to provide evidence of self-employment activities
Sources for this section
What you need (What do you need for Form EX-07?)
#- The current edition of EX-07
- Proof of qualifications
- Proof of identity
- Complete all required sections, sign, and submit with required evidence.
- Failing to provide evidence of self-employment activities.
- Copy of your filed or approved EX-15 (NIE required for self-employment)
Checklist (What is the Form EX-07 checklist?)
#- Access the latest EX-07 form and its accompanying instructions directly from the official SEM website.
- Before submitting your EX-07 form, carefully review the official instructions.
- Gather required supporting documents per the instructions
- Complete all required sections of EX-07
- Sign, date, and submit EX-07 with all required supporting evidence
Sources for this section
Fees
#| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Filing FeeThe standard filing fee for form ex-07. 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-07 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-07 under "Schengen Visa": approximately 15 days (as of February 2026).
- Processing times for EX-07 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 residencia de larga duración.
Form sections (What sections does Form EX-07 have?)
#Personal Information
Current identification details.
- Full name and NIE number
- Address in Spain
Current Authorization
Details of existing work authorization.
- Current work permit type
- Employment sector and employer
- Authorization expiration date
Requested Modification
Changes being requested.
- New work authorization scope
- Business plan (for self-employment)
- New employer details (for employment changes)
Strategy tips
#Mistake severity
#| Mistake type | Severity | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Lack of detailed business plan | Delay | Verify: lack of detailed business plan. |
| Insufficient evidence of financial means to support the business | Delay | Verify: insufficient evidence of financial means to support the business. |
| 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.. |
| Incorrectly filled personal identification numbers | Delay | Verify: incorrectly filled personal identification numbers. |
| Ensure form edition is current | Delay | Verify: ensure form edition is current. |
| Submitting an incomplete form. | Delay | Verify: submitting an incomplete form.. |
Examples (What are examples for Form EX-07?)
#- Strong application: An applicant submits the form with all required documents and receives a timely decision.
- Common weakness: An applicant submits the form without a detailed business plan, resulting in a request for additional information.
- Scenario: A software engineer submitted their petition with all supporting documents The case was approved within the standard timeline Prepare all evidence before filing to avoid delays
- A foreign national applies for EX-07 to obtain legal authorization to work in the country
- An employer sponsors a worker who files EX-07 as part of the work authorization process
- An applicant in the Self-employment category files EX-07 as part of their immigration process
Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form EX-07?)
#- Filing does not authorize immediate work
- Work permits are employer- or category-specific; changing jobs may require a new permit
- Filing EX-07 automatically allows you to start working — You must wait for official approval before beginning employment. Working without authorization can have serious immigration consequences.
- EX-07 has more than one fee component (e.g. Filing Fee and Biometrics Services Fee); paying only one or paying the wrong amount can result in rejection of the entire filing.
- A fee waiver for EX-07 is not automatic — only specific qualifying categories are eligible, and a waiver request can be denied while the underlying form is still expected to be filed.
- EX-07 can be rejected before substantive review for technical errors such as “Incorrectly filled personal identification numbers.”
Edge cases and variations
#- If you are asked to submit or update EX-07, treat it as a package update: check every place the same details appear and keep them consistent.
Scenarios
#A long-term resident who has obtained permanent residency modifies their work authorization scope using EX-07 to allow self-employment activities.
Modification approved.
Long-term residents can expand their work authorization scope without a full new application.
A temporary resident tries to modify their permit to add self-employment but their temporary permit does not allow the modification.
Application rejected. The modification is only available for certain permit types and statuses.
Verify that your current permit type allows the requested modification before filing.
Application returned as incomplete. A business plan and proof of investment are required for self-employment modifications.
Self-employment modifications require additional documentation including a viable business plan and financial projections.
Key differentiators
#- Unlike EX-03 Form: The EX-07 form is specifically for self-employment, whereas the EX-03 form is for employment with a Spanish company.
- Unlike Form EX-15: Solicitud de NIE y Certificados: Filed together: NIE required for self-employment (Autonomo pathway)
- Unlike Form EX-11: Solicitud de residencia de larga duración UE: Next step after approval: Long-term residence after 5 years (Autonomo pathway)
- Unlike Form MODELO 790 (CODE 052): Tasa por autorización de residencia: Filed together: Fee payment for self-employment application (Autonomo pathway)
Why it matters
#What happens after you submit
#- Application receipt (resguardo de solicitud)
- Receive a notice of action from SEM
- Provide fingerprints at the Foreigners Office (Oficina de Extranjería) for TIE issuance
- Await approval or denial from SEM
- If approved, proceed to TIE card issuance and collection
Verification
#This guide is based on official SEM instructions for the EX-07 form and is updated with any changes in form editions or filing rules. Always confirm current requirements on the official SEM website.