On this page
- Quick summary
- Overview (What is Form EX-11?)
- Context and workflow
- Requirements snapshot
- Failure prevention (What causes Form EX-11 rejections?)
- What it asks for (What does Form EX-11 ask for?)
- What you need (What do you need for Form EX-11?)
- Checklist (What is the Form EX-11 checklist?)
- Fees
- Processing times
- Where to file
- Form sections (What sections does Form EX-11 have?)
- Choose your path
- Strategy tips
- Mistake severity
- Examples (What are examples for Form EX-11?)
- Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form EX-11?)
- Edge cases and variations
- Scenarios
- Key differentiators
- Why it matters
- Next steps
- Verification
- Related guides
- Resources
Quick summary
#You must have valid PR status and meet residency obligations.
LONG-TERM-RESIDENCE: Long-Term Residence
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-11?)
#The EX-11 form is essential for individuals seeking long-term residency or EU permanent residency (residencia de larga duración UE) in España. To be eligible, applicants must have resided in Spain for at least 5 years. This form allows individuals to legally stay in the country indefinitely, provided they meet the residency requirements. Ensure you complete the form with accurate residency details and submit it along with the necessary evidence to support your 5-year residency in Spain.
First page of EX-11 form
Source: EX-11 online portal
Context and workflow
#Processing time for EX-11 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.
- This form acts as a cross-check point: details here must match other forms and supporting documents.
Where it fits in the workflow
- Part of the broader immigration application process
- May connect to other forms and requirements
- Contributes to the overall case file
Who uses it
The EX-11 form is intended for individuals seeking long-term residency in Spain. To be eligible, applicants must have maintained continuous residence in Spain for at least 5 years. This form is commonly used by those who have fulfilled the residency obligations and wish to apply for EU permanent residency, allowing them to legally stay in the country indefinitely.
When it is used
- LONG-TERM-RESIDENCE: Long-Term Residence
- Foreign researchers with a hosting agreement from an approved Spanish university.
- Foreign professionals with a high-salary employment contract in Spain meeting th.
- Foreign researchers with a hosting agreement from an approved Spanish university…
- Foreign professionals with a high-salary employment contract in Spain meeting th…
Requirements snapshot
#- Facilitates immigration processing
- Documents required information for the agency
- Creates a formal record of the submission
Failure prevention (What causes Form EX-11 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 it asks for (What does Form EX-11 ask for?)
#- Details about your residency history in Spain.
- Proof of continuous stay for at least 5 years
- Personal identification details
- 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 current passport number and issuance details
- Your passport validity and expiration information
- Documentation related to: Submit the form along with required evidence
Sources for this section
What you need (What do you need for Form EX-11?)
#- The current edition of EX-11
- Proof of identity
- Photos meeting specifications
- The form along with required evidence.
- Complete all required sections, sign, and submit with required evidence.
- Hosting agreement from approved institution
- Academic credentials
- Proof of funding for research period
- Employment contract meeting salary threshold
- University degree or professional credentials
Checklist (What is the Form EX-11 checklist?)
#- Access the latest EX-11 form and accompanying instructions directly from the official SEM website.
- Review the official EX-11 instructions before filing
- Gather required supporting documents per the instructions
- Complete all required sections of EX-11
- Sign and date the EX-11 form, then submit it along with all necessary supporting evidence.
Sources for this section
Fees
#| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Filing FeeThe standard filing fee for form ex-11. 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-11 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 autorización de residencia no.
Fees change; always verify on SEM.
Processing times
#| Category | Processing time |
|---|---|
| Schengen Visa | approximately 15 daysas of February 2026 |
- Processing time for EX-11 under "Schengen Visa": approximately 15 days (as of February 2026).
- Processing times for EX-11 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 autorización de residencia y.
Form sections (What sections does Form EX-11 have?)
#Researcher Information
Personal and academic details.
- Full name and passport details
- Academic qualifications
- Research field and specialization
Hosting Institution
Details of the approved research center.
- Institution name and registration number
- Research project description
- Duration of research activity
- Hosting agreement details
Financial Support
Proof of funding for the research period.
- Salary or stipend amount
- Funding source (grant, institution, government)
- Duration of financial support
Family Members
Optional: family members included in application.
- Spouse and dependent children details
- Family relationship documentation
- Health insurance for all family members
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.
Researcher (University/Research Institute)
researcher
Foreign researchers with a hosting agreement from an approved Spanish university or research institution for a specific research project.
File with:
- Hosting agreement from approved institution
- Academic credentials
- Proof of funding for research period
Common mistakes:
- Hosting institution not registered as an approved research entity with the Ministry
Typical processing: 1-3 months
Highly Qualified (EU Blue Card Equivalent)
highly_qualified
Foreign professionals with a high-salary employment contract in Spain meeting the EU Blue Card threshold, typically requiring a university degree or equivalent experience.
File with:
- Employment contract meeting salary threshold
- University degree or professional credentials
- Employer documentation
Common mistakes:
- Employment contract salary falling below the EU Blue Card minimum threshold
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.. |
| Failure to provide proof of 5-year residency in Spain. | Delay | Verify: failure to provide proof of 5-year residency in spain.. |
| Incomplete form sections | Delay | Verify: incomplete form sections. |
Examples (What are examples for Form EX-11?)
#- Strong application: An applicant submits the EX-11 form with a complete set of rental agreements and utility bills spanning five years, clearly demonstrating continuous residency in Spain; the application is processed without delays.
- Strong application: A family reunification applicant includes school enrollment records for their children and employment contracts for themselves, effectively proving their five-year stay in Spain; the submission is well-received by SEM.
- Strong application: An applicant attaches a detailed timeline of their residency in Spain, supported by tax returns and municipal registration certificates, ensuring a comprehensive application for long-term EU residency.
- A permanent resident whose card is expiring files EX-11 to renew it before travel
- An applicant in the Long-term-residence category files EX-11 as part of their immigration process
Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form EX-11?)
#- Filing this form does not guarantee approval of the underlying case
- A work and residence authorization is tied to the specific employer and activity stated in the application
- Receiving the TIE card does not extend or modify the terms of your underlying work authorization
Edge cases and variations
#- If you are asked to submit or update EX-11, treat it as a package update: check every place the same details appear and keep them consistent.
Scenarios
#A researcher from India applies for a residence authorization for research activities using EX-11 with a hosting agreement from a Spanish research institution.
Research residence permit granted with authorization to work at the specified institution.
Researchers benefit from a specialized pathway with hosting agreements that streamline the process compared to standard work permits.
A researcher files EX-11 but the hosting institution has not been registered as an approved research entity with the Ministry.
Application rejected because the institution is not on the approved list. The institution must register first.
Verify that the hosting institution is officially registered as an approved research entity before filing.
A postdoctoral researcher applies using EX-11 and includes their family members in the same application for family reunification.
Both the researcher and family members receive residence permits simultaneously, avoiding separate family reunification procedures.
Researchers can include family members in the initial application, which is faster than applying for family reunification separately.
Key differentiators
#- Unlike EX-10 Form: The EX-11 form is specifically for those seeking long-term residency after 5 years, whereas the EX-10 form is for exceptional circumstances like arraigo.
- Unlike Form EX-01: Solicitud de autorización de residencia no lucrativa: Next step after approval: Long-term after non-lucrative residence
- Unlike Form EX-03: Solicitud de autorización de residencia y trabajo por cuenta ajena: Next step after approval: Long-term after employed residence
- Unlike Form EX-05: Solicitud de Tarjeta Azul UE: Next step after approval: Long-term after Blue Card
Why it matters
#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-11 form and is updated with any changes in form editions or filing rules. Always confirm current requirements on the official SEM website.
FAQs
What other forms are typically filed together with EX-11?
Review the official EX-11 instructions for your specific situation. The specific forms required vary by case type. Review the instructions for your particular immigration category to determine which forms must be submitted together.
Does EX-11 guarantee approval of my case?
No. The decision depends on whether all requirements are met. Review the official EX-11 instructions for complete guidance specific to your immigration case and circumstances.
What are common misconceptions about EX-11?
Procedures can evolve, so it's essential to consult the official EX-11 instructions for detailed guidance tailored to your specific immigration situation.
Do I need to file EX-11 if I'm only updating my address or contact information?
Consult the official instructions to determine the appropriate form or procedure for your specific update type.
What happens after I submit EX-11?
After submitting EX-11, 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-11 gets rejected?
Common reasons EX-11 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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