On this page
- Quick summary
- Overview (What is Form EX-11?)
- Context and workflow
- Failure prevention (What causes Form EX-11 rejections?)
- What you need (What do you need for Form EX-11?)
- Checklist (What is the Form EX-11 checklist?)
- Processing times
- Where to file
- Fees
- 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?)
#Applicants seeking long-term residency in Spain must use Form EX-11 to apply for residencia de larga duración UE. This form is intended for individuals who have been living in España for at least 5 years, allowing them to legally reside in the country indefinitely. It is crucial to provide proof of residency in Spain for the required 5-year period. Ensure all sections are completed accurately and submit the form to the appropriate immigration office.
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
- Application receipt (resguardo de solicitud)
- Provide fingerprints at the Foreigners Office (Oficina de Extranjería) for TIE issuance
- TIE card issuance and collection
Who uses it
The EX-11 form is intended for individuals seeking long-term residency or EU permanent residency in Spain. To be eligible, applicants must have maintained continuous residence in Spain for at least 5 years. This form allows individuals to legally reside in Spain indefinitely. Common filers include researchers and highly qualified professionals who meet these residency obligations.
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…
Failure prevention (What causes Form EX-11 rejections?)
#Technical rejections
- Ensure form edition is current
Substantive weaknesses
- Insufficient proof of five-year residency
- To avoid incomplete or incorrect information: Double-check all fields and include every required document per instructions.
- To avoid insufficient proof of five-year residency: Verify: insufficient proof of five-year residency.
- 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 you need (What do you need for Form EX-11?)
#- The current edition of EX-11
- Proof of permanent resident status
- Proof of identity
- Photos meeting specifications
- Documentation proving continuous residency in Spain for at least 5 years
- 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
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, date, and submit EX-11 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-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.
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 Tarjeta Azul UE.
Fees change; always verify on SEM.
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 proof of five-year residency | Delay | Verify: insufficient proof of five-year residency. |
| 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 proof of 5-year residency in Spain. | Delay | Verify: failure to provide proof of 5-year residency in spain.. |
| Incomplete form submission | Delay | Verify: incomplete form submission. |
| Missing signatures | Rejection | Include signatures. |
Examples (What are examples for Form EX-11?)
#- Strong application: An applicant submits the form with all required documents and receives a timely decision.
- Common weakness: Applicant submits the form without proof of residency, leading to 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
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Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form EX-11?)
#- Filing this form does not guarantee approval of the underlying case
- A PR card is proof of status, not the status itself—you remain a PR even without the card
- Replacement does not extend or change your PR status
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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: EX-11 is specifically for long-term residency applications, whereas EX-10 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
#Proof of residency must cover the entire 5-year period.
Why it matters: Incomplete documentation can lead to application denial.
Next steps
#- Application receipt (resguardo de solicitud)
- Provide fingerprints at the Foreigners Office (Oficina de Extranjería) for TIE issuance
- Await notification of approval or denial
- TIE card issuance and collection
Verification
#This guide is based on official SEM instructions for the EX-11 form and is updated whenever there are 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.
At what point in the immigration process is EX-11 typically filed?
Review the official EX-11 instructions for guidance specific to your immigration category and circumstances. Review the official EX-11 instructions for complete guidance specific to your immigration case and circumstances.
What should I do if I don't have proof of continuous residency for 5 years?
You may need to gather alternative documentation that can demonstrate your residency history, such as utility bills, rental agreements, or employment records.
Can I apply for the EX-11 if I have a pending application for another residency type?
Typically, you should resolve any pending applications before applying for the EX-11 to avoid complications in your immigration status. Review the official EX-11 instructions for complete guidance specific to your immigration case and circumstances.
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
Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. Use Find My Visa to get a personalized checklist with official sources and deadlines.
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