EX-07 form in Spain: how to complete the self-employed residence application

EX-07 is Spain's official application form for temporary residence and self-employment — autorización de residencia temporal y trabajo por cuenta propia. The current Ministry form refers to Organic Law 4/2000 and Royal Decree 1155/2024 and runs to three pages.

This English guide explains the form but does not replace the official Spanish EX-07. Always use the current Ministry version for the actual application.

When is EX-07 used?

EX-07 covers more than one procedure. Section 5 includes initial authorisations, renewals, certain cross-border-worker cases and territorial extensions. The correct box therefore depends on the actual procedure.

For the standard initial self-employed residence route for a person living outside Spain, the form contains the corresponding initial-authorisation option.

Section 1 — foreign worker's details

This section asks for passport details, NIE where applicable, surnames and given name, sex, date and place of birth, country, nationality, civil status, parents' names, address and contact information. It also includes legal-representative details and a question about dependent children of compulsory school age in Spain.

The information should match the passport and supporting documents exactly.

Section 2 — details of the activity

This is particularly important for self-employed applications. The current form asks for the business/name, NIF/NIE where applicable, the main business or self-employed activity, the CNAE code, address and contact details.

The activity description should be consistent with the business project, licences, qualifications and investment evidence. Avoid describing one activity in EX-07 while the supporting file presents a materially different project.

What is CNAE?

CNAE is Spain's National Classification of Economic Activities. EX-07 contains a specific field for the code. It should correspond to the real principal activity rather than being selected only because a description appears similar.

Section 3 — representative for filing

This section is for a person other than the applicant acting as representative for presentation where the relevant procedure permits it. It asks for identification, contact details and the basis of representation.

For the standard initial self-employed authorisation, however, the Ministry's Sheet 14 states that the foreign national files the application personally at the competent Spanish consular office.

Section 4 — address for notifications

The form asks who should receive notifications, their identification and address, phone and email. It also contains an option concerning electronic notifications through DEHú where the appropriate electronic identification is available.

Check this section carefully. A mistake in notification details can cause practical problems even where the rest of the file is correctly prepared.

Section 5 — type of authorisation

The current EX-07 distinguishes initial applications, renewals and other cases. Initial options include the general case of a resident outside Spain and other specific categories.

Renewal options include continuation of the self-employed activity and other situations under Article 86. The form also provides for territorial extension in the circumstances indicated.

How should the form be completed?

The official instructions state that the form should be completed in uppercase, using a black pen and block letters or typed. The original and a copy are to be submitted.

Before signing, check all pages, the authorisation type, notification details and consistency with the supporting project.

EX-07 is not the business plan

A correctly completed form does not prove that the proposed activity is viable. An initial self-employed application separately needs evidence concerning the activity's legal requirements, qualifications or experience, permissions and the sufficiency of the planned investment.

EX-07 should therefore be reviewed together with the entire application package.

Supporting documents for an initial application

The Ministry's Sheet 14 includes passport documentation, criminal-record documentation, evidence concerning licences or activity requirements, qualifications and the sufficiency of the planned investment. Additional evidence will depend on the project.

Foreign public documents may require an apostille or legalisation and an appropriate translation, subject to applicable exemptions.

Common mistakes

Using an outdated EX-07 that refers to the previous regulation; selecting the wrong option in Section 5; inconsistent activity/CNAE details; errors in notification details; passport-data discrepancies; misunderstanding representation; and assuming that EX-07 replaces the evidence of investment, qualifications and permissions.

Where can I obtain the current form?

Use the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration's Modelos generales page. The current EX-07 is headed “Solicitud de autorización de residencia temporal y trabajo por cuenta propia” and refers to R.D. 1155/2024.

FAQ

Is there an official EX-07 in English? The official application is the Spanish EX-07. An English explanation can assist with understanding but does not replace the official form.

Is an NIE always required? EX-07 has an NIE field, but whether the applicant already has an NIE depends on their circumstances. Do not invent a number or create inconsistent information.

Is EX-07 the business plan? No. It is the application form. The project, investment, qualifications and permissions are evidenced separately.

Official sources

Current EX-07 and the Ministry's Modelos generales page; Ministry Sheet 14; Royal Decree 1155/2024.

VMG Servicios Jurídicos

VMG Servicios Jurídicos provides legal consultancy and assistance with EX-07 review, documentation and administrative procedures in Spain.