How to find the exact document list for your procedure

Terms used

• TIE — The TIE is the residence card issued to non-EU foreigners.
• Modelo 790 tasa — The Modelo 790 tasa is the form used to pay the government fee for many foreigner procedures.
• Cita previa — The cita previa is the appointment you must book before most offices will see you.
• Padrón — The padrón is the town hall's register of residents.
• Requerimiento de subsanación — The requerimiento de subsanación is a written request from the office to fix or add missing documents.
• Gestor — A gestor is a licensed administrative agent who files paperwork with Spanish offices for you.

Key rules

• Final authority: The office that takes your file decides the exact list, so confirm it there first.
• In writing: Ask for the list in writing, quoting your procedure, and keep the reply with your file.
• Spend last: Pay for translations, apostilles and certificates only after the office has confirmed the list.
• Reply status: A written reply is often not binding, but it protects you if the office later asks for more.

The office that handles your procedure sets the final list

The core list is national, but the details change from office to office. Always confirm the list with the exact office that will take your file before you pay for translations, apostilles, certificates or fees.

Where the official lists live

Each type of procedure has its own publisher:

• Visas: the Foreign Affairs ministry and the web page of the consulate where you will apply.
• Residence, TIE and other foreigner procedures: the migration ministry's immigration portal and the "Extranjería" pages of the territorial policy ministry. They carry information sheets for each procedure and the application forms (the EX forms and the Modelo 790 tasa fee form).
• Appointments and TIE filing: the National Police online office and the provincial Oficina de Extranjería or government sub-delegation.
• Padrón registration: your town hall's online office or its padrón office. The town hall sets its own requirements.
• Civil registry: the Justice ministry's pages and the local Registro Civil. Spaniards abroad use the consular civil registry.
• Starting point for anything else: the government's general citizen gateway, the official website.

Portal addresses and page names change from time to time. Search for the ministry's name plus "sede electrónica" rather than saving a link.

How lists differ between offices

Differences are common in small details and rare in the core list. Expect them in these areas:

• How recent a certificate must be.
• Whether the office wants originals, copies or uploads.
• Whether a local form or cover letter is needed.
• Processing times and how appointments work.
• Consulates: how long a criminal record certificate stays valid, apostille and translation rules, and whether they accept mail or only in-person filing.
• Regional matters, such as integration or family reports, which depend on the autonomous community.
• Padrón papers: some town halls ask for a rental contract or the owner's consent.

The documents list below shows the usual items. Treat it as a starting point, not the final list.

Confirm the list before you spend money

Work down this order and stop when you have a clear answer in writing:

1. Read the checklist on the office's own page.
2. Email the office or use the consulate's contact form. Quote your procedure and ask for the list in writing. Keep the reply.
3. In Spain, call 060 or ask at the information desk when you book your cita previa. Some provincial offices also have an email for queries.
4. Ask a gestor or immigration lawyer who files at that office regularly.

Many offices do not answer emails. A written reply is usually not binding, but it helps you if the office later asks for more. The checklist and decision blocks below set out these options in detail.

If you have already filed

If documents are missing, the office sends a written request to fix them (requerimiento de subsanación). It states exactly what is missing and gives you a deadline, so read it carefully and answer within that time. When you file, ask for a stamped copy of your receipt.

Choosing between options

How should you confirm the document list for your procedure?

• Use the office's published checklist: Your consulate or provincial extranjería office publishes a checklist for your exact procedure. Start here.

• Ask the office in writing: There is no published list, or it leaves details open such as how recent certificates must be or whether originals are needed. Email or use the contact form, quote your procedure and keep the reply.

• Call 060 or ask when you book your cita: You cannot get a written reply, or the office does not answer emails. Note what you were told and the date.

• Use a gestor or immigration lawyer: The office files many cases like yours and you want someone who knows its current practice.

• Follow the written request to fix documents: You have already filed. The request (requerimiento de subsanación) states exactly what is missing.

Start with the office's own published list. If anything is unclear, get the answer in writing before you pay for certificates, apostilles or translations.

Documents you need

• The application form for your procedure (the EX form for residence and TIE procedures), taken from the official information sheet for that procedure.

• The fee payment form (Modelo 790 tasa) for your procedure, where a fee applies.

• A criminal record certificate if your procedure asks for one. Your consulate or provincial office sets how recent it must be, whether it needs an apostille and whether it needs a sworn translation.

• A rental contract or the owner's consent, if your town hall asks for it to register you on the padrón (the local residents' register). The town hall sets its own documents.

• The office's own published checklist or written reply, quoting your procedure. Keep it with your file.

• A stamped copy of your filing receipt, which you ask for when you file.

Checklist

• Read the checklist on the page of the consulate or provincial extranjería office that handles your procedure.

• Keep the reply you receive with your file.

• Ask about the details that vary by office: how recent each certificate must be, originals or copies, and any local form or cover letter.

Frequently asked questions

Is the document list the same in every province?

The core list is the same everywhere, but details often differ by province, office or consulate. Offices differ on how recent a certificate must be, whether they want originals, copies or uploads, and whether they need a local form or cover letter. Confirm these details with your own office before you pay for anything.

Does a written reply from the office protect me if they ask for more later?

A written reply helps you, but it is often not binding on the office. Keep the email and ask for a stamped copy of your filing receipt as well. If the office later asks for more, you can show what you were told and when.

What if I have already filed and the office says documents are missing?

Your written request to fix documents (requerimiento de subsanación) states exactly what is missing. Use that notice as your list instead of guessing.

Who sets the documents for registering at my town hall?

Your town hall sets its own documents for the padrón (the local residents' register). Some ask for a rental contract or the owner's consent, for example. Check the town hall's website or padrón office before you go.

References

1. administracion.gob.es