EX-15, EX-18 and Modelo 790 (Código 012) in Spain: English Guide + Exact Field Translations

If you’re British (or any English speaker) dealing with Spanish immigration paperwork, these three documents come up constantly:

• EX-15 = requesting/confirming your NIE or related certificates
• EX-18 = applying for the EU Registration Certificate (the “green card” for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens)
• Modelo 790 (Código 012) = the fee form you generate and pay for many immigration/police procedures (including NIE assignment and EU registration) via Policía Nacional

Important for UK citizens: most UK nationals living in Spain post-Brexit don’t use EX-18 for residency (that’s for EU/EEA/Swiss). UK nationals typically deal with TIE / Withdrawal Agreement routes instead. However, UK citizens still often use EX-15 (NIE assignment / certificates) and Modelo 790 for fees. 

1) What each form is for (in plain English)

EX-15 = “NIE & Certificates request”

Official title: “Solicitud de Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE) y Certificados”

You use EX-15 when you need:

• a NIE number assigned (if you don’t have one yet), or
• a certificate (resident / non-resident certificate), depending on what the office requests. 

EX-18 = “EU registration (green certificate)”

Official title: “Solicitud de inscripción en el Registro Central de Extranjeros – Residencia ciudadano de la UE”

You use EX-18 if you are:

• an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen staying in Spain more than 3 months and registering for the EU certificate. 

Modelo 790 (Código 012) = “Fee / tax form”

You generate it online, choose the exact procedure, and pay the fee (bank or other allowed methods). It includes options such as:

• Asignación de NIE a instancia del interesado (NIE assignment at the applicant’s request)
• Certificados o informes emitidos a instancia del interesado (certificates/reports)
• and many TIE/residency card fee categories 

2) Before you start: the rules that catch people out

These instructions appear on both EX-15 and EX-18:

• Write in CAPITAL LETTERS (block capitals)
• Black pen or typed
• Dates use dd/mm/yyyy (day/month/year) 

Also:

• Bring original + copy of the forms (common requirement stated in form instructions). 

3) EX-15: field-by-field English translation + how to fill it

Source: EX-15 official form from Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones

Section 1) DATOS DEL EXTRANJERO/A = “FOREIGN APPLICANT’S DETAILS”

• PASAPORTE = Passport number
• N.I.E. = NIE number (leave blank if you don’t have one yet)
• 1er Apellido = First surname (family name 1)
• 2º Apellido = Second surname (many UK people leave blank)
• Nombre = First name / given name(s)
• Sexo (1) = Sex (H = male / M = female / X = indeterminate if officially recognised) 
• Fecha de nacimiento (2) = Date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy) 
• Lugar / País = Place / Country of birth
• Nacionalidad = Nationality
• Estado civil (3) = Marital status:
  • S Soltero = Single
  • C Casado = Married
  • V Viudo = Widowed
  • D Divorciado = Divorced
  • Sp Separado = Separated 
• Nombre del padre / Nombre de la madre = Father’s name / Mother’s name
• Domicilio de residencia = Home address (where you live)
• Nº / Piso = Number / Floor
• Localidad = Town/City
• C.P. = Postcode (Código Postal)
• Provincia = Province
• Teléfono móvil = Mobile phone
• E-mail = Email
• Representante legal, en su caso = Legal representative (if applicable)
• DNI/NIE/PAS = Their ID (Spanish ID / NIE / Passport)
• Título (4) = Capacity/title (e.g., parent/guardian) 

How most UK applicants fill Section 1

• Use your passport number
• Put your surname in “1er Apellido”
• Leave “2º Apellido” blank
• Use a Spanish address if you have one, otherwise the address you’re using for notifications (see Section 3).

Section 2) DATOS DEL REPRESENTANTE A EFECTOS DE PRESENTACIÓN = “REPRESENTATIVE SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION (IF NOT YOU)”

This is only for when someone else files it for you (lawyer/representative). The form says it’s only filled if the presenter is different from the applicant. 

Key fields:

• Nombre/Razón Social = Name / Company name
• DNI/NIE/PAS = Their ID number
• Domicilio / Localidad / C.P. / Provincia = Their address details
• Teléfono móvil / E-mail = Contact details 

Section 3) DOMICILIO A EFECTOS DE NOTIFICACIONES = “ADDRESS FOR OFFICIAL NOTIFICATIONS”

This is where Spain sends updates/letters.

• Nombre/Razón Social = Name/company to receive notifications
• DNI/NIE/PAS = Their ID (if it’s not you)
• Domicilio / Localidad / C.P. / Provincia = Notification address
• Teléfono móvil / E-mail = Used for alerts (helpful) 
• □ CONSIENTO… Dehú / cl@ve = Consent to receive notifications electronically via the official electronic notification channel (Dehú), which requires a digital certificate or Cl@ve. 

Simple approach: if you’re not set up for Spanish digital ID systems, many people leave the electronic-consent box unticked and rely on the address + email/mobile fields.

Section 4) DATOS RELATIVOS A LA SOLICITUD = “DETAILS OF WHAT YOU ARE APPLYING FOR”

4.1 TIPO DE DOCUMENTO = “Type of document”

• □ NÚMERO DE IDENTIDAD DE EXTRANJERO (NIE) = NIE number (assignment)
• □ CERTIFICADO = Certificate
  • □ De residente = Resident certificate
  • □ De no residente = Non-resident certificate 

4.2 MOTIVOS = “Reason”

• □ Por intereses económicos = Economic reasons (property purchase, banking, taxes, etc.)
• □ Por intereses profesionales = Professional reasons (job, self-employment, contract, etc.)
• □ Por intereses sociales = Social reasons
• (Especificar) = Specify (write a short reason in English/Spanish; many offices prefer Spanish) 

4.3 LUGAR DE PRESENTACIÓN = “Where you are submitting”

• □ Oficina de Extranjería = Foreigners Office
• □ Comisaría de Policía = Police station
• □ Oficina Consular = Consulate 

4.4 SITUACIÓN EN ESPAÑA = “Your status in Spain”

• □ Estancia = Stay/visitor (not resident)
• □ Residencia = Residence (living in Spain) 

Then:

• (place), a (day) de (month) de (year) = Signed at [place], on [date]
• FIRMA DEL SOLICITANTE = Applicant’s signature 

4) EX-18: field-by-field English translation + how to fill it (EU citizens)

Source: official EX-18 

Sections 1–3 (Applicant / Representative / Notifications)

These are almost the same as EX-15, just labelled for the EU applicant:

• DATOS DEL SOLICITANTE = Applicant details
• DOMICILIO en España = Address in Spain
• Notifications section includes the same optional electronic notification consent wording. 

Section 4) SITUACIÓN EN ESPAÑA = “Your situation in Spain”

Key fields:

• PERÍODO PREVISTO DE RESIDENCIA EN ESPAÑA = Intended period of residence in Spain
• FECHA DE INICIO DE LA RESIDENCIA EN ESPAÑA = Start date of residence in Spain 
• Nº DE FAMILIARES… = Number of family members joining you

Then you tick the category that applies:

RESIDENCIA TEMPORAL (temporary residence) options include:

• Trabajador por cuenta ajena = Employee
• Trabajador por cuenta propia = Self-employed
• No activo con recursos suficientes y seguro de enfermedad = Not working, with sufficient funds + health insurance
• Estudiante con recursos suficientes y seguro de enfermedad = Student with sufficient funds + health insurance
• Nacional UE/EEE/Suiza, familiar… = EU/EEA/Swiss family member of an eligible EU citizen (then provide their ID + relationship) 

RESIDENCIA PERMANENTE (permanent residence) options include:

• Residencia continuada en España durante 5 años = Continuous legal residence in Spain for 5 years
• Plus several worker/retirement/incapacity scenarios 

Also:

• MODIFICACIÓN = Modification (change personal data/address/passport etc.)
• BAJA POR CESE = Deregistration / cancellation (rare) 

Signatures:

• FIRMA DEL SOLICITANTE = Applicant signature
• Some cases also mention FIRMA DEL CIUDADANO DE LA UNIÓN (familiar del solicitante) = EU citizen’s signature if the applicant is their family member. 

5) Modelo 790 Código 012: English guide + translations (the fee form)

Source: online generator on the Sede Electrónica de la Policía Nacional

You normally do not fill this by hand. You generate it online, choose the procedure, then download/print. 

IDENTIFICACIÓN = “Identification”

• N.I.F./N.I.E. (*) = Your tax/NIE number
  • If you don’t have NIE yet, the system may accept another identifier in some contexts, but commonly you’ll use passport details where allowed and/or proceed as your office instructs. (Rules vary by procedure/office.)
• Apellidos y nombre o razón social (*) = Surname(s) + first name, or company name
• Domicilio = Address
• Tipo de vía (*) = Street type (Calle, Avenida, Plaza, etc.)
• Nombre de la vía pública (*) = Street name
• Núm. (*) = Number
• Escalera / Piso / Puerta = Staircase / Floor / Door
• Teléfono = Phone
• Municipio (*) = Town/City
• Provincia (*) = Province
• Código Postal (*) = Postcode 

AUTOLIQUIDACIÓN = “Self-assessment”

• Principal / Complementaria = Main payment / Additional payment (almost always Principal) 

Choose the correct procedure (this is the most important bit)

Under the list, look for the relevant line, for example:

• “Asignación de Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE) a instancia del interesado.”
  = “Assignment of NIE number at the applicant’s request.” 
• “Certificados o informes emitidos a instancia del interesado.”
  = “Certificates/reports issued at the applicant’s request.” 
• For EU registration certificate, the police guidance page lists EX-18 plus proof of payment of the 790 012 fee. 

DECLARANTE = “Declarant”

• Localidad (*) = Town/City (often auto-filled or you type it)
• Fecha (*) = Date 

INGRESO = “Payment”

• Importe euros = Amount in euros (the form calculates based on the procedure)
• Forma de pago = Payment method:
  • En efectivo = Cash
  • Adeudo en cuenta = Direct debit
  • (Other options may appear depending on the screen/configuration) 

6) Quick “which one do I need?” cheat sheet

• I just need an NIE number for property, inheritance, banking, work contract, etc. → EX-15 + Modelo 790 (012) (usually the “Asignación de NIE…” line) 
• I’m an EU citizen moving to Spain (over 3 months) and need the green EU certificate → EX-18 + Modelo 790 (012)
• I’m paying for a certificate/report → Modelo 790 (012) with the “Certificados o informes…” line 

FAQs

Do I need to complete EX-15 and Modelo 790?

In many common NIE/certificate cases, yes: EX-15 is the request, and Modelo 790 (012) is the fee form that matches your procedure. 

Can I write the forms in English?

The fields are Spanish, and offices generally expect the form completed properly (often in Spanish). Names/addresses can be in the normal format, but your “Motivos / Especificar” is usually safest in simple Spanish.

What date format does Spain use on these forms?

dd/mm/yyyy (day first). It’s explicitly stated in the instructions on both EX-15 and EX-18. 

What does “Estancia” vs “Residencia” mean on EX-15?

• Estancia = you’re in Spain as a visitor / short stay status
• Residencia = you live in Spain as a resident
  You tick the one that matches your real situation. 

Ready to get your NIE-Number? Click here to book your nie appointment now

NIE Numbers in Other Spanish Cities

• How to Get a NIE Number in Málaga
• How to Get a NIE Number in Barcelona
• How to Get a NIE Number in Madrid
• How to Get a NIE Number in Benidorm 
• How to Get a NIE Number in Alicante
• How to Get a NIE Number in Calpe

TIE Card & Residency Help (UK & Non-EU Citizens)

• TIE Card Spain – Full Guide for UK & Non-EU Citizens
• Brexit TIE Card Renewal & Replacement
• Difference Between NIE, TIE, NIF and Green Card
• What Happens to my NIE-Number when I die?

Official Spanish Government Resources 

• Spanish Policía Nacional – Cita Previa Extranjería
• Spanish Immigration Office (Extranjería)