Work authorisation for foreigners (cuenta ajena, cuenta propia or student)

What you need to have to hand

1. Cl@ve or working digital certificate.
2. The correct form: EX-03 (empleo por cuenta ajena), EX-07 (cuenta propia) or EX-12 (students).
3. Job offer/contract or business plan with real data (working hours, salary, position, CIF, etc.).
4. Modelo 790-052 to pay the fee (the epígrafe changes by type).
5. Legible PDFs, signed and under 10 MB each.

Documentation

• Valid passport (data pages and stamps).
• Corresponding EX form, signed.
• Job offer/contract with conditions and CIF/NIF of the company (cuenta ajena) or business plan/evidence of means (cuenta propia).
• Compatibility with studies: enrolment, schedules and means (if you apply with EX-12).
• Proof of payment of 790-052 (epígrafe for your authorisation).
• Empadronamiento recent if your Oficina asks for it.
• Health insurance and, if applicable, degree/qualification for regulated professions.

Step by step

1. Fill the EX you need. Don't mix them: EX-03 (company hires you), EX-07 (self-employed), EX-12 (student who wants to work).
2. Pay the 790-052: generate the model, choose the correct epígrafe for your authorisation and pay online or at a bank. Save the PDF with the NRC.
3. Submit via Mercurio: go to https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es/mercurio/inicioMercurio.html with Cl@ve/certificate, pick the procedure and upload everything. You'll get an expediente number.
4. Respond to requirements: if they ask for more, upload it within the deadline (usually 10 working days). Don't leave it to the last minute.
5. Resolution: if favourable and it's cuenta ajena, the company registers you in Seguridad Social and you can start working.
6. TIE: after concession, pay 790-012 and book fingerprint appointment at Policía (https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es/icpplus/index.html). Bring a photo, passport, the resolution and the fee payment receipt.

Tricks that save time

• Electronic signature on EX forms: avoids poor scans. Fewer rejections.
• One PDF per document and clear names: "EX-03_firmado.pdf", "Pasaporte.pdf".
• Chrome on a computer: the sede works better. Avoid mobile.
• Correct epígrafe on the 790-052: classic mistake that blocks the expediente.
• Representative: if your company has a certificate, let them submit. It's usually faster and they can handle requirements.

Common mistakes that can ruin the process

• Working too early: without concession and alta, a fine is certain.
• Paying the wrong fee: 790-012 is for the TIE, the authorisation uses 790-052. Don't confuse them.
• Contract missing data (salary/hours): they'll stop it for being insufficient.
• Illegible or unsigned PDFs: they'll request a remedy and you'll lose weeks.
• Ignoring a requirement: 10 days fly by; if you miss it, expect denial.