Long-Term Residence‑EU (EX‑11)

What you need to have to hand

1. Cl@ve or certificado digital and Autofirma installed. It usually fails on mobile; use a desktop.
2. Passport and your previous TIEs/resolutions to add up the 5 years.
3. Health insurance (public or private without unfair waiting periods) and proof of means.
4. List of absences from Spain in the 5 years (approximate dates and receipts if you have them).
5. Some patience: Mercurio can hang and you’ll need to retry.

Documentation

1. EX-11 filled in and signed.
2. Passport in date (all pages) and TIEs/resolutions proving legal residence.
3. Empadronamiento histórico to support continuity (not always requested, but helps).
4. Health insurance and the current receipt.
5. Proof of means: payslips, contract, vida laboral, IRPF, bank statements or savings.
6. List of absences and, if applicable, supporting documents (tickets, stamps).
7. Tasa 790-052: receipt/NRC if your Oficina requires it with the application.
8. Translations/apostilles for foreign documents.

Step by step

1. Go to Mercurio: https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es/mercurio/inicioMercurio.html and pick “Larga Duración‑UE (EX‑11)”.
2. Fill in EX‑11, authorise checks and sign with Autofirma. Upload each document as a clear PDF, no passwords.
3. Pay 790‑052 (extranjería authorisations). Some Oficinas ask for it at submission, others ask at grant; if you pay it early, attach the receipt.
4. Watch for requerimientos in your expediente on Mercurio. They usually give 10 business days; don’t leave it to the last minute.
5. With a favourable resolution, book the huellas appointment at your comisaría. Prepare EX‑17, a 32x26 mm photo, passport, resolution and 790‑012 paid.
6. Go to huellas and keep the receipt. In 2–6 weeks you’ll get a pick‑up appointment or collect the card according to the comisaría’s rules.

Time‑saving tricks

1. Clear, small PDFs: combine documents into one PDF per section (e.g., payslips) and name them like “Medios_econo_nov‑ene.pdf”.
2. If your private insurance has copayments, add a certificate that it meets residency requirements.
3. Upload a simple list of absences (a table with dates) even if not requested: it avoids pointless requerimientos.
4. Pay 790‑012 the day before the huellas and bring a printed receipt; some comisarías only accept the printed proof.
5. TIE appointments disappear fast. Check at 08:00 and at 14:00 for released slots.

Common mistakes that will mess up the process

1. Mixing up Larga Duración with Larga Duración‑UE: this one requires means and insurance. Without them, it’s rejected.
2. Long absences without justification: if you exceed permitted time, they’ll refuse it. Attach proof if you left for work/study.
3. Outdated Autofirma: Mercurio won’t let you sign and it drives you nuts. Install the latest version.
4. Photos not matching 32x26 mm or background rules: they’ll make you redo them and you lose the appointment.
5. Wrong fees paid: paying the wrong 052 or not attaching the NRC when requested delays everything.