There is no identical document folder for every applicant. Requirements vary with age, nationality, civil status, representation and the basis for a reduced residence period. Use this as a preparation checklist and compare it with the official form for your case.
1. Identity and residence
Prepare complete, valid copies of your passport and residence documentation. Gather the records needed to reconstruct when legal residence began and whether relevant changes or interruptions occurred.
2. Birth, criminal records and civil status
The file commonly includes a birth certificate from the country of origin and, where applicable, a criminal-record certificate. Marriage, widowhood, parentage or birth in Spain may require extra certificates when they support a reduced period.
3. Integration evidence
Check whether you must provide CCSE and DELE A2 or higher, already hold an accepted qualification, or qualify for an exemption or waiver. An automatic exemption is not the same as a waiver that the Ministry must approve.
4. Fee and filing
Keep the correct proof of payment for form 790 code 026. The amount can change, so generate and verify it through the official service when you are ready to file.
5. Foreign-issued documents
Depending on the country and document, legalisation or an apostille may be required. A sworn translation may be needed when the document is not in Spanish. Check that names, dates and places match across the file before scanning.
6. Additional circumstances
Minors, applicants needing support, representatives, refugees and people relying on a reduced period may need specific evidence. Include proof of the particular legal basis, not only the general documents.
Final file check
- Use complete, readable scans.
- Name files clearly.
- Record issue and expiry dates.
- Keep originals, translations and receipts.
- Download a copy of everything submitted.
Next step
Create a table with each document, issuing authority, date, legalisation, translation and status. It will show what is missing before anything expires.