Spain · Skilled Worker Visa

Initial Authorization of Residence and Work (Form EX17)

By António Mira, Founder · Member, Arab-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCIAP) & Portuguese-Saudi Business Council (PSBC)
✓ Verified against the official government source · Last verified 2026-06-24 · Our methodology
6/10 diff
Challenging

Form EX17. Quote: "Initial card or renewal residence or residence and work." Covers both cuenta ajena (employee) and ren…

Min income
€1,221/mo
Processing
90+ days
Path to PR
No
Job offer
Required
Direct answer

Form EX17. Quote: "Initial card or renewal residence or residence and work." Covers both cuenta ajena (employee) and renewal. Specific work-permit subtypes (cuenta ajena, altamente cualificado, EU Blue Card, emprendedor) governed by Ley Orgánica 4/2000 + Reglamento RD 1155/2024 — NOT detailed on this URL.

At a Glance

Visa Duration
12 months
Processing Time
90+ days
Min Income
€1,221/mo
Path to PR
No
Difficulty
6/10 — Challenging

Eligibility Requirements

RequirementDetails
Age Range18+
Job Offer RequiredYes
Sponsorship RequiredYes
Health Insurance RequiredNo

Financial Requirements

ItemAmount
Minimum Income€1,221/mo

Family & Rights

RightDetails
Path to Permanent ResidencyNo

Related Pathways

Cost of Living

Madrid
Single (monthly)€2,250
Family (monthly)€3,900
Rent 1BR (center)€1,400
Groceries€562
Transport pass€135
Barcelona
Single (monthly)€2,350
Family (monthly)€4,050
Rent 1BR (center)€1,450
Groceries€588
Transport pass€141
Valencia
Single (monthly)€1,700
Family (monthly)€3,100
Rent 1BR (center)€1,025
Groceries€425
Transport pass€102

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Initial Authorization of Residence and Work (Form EX17)?

Form EX17. Quote: "Initial card or renewal residence or residence and work." Covers both cuenta ajena (employee) and renewal. Specific work-permit subtypes (cuenta ajena, altamente cualificado, EU Blue Card, emprendedor) governed by Ley Orgánica 4/2000 + Reglamento RD 1155/2024 — NOT detailed on this URL.

What are the financial requirements for the Initial Authorization of Residence and Work (Form EX17)?

Applicants need minimum income of €1,221/mo. Additional costs may include relocation expenses, insurance, and document attestation.

Can the Initial Authorization of Residence and Work (Form EX17) lead to permanent residency?

No — this is a temporary pathway and does not itself lead to permanent residence. Holders often switch to a different route to pursue settlement.

Are there alternative pathways to Spain?

Yes. Spain offers 10 other immigration pathways. Compare all options on our Spain country page.

What is the cost of living in Spain?

Monthly costs for a single person in city center: Madrid: €2,250/mo; Barcelona: €2,350/mo; Valencia: €1,700/mo. These include rent, groceries, transport, and utilities.

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Official source

Requirements on this page are based on this official/primary source:

Data last verified: 2026-06-24 · See our methodology

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