Applicants can check the status of a Spanish residence or immigration application online, by text message or by telephone. This guide explains the available channels, common status messages and what to do when the formal decision has not arrived.
After submitting a Spanish residence or immigration application, applicants often want to know whether the file has been registered, whether it is still under review, whether additional documents have been requested or whether a decision has already been issued. The status can normally be checked through the official online portal, by text message or through the relevant telephone services.
The online service is available through the government page for checking the processing status of immigration files. Applicants may enter through “Entrar Cl@ve”, using an electronic identification system, or select “Entrar Formulario”, which does not require a digital certificate.
The form normally requires the applicant’s foreigner identity number, the date on which the application was submitted, the year of birth and the security code displayed on the page. After completing the fields, the applicant should select “Consultar”. The submission date and application reference can usually be found on the filing receipt.
Status information may also be requested by sending a text message to 651 714 610. A request using the foreigner identity number should follow the format “NIE X00000111L”, with a space between NIE and the number. The number must begin with a capital X, Y or Z, contain eight digits and end with a capital letter. Zeros must be added on the left if there are fewer than eight digits.
A request using the application reference should follow the format “EXPE 280020101234567”, with a space between EXPE and the reference number. The application reference must contain exactly 15 characters. Information received by text message is provided for guidance only and does not replace the official administrative notice.
The official information page also lists 902 02 22 22 as a telephone number for checking an application’s processing status, although call charges may apply. General immigration enquiries, technical problems and cases that do not appear in the system may also be raised through the 060 public information service or with the competent provincial immigration office.
The status “En trámite” means that the application remains under review and no final decision has yet been issued. “Favorable” or “Resuelto favorable” indicates a positive decision, although the applicant should wait for or download the formal approval notice before completing any subsequent procedures.