The Modelo 790 Código 062 is the government fee you must pay when applying for most work or self-employment authorisations in Spain. This isn't just another piece of paper. It's the official tax for your work authorisation, and in our experience, getting it wrong is a common reason for applications to be rejected.
What Is The Modelo 790 Codigo 062 Fee?
Think of it as the official payment receipt for nearly all immigration steps related to working in Spain. We see this often with clients: a perfect application gets brought to a dead stop because this fee was missing, paid incorrectly, or attached to the wrong file. It’s the non-negotiable step that proves you've paid the administrative tax required to work here legally.
So, who pays it?
- For a standard work permit (cuenta ajena), the employer is on the hook for the payment.
- For a self-employment permit (cuenta propia), it's the applicant, the future freelancer or autónomo, who has to settle the fee.
You'll need this form for initial applications, renewals, and even modifications, like when you're switching from a student visa to a work permit. You'll need your foreigner identification number to fill it out, which you can learn more about in our guide explaining what the NIE is.
Current Fee Tiers
The cost isn't a flat rate; it's tied directly to the salary for the job. An update on June 16, 2025, under Orden PJC/617/2025, simplified things into two clear tiers based on Spain's Minimum Interprofessional Salary (SMI).
The Modelo 790 Código 062 is an administrative fee. For employees earning less than twice the Spanish Minimum Wage (SMI), the fee is €203.84. For those earning two times the SMI or more, the fee increases to €407.71.
This system makes it clear which fee applies to your situation based on the employment contract.
Everything starts on the official government portal. From there, you can access and generate the online form, which is the first step before you can actually pay it and submit it with the rest of your application.
How to Complete the Form Online
The first real hurdle is the government's Sede Electrónica portal. It's where you'll generate the modelo 790 código 062 form, and frankly, it’s not the most intuitive website. We see clients get stuck here, so let's break it down step-by-step.
You’ll start by heading to the official government portal for administrative fees. Once there, you have to fill out a few key sections before it lets you generate the PDF you'll need for payment. Expect a very functional, no-frills government design. In practice, clarity and careful field-by-field review are what prevent mistakes.
The Identificación Section
This first part is all about identifying who is paying the fee, and it’s a common point of confusion.
- For Salaried Employment (Cuenta Ajena): This is for the employer. You must enter their NIF (tax ID number), the company’s legal name (Razón Social), and its official address.
- For Self-Employment (Cuenta Propia): This is for you, the applicant. You'll put in your own NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero), your full name, and your address in Spain.
Getting this wrong is a critical error. The payment won't be linked to the right application. We can't stress this enough: double-check every single digit of the NIF or NIE. A simple typo will invalidate the form, and you’ll have to start the whole process over.
The Autoliquidación Section
Here’s where you tell the government exactly what this payment is for. You'll be met with a long list of options with checkboxes. It's vital to pick the right one for your specific immigration procedure.
For instance, if you're applying for an initial work permit, you'd select "Autorización inicial de residencia y trabajo por cuenta ajena." But if you’re a student modifying your status to a work permit, you’d need to find the "Modificación" option. The fee amount is tied directly to your selection, so choosing the correct procedure ensures you pay the right tax.
This infographic lays out the core concepts of who pays, when, and how much for work authorisations.
As you can see, the who, when, and how much all depend entirely on the specific type of work authorisation you’re after.
The Declarante and Payment Method
The 'Declarante' section is straightforward. It’s simply your information as the person filling out the form. Pop in your details and the city where you are completing the form.
Finally, you have to choose how you'll pay.
- En efectivo: This is the most common route. You generate a three-page PDF, print it out, and take it to any collaborating bank to pay in cash or with a card.
- Adeudo en cuenta: This is a direct debit from a Spanish bank account. It’s quicker but requires you to have a Spanish IBAN and, in most cases, a digital certificate. If you're looking into digital certificates, our guide on how to get your Cl@ve certificate can help.
From our experience, 'En efectivo' is the simplest, most foolproof option if you don't have a digital certificate. Just make sure the bank stamps all three copies of the form. That stamp is your non-negotiable proof of payment, and you'll need it for your appointment.
Navigating the Payment Process
You've generated your modelo 790 código 062 form. Great. Now comes the part where a tiny mistake can create a massive headache: paying the fee. You’ve got two ways to get it done, and your choice depends mostly on whether you have a Spanish bank account and the right digital credentials.
We’ve seen hundreds of clients through this process, and we know the quirks of each method. Let’s walk through them so you can get it right the first time.
The Online Method: Adeudo en Cuenta
The fastest route by far is paying online via 'Adeudo en cuenta', or direct debit. This is your best bet if you have a Spanish bank account plus a digital certificate or Cl@ve PIN.
When you choose this option on the payment portal, it’ll ask for your IBAN. The system uses your digital signature to authenticate you and pulls the money straight from your account. It's instant. You get a digital receipt right away, and you're done without leaving your desk. The catch? No digital certificate, no online payment.
The In-Person Method: En Efectivo
For most people just arriving in Spain, the 'En efectivo' (in cash) method is the standard way to go. After you complete the form online, you'll download a three-page PDF. You need to print all three copies.
Take these printouts to a collaborating bank to pay the fee. In our experience, major banks like CaixaBank, BBVA, and Santander usually know what they’re doing. If you get a teller who looks confused, just calmly explain it's a "pago de tasa para Extranjería" and that all three copies need to be processed.
Here’s a piece of advice we give every single client: Insist on getting an official mechanical stamp (validación mecánica) or a printed receipt on all three pages of the form. This stamp is your only proof of payment. One copy stays with the bank, one is for the administration, and the final one is yours to keep.
Once that stamped form is in your hands, scan it. Immediately. That piece of paper is irreplaceable. Losing it is like losing the cash itself—your application will grind to a halt with no proof of payment. A digital backup is non-negotiable.
You can learn more about managing the different administrative fees required for Spanish immigration on our site.
Don't let a simple payment error derail your entire application. If you’re unsure about any step, it’s always better to get it right the first time. Contact us, and we'll make sure your forms are filled, paid, and submitted perfectly.
Picking the Right Fee for Your Work Authorisation
The Modelo 790 Código 062 form isn't a simple, one-price-fits-all payment slip. Honestly, one of the easiest and most frustrating ways to get an application thrown out is by ticking the wrong box in the "Autoliquidación" section.
Each option on that list corresponds to a very specific procedure. If you choose incorrectly, your payment is invalid. You’ll have to pay all over again and resubmit, losing precious time.
Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen. We'll walk you through exactly which option to select for the most common work authorisations we handle for clients across Spain. Getting this right is about more than just paying a fee; it’s about making sure the administration sees your application for what it is and processes it without hitting a completely avoidable roadblock.
Match Your Situation to the Form
The form presents a long, daunting list of authorisations. Your job is to find the one that perfectly matches your situation. A simple slip-up, like picking an "initial authorisation" when you’re actually doing a renewal, will get your application rejected. No questions asked.
To help you navigate this, here’s a quick-glance table showing the most frequent procedures we see, the exact text to look for on the form, and the fee you’ll need to pay.
Modelo 790 Código 062 Fees for Common Immigration Procedures
This table breaks down some of the most common work-related procedures. Find your situation below to see which section of the form applies to you and how much you'll need to pay.
| Immigration Procedure | Form Section to Select | Fee Amount (€) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Work Authorisation (Salaried) | 1.1 Autorización inicial de residencia y trabajo por cuenta ajena | €203.84 or €407.71 |
| Renewal of Work Authorisation | 1.2 Prórroga de la autorización de residencia y trabajo | €81.54 |
| Modification from Student Visa | 1.3 Modificación de la autorización de estancia por estudios… | €203.84 or €407.71 |
| Initial Self-Employment Authorisation | 1.5 Autorización inicial de residencia y trabajo por cuenta propia | €203.84 |
| Cross-Border Worker Authorisation | 1.6 Autorización de trabajo para transfronterizos | €203.84 |
As you can see, the fee for an initial salaried authorisation actually depends on the salary being offered, which is a detail many people miss. Renewals and self-employment permits, on the other hand, have straightforward, fixed rates.
The Self-Employment (Cuenta Propia) Wrinkle
For anyone going down the self-employment route, there’s an extra layer of complexity you need to be aware of. Applicants often have to pay two separate fees at the same time: one for the initial temporary residence authorisation and another for the work authorisation.
This means you’ll be juggling two forms:
- Modelo 790 Código 052 (for section 2.1, initial temporary residence)
- Modelo 790 Código 062 (for section 1.5, self-employed work permit)
Yes, this essentially doubles the government fees. The systems for paying these have been updated over the years as part of a push to modernise the process. You can find both forms and more information on the official government payment portal.
A Quick Tip on the Two Forms: People mix up the Modelo 790-062 and Modelo 790-052 all the time. In practice, 062 is linked to specific work-authorisation fee concepts, while 052 is linked to specific residence-authorisation fee concepts. Whether you need one or both depends on the exact procedure you are filing.
Choosing the correct fee is a critical step you simply can’t afford to get wrong. If you have any doubt about which category your application falls into, it's always better to ask than to guess and risk rejection.
Feeling uncertain about which path fits your goals? Contact us for personalised advice, and we'll map out the best option for you.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Having guided hundreds of immigration applications through the Spanish system, we’ve seen every mistake you can make with the modelo 790 código 062. This form looks simple, but one tiny error can derail your entire application. Think of this as our troubleshooting guide, built from years of fixing problems, designed to save you a world of stress.
Paying an Outdated Fee
This is easily the most common pitfall. The Spanish government adjusts these administrative fees, often without much warning. If you download the form today but only get around to paying it in a few weeks, the amount could have changed. An incorrect payment, even by a few cents, will invalidate your application.
The fix is simple but non-negotiable: always generate a fresh form from the official portal right before you head to the bank or pay online. This is the only way to guarantee you're paying the current, correct amount.
Picking the Wrong Procedure
The dropdown menu in the "Autoliquidación" section is a minefield. We've seen people applying for a "modification from student status" accidentally select the option for an "initial work authorisation." To you, it might seem like a small mix-up. To the administration's automated system, it's a critical mismatch that gets your file flagged and put on hold indefinitely.
Another point of constant confusion is the difference between two very similar forms:
- Modelo 790-062: This is for the work authorisation fee. It’s about getting permission to be employed.
- Modelo 790-052: This applies to specific residence-authorisation fee categories under its own sections. It should not be treated as a generic synonym for every TIE card step.
A huge part of getting this right comes down to simply taking your time. We've found that a methodical approach is the best way to avoid data-entry errors from the very beginning. Double-check every single field before you even think about printing.
Losing Your Proof of Payment
Let's be blunt: that bank-stamped copy of your form is as good as gold. If you pay in cash ("en efectivo") and misplace that stamped paper, you have zero proof of payment. We’ve had clients forced to pay a second time because this one document went missing.
Our advice is direct: the second you step outside the bank, take out your phone and scan or photograph your stamped form. Make sure it's a high-quality image. Save it to Google Drive, Dropbox, or email it to yourself immediately. This digital copy can literally save your application if the original vanishes.
Processing timelines can vary significantly by province, workload, and procedure type. Getting every detail right the first time is your best defense against unnecessary delays.
In practice, many rejections or delays involving Modelo 790-062 come from outdated fees, incorrect procedure selection, or missing proof of payment. These issues are avoidable with careful review before submission.
If you're dealing with a complicated case or just want the peace of mind that comes from a perfect application, that's what we're here for. Contact us for personalised advice and we'll make sure your paperwork is flawless from the start.
Common Questions About Modelo 790-062
We get asked about the modelo 790 código 062 every single day. Here are straight answers to the most common problems people run into, based on our years of dealing with Spanish bureaucracy for clients across Spain.
How Long Is My Paid Form Valid?
The PDF you generate has an expiration date printed right on it. You have to pay the fee before that date, which is usually only a few days away. Don't let it sit.
Once the bank has stamped it, that proof of payment is good for your application process. But our advice is always the same: submit it immediately. The last thing you want is a perfectly good application being questioned because you waited too long.
What Happens If I Paid the Wrong Amount?
This is a classic and maddening mistake. Paying even one cent less than required will get that part of your application rejected. You can file for a refund of the incorrect payment, but the process is painfully slow.
The fastest and smartest move is to generate a completely new form with the correct fee and just pay it again. It stings, but it avoids months of delay on your main immigration case. Waiting for a small refund isn't worth jeopardizing your residency.
Can I Pay the Fee From Outside Spain?
Paying from abroad is incredibly difficult by design. The online payment portal ('Adeudo en cuenta') demands a Spanish bank account and often a digital certificate. The in-person cash method ('en efectivo') requires you to physically walk into a collaborating bank in Spain to get the all-important mechanical stamp.
If you aren't in Spain, you will almost certainly need a legal representative or someone with a power of attorney here to pay it for you. We handle this for clients constantly to ensure their applications don't stall while they're still overseas.
Do I Need a New Form for Each Application?
Yes. Every single time. A new application, a renewal, or a modification requires its own fresh modelo 790-062.
You absolutely cannot reuse an old payment, even if the fee amount is identical. The immigration office needs to see a unique proof of payment that corresponds directly to the specific application you're submitting.
If your situation feels complicated or you just want to guarantee your application is handled perfectly from the start, it's worth getting expert help. We can manage the entire process for you, from the forms to the final approval.
