A stripped walkway with palm tress on the side in Alicante Spain. If you are planning to move to Spain, working with an immigration lawyer in Spain can make the process much easier. Spanish immigration law includes many rules that can be difficult to understand on your own. A qualified immigration lawyer in Spain can help you apply for visas, residency permits, or even citizenship. They guide you through the immigration process by making sure your documents are complete, your application is accurate, and everything is submitted on time.

Beyond visas, immigration lawyers also help you settle into life in Spain. They can assist with finding housing, applying for your tax number, such as the NIE or NIF, and advising on local requirements.

This guide will explain why it is important to hire a Spanish immigration lawyer, the services they provide, the process of working with an immigration lawyer, and more. Here is what to expect:

Why Hire an Immigration Lawyer in Spain?

Spain has a lot of laws and paperwork, and even locals sometimes struggle to get things done right. If you’re not fluent in Spanish or don’t fully understand the system, it can be even harder. That’s where an immigration lawyer comes in. Here are five important reasons to work with one:

1. Avoid mistakes in your application

Government offices in Spain are strict about forms, deadlines, and supporting documents. Often, instructions are only in Spanish and not easy to understand even for fluent speakers. Immigration lawyers know the system, speak the language, and can handle communications with public offices on your behalf, making sure nothing is missed or misunderstood.

2. Stay updated on changing laws

Spain’s immigration laws often change without much notice. Staying on top of these updates can be difficult, especially if you do not speak the language fluently. An English-speaking lawyer understands the legal system and keeps track of policy changes that could affect your case. Whether it is a new document requirement or a change in processing times, your lawyer will ensure your application meets the latest rules and avoids unnecessary setbacks.

3. Handle complicated cases

If you’ve had visa rejections, overstayed in Spain or the Schengen Area, or have a complicated case (such as family reunification with non-traditional relationships or issues involving minors), a lawyer can guide you through the right legal path. They’ll help you avoid further problems and improve your chances of getting approval.

4. Personalized Guidance for Your Case

Immigration is never one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re applying for a student visa, a residence permit, a Golden Visa, or a family reunification, each case has different rules and required documents. A lawyer will listen to your situation and give you clear advice tailored to your goals, avoiding the confusion of general online information.

5. Save time, money, and stress

Spain’s immigration system can be very slow. Even a small mistake can delay your application by months or prevent you from applying again. An immigration lawyer helps you get everything right from the beginning, which means fewer delays and a better chance of approval. This can save you money and reduce a lot of stress over time.

Services offered by Immigration lawyers in Spain

A Spanish lawyer can help you navigate the many residency permits and citizenship routes available. By working with a trusted agency like Global Citizen Solutions, which has experienced and multilingual immigration lawyers, you’ll be guided through every step to ensure your application is accurate, submitted on time, and fully meets legal requirements.

Applying for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa

A lawyer helps you gather and organize all the proof you need to show you work remotely, such as employment contracts, income statements, and business registration documents. They review everything to make sure it meets the legal requirements for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa and guide you through the application process. This reduces the risk of mistakes that could cause delays or rejections and increases your chances of approval.

GCS Icon EU PassportNavigating Spanish Citizenship

Working with an immigration lawyer makes it easy to prepare for citizenship interviews, booking appointments, and the overall step-by-step process. These legal experts know what Spanish officials require for all types of Spanish citizenship, including citizenship by residency, marriage, descent, and Spanish citizenship by democratic law. Successfully obtaining citizenship grants you full rights as a Spanish citizen and a Spanish passport. According to the Global Citizen Solutions Global Passport Index, the Spain passport ranks 20th and offers visa-free access to 127 countries.

Non-Lucrative Visa application made easy

The Spain Non-Lucrative Visa is designed for individuals who want to live in Spain without working, such as retirees or those with independent means. A lawyer advises you on the minimum financial requirements to prove you can support yourself without employment. They ensure your private health insurance meets Spanish standards, prepare and submit all necessary paperwork for your initial application, and manage the renewal process. This helps you stay compliant with Spanish immigration rules and avoid missing important deadlines.

GSC Icon WorkerWork permits for any job

Whether you are applying for the Spain Highly Qualified Professional Visa or any other Spain work visa, an immigration lawyer explains all the legal requirements specific to your situation. They help prepare and review your employment contracts, gather supporting documents, and submit your work permit application accurately. The lawyer also communicates with immigration and labor authorities, addressing any issues or questions that come up.

GCS Icon FamilyFamily Reunification Permit

To make the process of moving your family to Spain, a Spanish immigration lawyer helps you compile all the necessary proof of your family ties, such as marriage certificates, civil partnership documents (Pareja de Hecho), or proof of dependent status. Throughout the process, the lawyer follows up regularly with authorities to prevent delays that can keep families apart and advises you on your rights and next steps if any problems occur.

GCS-ICONS-12Buying property safely in Spain

A Spain immigration lawyer can also help you settle into the country by assisting with property purchases. They carefully review property records to confirm that the seller is the legal owner and check for unpaid debts, liens, or legal issues. The lawyer also examines the purchase contract to make sure your rights are protected and that everything follows Spanish law. This legal support helps you avoid costly mistakes and gives you peace of mind when buying a home in Spain.

GCS-ICONS-19Settle service

Immigration lawyers assist with essential post-arrival procedures, including obtaining your TIE (Foreigner Identity Card), NIE (Foreigner Identification Number), CUE (Unique Registry Code), and Return Authorization if you need to leave Spain while your permit is being processed. They also help draft invitation letters for visiting family members.

To learn more about the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa

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What is the Process of Working with a Spanish immigration lawyer work? 

1. Start with a free consultation: Most immigration law firms or agencies in Spain offer a free first consultation. This is your chance to ask questions, explain your situation, and understand what options may be available to you.

2. Check your eligibility: A legal expert will assess whether you meet the requirements for visas, residency permits, or citizenship routes, and advise on the most suitable path forward.

3. Get a clear proposal: You’ll receive a tailored service plan with a fixed fee, so you know exactly what to expect before starting the process.

4. Move ahead with legal guidance: Once you decide to proceed, your assigned lawyer will manage the legal process from start to finish ensuring all documents are correct, submitted on time, and meet all requirements.

To learn more about the Spain Digital Nomad Visa

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Reviews from GCS Clients

Global Citizen Solutions has more comprehensive services.
Global Citizen Solutions has more comprehensive services.
"Whether it was opening bank accounts, looking for real estate, dealing with the tremendous backlog that resulted from COVID, getting our national health number, driver's licenses, marriage, and now we're working on getting our marriage registered here. Global Citizen Solutions has more comprehensive services."
The process is better with a legal expert on your side.
The process is better with a legal expert on your side.
"When we advise friends about how to immigrate abroad, we first tell them: do not try to do this yourselves. You need to work with an organisation that does this every day and is thoroughly familiar with the laws and the bureaucracy. Doing this on your own would be frustrating and potentially disastrous."
The GCS team answered all questions and gave us peace of mind.
The GCS team answered all questions and gave us peace of mind.
"We had so many questions, especially about taxes. Their team answered all and gave us peace of mind. Recommended GCS if you're serious about second citizenship." "The application procedure was very complex. The team went out of their way to make all the legal issues simple for me and my family to understand. If I need any visa assistance again, I will come back. Excellent service!!!!"

How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?

Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments. 

We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application. 

Frequently asked Questions about an Immigration lawyer in Spain

Is Spain strict on immigration?

Spain has clear immigration laws and procedures, but enforcement depends on the type of visa or permit. While EU citizens face fewer restrictions, non-EU nationals must meet specific requirements, provide supporting documents, and follow strict deadlines. Applications with missing or incorrect information are often delayed or rejected.

Is it worth using an immigration lawyer?

Yes. An immigration lawyer can save you time and prevent costly mistakes. They understand legal procedures, can guide you through complex cases, and represent you if issues arise. Their help is especially valuable for non-EU citizens or those dealing with rejections or appeals.

How much money do I need to get residency in Spain?

The amount depends on the type of residency permit. For example, a non-lucrative visa requires proof of at least €2,400 per month (or about €28,800 per year) for the main applicant, plus around €7,200 per dependent. Other permits, like the Golden Visa, require a minimum property investment of €500,000.

Do I need an immigration lawyer to move to Spain?

You are not legally required to hire a lawyer, but having one can help avoid mistakes, delays, and rejections. A lawyer ensures your application is correct and complete.

What services do immigration lawyers in Spain offer?

They help with visas, residency permits, citizenship applications, family reunification, Golden Visas, work permits, and post-arrival support like NIE and TIE.

Can an immigration lawyer help me get Spanish citizenship?

Yes. They can guide you through the different paths to citizenship such as by descent, marriage, or residency, and make sure your application meets all legal requirements.

How much does it cost to hire an immigration lawyer in Spain?

Costs vary depending on the service. Basic consultations may start at €100 while full legal assistance for visa or residency cases may range from €800 to €2,500 or more.