The Spain Golden Visa program, which allowed non-EU citizens to obtain residency through property investment, was discontinued on 3 April 2025. However, a Spanish Golden Visa lawyer can still assist with Spain’s current immigration options.
A lawyer specializing in Spanish immigration and Golden Visas can provide important legal support for non-EU citizens looking for residency in Spain through investment or Spanish visas. These lawyers help navigate the requirements, documentation, and application process for obtaining a other Spanish visas like the Spain Digital Nomad Visa and Non-Lucrative Visa.
This guide will explain why hiring a Spanish Golden Visa lawyer is necessary and give insight into the legal fees involved.
Protection for Existing and Pending Applications
Investors and family members who submitted applications before the April deadline will remain unaffected. They will retain all benefits and renewal rights under the program’s current rules. Existing Golden Visa holders will also maintain their rights.
Alternative Residency Options
The Portugal, Italy, Greece, and Malta Golden Visas are great alternatives for investors looking for a European residency permit without a stay requirement. For those seeking to live in Spain, the Non-Lucrative Visa and the Digital Nomad Visa are excellent options.
How a Spain Golden Visa Lawyer Helps with Applications
It is important to hire a lawyer for your Spain Golden Visa process. The program ended on April 3, 2025; however, applications submitted before that date will still be considered, and those who already obtained a Golden Visa will remain unaffected. However, an English-speaking Spanish Golden Visa lawyer is not limited only to residency by investment programs but also to other visa options.
01/ Advise on alternative residency options
Immigration lawyers registered with the Spanish Bar Association can assess your financial and personal situation to recommend the most suitable alternatives, such as the Non-Lucrative Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, Entrepreneur Visa, or Family Reunification. They explain each option’s requirements, benefits, and how it can lead to long-term residency or citizenship.
02/ Assist with ongoing or transitioning applications
If you began a Sapin Golden Visa application before the program ended, a lawyer can guide you on how to proceed, whether to complete pending steps, appeal a decision, or switch to another visa category. They ensure your investment and documentation comply with the latest immigration regulations.
03/ Prepare and review documentation
Lawyers handle all the paperwork, from collecting and translating documents to verifying notarizations and ensuring accuracy before submission. This minimizes the chance of rejection and ensures your file meets Spanish legal and administrative standards.
One of the Spanish Immigration lawyers at Global Citizen Solutions, Yanimar Hernandez, said the gathering of documents is the most underminded process of the applications.
“Many clients often underestimate the importance of understanding the relocation requirements and the documentation needed to prove legal and financial standing, including proof of sufficient funds, medical insurance, and supporting documents for residence applications.”
04/ Offer legal, tax, and investment guidance
A qualified immigration lawyer can also provide or coordinate tax planning advice, help with real estate transactions, and explain Spain’s investment rules. They ensure your financial activities align with Spanish tax laws, Spanish tax residency, and residency requirements.
05/ Provide full representation with authorities
Lawyers communicate directly with immigration authorities and Spanish consulates on your behalf. They manage applications, renewals, appeals, and related processes, ensuring compliance and efficient handling of your case.
06/ Support relocation and family integration
Beyond legal matters, lawyers assist with relocation needs such as obtaining your NIE (tax number), registering for healthcare, opening bank accounts, and arranging residence permits for family members. This ensures a smoother transition to life in Spain.
A client facing a Spanish immigration specialist at Global Citizen Solutions (GCS), Gabriela Quevedo, explained that most clients are concerned about the timing of the application and relocation processes.
“Clients are mainly concerned about the timing of the process. They also have questions about accommodation both for meeting the visa requirements and for their long-term stay once they relocate. But fortunately, GCS offers services beyond the application, but also helps with relocation and any needs a client has to settle down in Spain.”
Benefits of Working with an Immigration Lawyer
- Expert legal knowledge: Lawyers stay updated on changing laws and ensure you meet all requirements.
- Avoiding mistakes and delays: They prevent mistakes that could slow down or jeopardize your application.
- Personalized advice: Lawyers tailor their advice to your specific immigration needs.
- Navigating paperwork: They help gather, organize, and submit documents correctly to avoid delays.
- Support with appeals: If denied, they guide you through the appeal process to improve your chances.
- Ensuring compliance: Lawyers ensure you meet all legal standards to avoid denials or issues later.
- Long-term planning: They help you plan for permanent residency or Spanish citizenship in the future.
What is the process of working with a Spanish immigration lawyer?
Even with the end of the Spanish Golden Visa, it’s still useful to know how to find a reliable Spanish immigration lawyer whose expertise goes beyond what the Golden Visa offers, especially for other residency options like the Non-Lucrative or Digital Nomad Visa.
- Initial Consultation: The process begins with an assessment of your personal situation. The lawyer reviews your goals, whether you are applying for residency, citizenship, work, or investment, and helps determine the most suitable visa or immigration route for you.
- Document Review and Strategy Planning: Once the best option is identified, the lawyer reviews your supporting documents such as your passport, proof of funds, and family or business records. They then create a clear plan that aligns with Spanish immigration laws and your timeline.
- Document Preparation and Translation: Your lawyer ensures all application forms are completed correctly and that all documents are certified and translated into Spanish if required. They can also assist with obtaining a Spanish NIE (Foreigner Identification Number), notarization, and apostille services.
- Application Submission: The lawyer submits your application to the appropriate immigration office or Spanish consulate. They monitor the progress, respond to official requests, and keep you updated throughout the process.
- Legal Representation and Follow-Up: If issues arise, your lawyer will communicate directly with immigration authorities to resolve them. They can also represent you during appeals, renewals, or any additional legal steps required for your case.
- Post-Approval Support: After approval, the lawyer helps with all remaining formalities, such as registering with local authorities, obtaining your residence card (TIE), and ensuring you meet tax and residency obligations.
Spain Immigration Lawyer Cost
Even though the Spain Golden Visa program has ended, there are still several Spanish residency visas available. Immigration lawyers can assist with these applications, helping you navigate the legal requirements, prepare documents, and manage the process for yourself and your family.
The table below provides estimated legal fees for services, including family member applications and relocation assistance. These costs are general estimates and may vary depending on the lawyer or law firm.
| Service | Estimated Legal Fees (EUR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General Spanish residency application | €700–€1,500 | Covers standard processing and legal guidance for one applicant |
| Family member application | €700–€900 | Legal support for spouse, children, or dependents joining the main applicant |
| Relocation assistance | €500–€1,000 | Optional service covering document translation, housing support, bank setup, and NIE/TIE registration |
| Comprehensive package | €1,500–€3,000 | Full-service package including primary applicant, family members, and relocation support |
Alternative Spanish Visas and Immigration Lawyer Services
As highlighted, the Spanish Immigration Agency can still help with other visas. A Spanish immigration lawyer can help choose the correct visa for your needs, apply for residence permits, work authorizations, and renew visas. Having a legal expert will make it easier to prepare documents, communicate with Spanish authorities, and assist with family reunification, appeals, and citizenship processes.
Here is an overview of other Spanish visas and the services you would get from a legal expert.
| Visa Type | Description | Services Provided by Immigration Lawyer |
|---|---|---|
| Spain Digital Nomad Visa | For remote workers employed by foreign companies or self-employed professionals. Applicants must earn at least €2,763 per month and have been working remotely for at least 3 months. Requires proof of employment, health insurance, and a clean criminal record. | – Assess eligibility based on income, employment status, and remote work history. – Review and help gather required documents, such as proof of income and employment contracts. – Assist with application submission and follow up with authorities. |
| Spain Highly Qualified Professional Visa | For skilled workers with a job offer in Spain. Requires meeting specific salary and qualification criteria. A lawyer can assist with the application and ensure all requirements are met. | – Verify the job offer meets the salary and qualifications requirements. – Guide you through the document gathering process (degree, contract, salary details). – Submit the visa application and provide legal support during processing. |
| Spain Non-Lucrative Visa | This is for individuals wishing to reside in Spain without working, typically for retirees or those with sufficient savings. | – Verify that your financial situation meets the minimum requirement (e.g., bank statements, pension proof). – Help prepare the necessary documents like proof of income, health insurance, and residence address. – File the application and ensure it complies with all legal criteria. |
| Spain Intra-Company Transfers (ICT Visa) | This is designed for employees transferred within the same company or group to a Spanish branch. | – Review the transfer conditions to ensure compliance with Spain’s work regulations. – Assist with gathering necessary documents like the employee’s contract, transfer details, and qualifications. – Submit the application and liaise with Spanish immigration authorities. |
| Spain Self-Employed Visa | Designed for individuals who want to start a business or work as freelancers in Spain. Requires a viable business plan, proof of sufficient financial resources, and evidence of relevant professional experience. | – Assist in preparing a detailed business plan that meets Spain’s visa criteria. – Help verify that you meet the financial requirements (e.g., proof of savings, investment). – Submit the application and ensure all supporting documents are properly prepared. |
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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.
