1. Do I really need an immigration lawyer to move to Spain?
While you can submit a visa application on your own, an immigration lawyer ensures accuracy, legal compliance, and faster approvals. Spanish immigration law is nuanced, and each consulate applies slightly different criteria. A qualified lawyer prevents delays and rejections by preparing your file to official standards.
2. How do I choose a reliable immigration lawyer in Spain?
Choose a lawyer who is:
- Licensed by the Spanish Bar Association (Colegio de Abogados)
- Experienced in immigration law, not just general legal practice
- Transparent about fees and timelines
At Livin’España, we work only with trusted, independent law firms who specialize in visas, residence permits, and renewals.
3. What’s the difference between an immigration lawyer and an agency?
Agencies often act as intermediaries but cannot provide legal representation before immigration authorities. Only a registered lawyer (abogado colegiado) can sign and file applications, appeal denials, or handle complex cases. For legal validity and data protection, your immigration process must be filed through a licensed attorney.
4. Which visas require a lawyer in Spain?
Legally, all non-EU applicants benefit from one. In practice, it’s strongly advised for:
- Non-Lucrative Visa (retirees)
- Digital Nomad Visa (remote workers)
- Work Visa (employed professionals)
- Entrepreneur Visa (start-up & company founders)
- Family Reunification
Lawyers ensure documents are correctly translated, apostilled, and submitted to the proper office.
5. How does Livin’España work with immigration lawyers?
We collaborate with vetted law firms who handle the legal side of your visa, while we coordinate housing, relocation, and integration. This parallel structure keeps your visa and relocation aligned — avoiding housing gaps and paperwork overlaps.
6. How much do immigration lawyer services cost in Spain?
Fees depend on the visa type and complexity, but generally:
- Non-Lucrative Visa: €800–€1,200
- Digital Nomad Visa: €1,000–€1,400
- Work Visa: €1,200–€1,800
- Family Reunification: €700–€1,000
Renewals or appeals cost less. Some firms include dependents for an additional €250–€400 per person.
7. What documents will my lawyer prepare or review?
Your lawyer handles:
- Application forms and cover letter
- Proof of income and bank statements
- Medical certificate and police background check
- Translations and apostilles
- Housing proof (lease or property deed)
- Insurance and legal representation forms
We coordinate housing proof and ensure it meets immigration standards.
8. Can an immigration lawyer represent me if I’m not in Spain?
Yes. You can issue a Power of Attorney (Poder Notarial) allowing your lawyer to act on your behalf. It can be signed at a notary and apostilled in your home country or done digitally with valid ID. This lets the lawyer file and follow your case locally while you prepare to move.
9. How long does the immigration process take with a lawyer?
Depending on the visa type:
- Non-Lucrative: 4–8 weeks (consulate filing)
- Digital Nomad: 2–4 weeks if filed from Spain
- Work Visa: 6–12 weeks (requires employer sponsorship)
- Family Reunification: 3–6 months depending on consulate load
We help align your housing timeline so your lease starts right before approval.
10. What’s the advantage of filing the Digital Nomad Visa from within Spain?
Filing in Spain (after entering as a tourist) grants an initial 3-year residence, compared to 1 year if filed abroad. Your lawyer handles this process locally, while we secure compliant accommodation and empadronamiento to support your file.
11. Can a lawyer help with family members’ visas too?
Yes. Immigration lawyers prepare dependents’ files together, ensuring family members are linked legally and all documents (marriage, birth certificates) are correctly legalized and translated. We coordinate housing large enough to meet legal family requirements.
12. Can I change visa type later with the same lawyer?
Yes. Lawyers can manage modifications of status — e.g. switching from a Non-Lucrative Visa to a Work Visa after one year, or from Digital Nomad to Long-Term Residence. This continuity avoids starting from zero.
13. Will the lawyer handle my TIE (residence card) after arrival?
Yes. Once your visa is approved, your lawyer books your fingerprint (huellas) appointment, prepares the EX-17 form, and ensures your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is issued correctly. We coordinate your address registration (empadronamiento) beforehand.
14. Are immigration lawyers fluent in English?
Most immigration lawyers working with expats speak fluent English, and some also handle documentation in French, German, or Dutch. We only partner with firms that communicate clearly and transparently in English.
15. What happens if my visa is denied?
A lawyer can appeal the decision within 30 days, providing additional documents or legal arguments. Without representation, your appeal may be dismissed for formal errors. Experienced lawyers often recover rejected cases through proper resubmission.
16. How do lawyers ensure my personal data is protected?
Under Spanish law (LOPDGDD and GDPR), lawyers are bound by professional secrecy and must store your documents securely. At Livin’España, we share your data only with licensed partners who comply with strict data-protection protocols.
17. How early should I contact an immigration lawyer before moving?
Ideally 3–6 months before your planned move. This allows time to collect, translate, and apostille documents and to align your visa and housing timeline. Our role is to synchronize both processes so your relocation is seamless.
18. Can a lawyer also help with tax and NIE registration?
Yes. Most immigration law firms also handle NIE applications, tax registration (NIF/NIE for fiscal purposes), and coordination with tax advisors for residency changes. We include this setup in our relocation support.
19. What if I need to renew or extend my residence later?
Your lawyer will prepare the renewal file — updated income, insurance, and padron certificate — and file it electronically (autorización de residencia temporal). We help ensure your lease or property deed remains valid during renewal.
20. How does Livin’España integrate legal and relocation support?
We work hand-in-hand with immigration lawyers so your visa, housing, and relocation progress in parallel.
- The lawyer handles legal filings.
- We manage property search, documentation, and integration.
Together, we make your move to Spain clear, compliant, and stress-free.