Immigration Law Lawyers in Barcelona and Roses
lawyers in
Immigration Law
Our firm specialises in Immigration Law, offering you personalised attention so that you can approach administrative and judicial proceedings with the peace of mind of being properly advised, informed and defended at all times.
If you need personalised help with your case, would like to discuss your particular situation, or require advice, you can request an in-person appointment or an online video call at any of our offices in Barcelona or Roses (Girona).
- EU family member card
- Rootedness permits (arraigo): second opportunity, sociolabour, social, socioeducational and family
- Digital nomad visa
- Spanish nationality
- EU registration certificate
- Hiring foreign workers in Spain
- Student visa for Spain
- Starting a business in Spain
- Existing investor permits and transitional rules (Golden Visa)
- Non-lucrative residence permit
- Work authorisations
- Asylum
- Refugee status
- Sanctions and expulsions
Immigration law: frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a residence permit and nationality?
A residence permit allows you to live legally in Spain (and, depending on the type, to work) for a set period and must be renewed. Nationality makes you a Spanish citizen, with a passport and the right to vote. Nationality is usually obtained after years of legal residence.
How many years of residence do I need to apply for Spanish nationality?
As a general rule, ten years of legal and continuous residence. It is five years for refugees; two for nationals of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea or Portugal, and for Sephardic Jews; and one year in cases such as being married to a Spanish national or having been born in Spain. Good conduct is also required and, in general, passing the DELE and CCSE exams.
What is arraigo?
It is a route to obtaining residence if you already live in Spain. Under the immigration regulations in force since May 2025 there are five types (social, social-employment, social-training, family and second chance). Except for family arraigo, all of them generally require two years of continuous stay in Spain, plus their own requirements regarding means, employment contract, training or ties. The April 2026 reform made social arraigo more flexible and tightened the renewal rules. We assess your case to see which one fits best.
I am an EU citizen. What do I need to live in Spain?
If you will live in Spain for more than three months, you must register with the Central Register of Foreign Nationals and obtain the EU citizen registration certificate, which includes your NIE. This is common among Dutch, German or French residents on the Costa Brava, and we handle it too.
Can I live in Spain without working?
Yes, with non-lucrative residence, designed for people with sufficient financial means and health insurance. It does not allow you to work in Spain. To work remotely for foreign companies there is the digital nomad visa.
Does the Golden Visa for buying property still exist?
Residence through real estate investment was abolished on 3 April 2025. If you already hold an investor permit, check with us how the transitional rules affect you before renewing.
How long does an application take?
It depends on the type of procedure and the office that decides it. An application that is well prepared from the start avoids requests for further documents and delays.