Immigration Lawyer in Spain: What You Need to Know

Spain is a strategic destination for international talent, entrepreneurs and companies. Its lifestyle, innovation hubs and access to the EU make it attractive — but immigration is not just a formality. It’s a legal process that requires precision, planning and compliance.

Whether you’re a company relocating employees, a startup hiring globally or a professional starting a new life, understanding the legal framework is essential.

In this guide, we explain the main immigration options, common challenges, and when it makes sense to work with a specialised immigration lawyer. At Adlanter, we support clients from our offices in Barcelona, Madrid, Bilbao, Valencia and Zaragoza — combining legal expertise with business insight.

Why Immigration to Spain Is a Legal Challenge

Immigration law in Spain is complex and constantly evolving. Each visa type has its own requirements, deadlines and documentation. And each applicant — company, entrepreneur, family — faces different legal scenarios.

Common risks include:

• Rejected applications due to missing or incorrect documents
• Delays caused by administrative errors
• Legal uncertainty after arrival
• Lack of clarity on renewal and compliance obligations

Legal support helps you avoid these risks and ensures your move is secure from day one.

Main Immigration Pathways in Spain

Spain offers multiple legal routes depending on your profile. Here’s a breakdown of the most relevant ones:

Work Permits

For companies and professionals. Includes:

• Highly Qualified Professional Visa (PAC): For profiles with advanced qualifications and strategic roles.
• Intra-Company Transfers: For employees moving within multinational groups.
• General Work Authorisations: For employees or self-employed professionals.
• Posted Workers: For temporary assignments in Spain or abroad.

Entrepreneur Visa

For founders launching innovative businesses. Requires:

• Business plan validation (ENISA or similar)
• Proof of financial viability
• Legal incorporation and tax compliance

This visa is part of Spain’s Startups Law, which introduces new benefits and requirements for international entrepreneurs.

More information: Residence for Entrepreneurs in Spain: Key Steps to Obtain It

Digital Nomad Visa

Allows remote workers to live in Spain while working for foreign companies. Ideal for:

• Freelancers
• Remote employees
• Tech professionals

Requires proof of income, health insurance and a clean criminal record. More information in this post: Digital Nomad Visa in Spain: Requirements, Benefits and How to Apply

Non-Lucrative Visa

For individuals who want to live in Spain without working. Often used by:

• Retirees
• Investors
• People with passive income

More information: Requirements to Obtain a Non-Lucrative Visa in Spain: A Comprehensive Guide

Student Visa & Transition to Work

For those studying in Spain who later want to stay and work. Transitioning to a work permit is possible — but must be planned early.

Family Reunification

Allows legal residents to bring close relatives. Includes:

• Spouses and civil partners
• Children and dependent parents

Residency Regularisation (Arraigo)

For individuals who have lived in Spain irregularly and meet specific conditions (social, family, labour or educational ties).

Spanish Nationality: Legal Pathways

Obtaining Spanish nationality is possible through:

• Residency: after 10 years (or less for certain nationalities)
• Marriage: with a Spanish citizen
• Descent: if you have Spanish ancestry
• Law of Democratic Memory: for descendants of exiles

At Adlanter, we analyse each case and guide you through the most favourable legal route — including appeals and notarial procedures.

Special Visas by Sector

Some industries require tailored legal strategies:

• Film & TV Production: permits for international crews and short-term stays.
• Sports Professionals: visas and tax optimisation (e.g. Beckham Law).
• Scientific Research: fast-track permits for researchers and academics.

When Should You Work with an Immigration Lawyer?

Legal support is not mandatory — but in many cases, it’s the difference between success and delay.

• You should consider working with a lawyer if:
• You’re relocating multiple employees or managing international HR
• You’re launching a startup and need a visa tied to your business plan
• You’ve had a visa rejected or need to file an appeal
• You’re dealing with complex family or nationality cases
• You want to ensure long-term compliance

A specialised lawyer will:

• Analyse your case and recommend the best legal path
• Prepare and review all documentation
• Represent you before Spanish authorities
• Monitor deadlines and renewals
• Help you avoid legal risks

Local Expertise Across Spain

Immigration procedures vary by region. Having local support ensures faster response times and better coordination with local authorities.

At Adlanter, we operate from:

• Barcelona: tech hub and startup ecosystem
• Madrid: international business centre
• Bilbao: industrial and corporate base
• Valencia: innovation and lifestyle destination
• Zaragoza: strategic logistics and business location

Wherever you are — we’re close by.

Examples

• Startup Relocation in Barcelona: A fintech relocated five developers from LATAM. We secured Highly Qualified Professional Visas in under 6 weeks.
• British Engineer Post-Brexit: A UK professional obtained residency through the new Brexit framework. We managed NIE, TIE and tax registration.
• Family Reunification in Madrid: An entrepreneur brought his spouse and children. We handled civil partnership registration and visa applications.

What to Expect from Adlanter

We combine legal expertise with business understanding. Our approach is:

• Strategic: aligned with your goals
• Multilingual: English, Spanish, French, German, Arabic, Russian, Ukrainian, Catalan, Galician, Basque and Chinese
• Tech-enabled: document tracking and case updates
• Personalised: every case is unique

We don’t just process visas. We protect your plans.

Ready to Make Your Move?

If you’re planning to live, work or invest in Spain, legal clarity is your best ally.
Let’s talk about your case and how we can help. Offices in Barcelona, Madrid, Bilbao, Valencia and Zaragoza