Immigration lawyers in Spain
Settle in Spain
The small paperwork nobody warns you about. A number here, a certificate there — and until you have them, nothing else in Spain will move. We handle each of them, one at a time or all together, whether or not we did your visa.
What do you need?
What do you need?
These are the documents and registrations that make life in Spain work. Most people need three or four of them, and usually in a particular order.
| Document | What it is | Who needs it | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| NIEForeigner identity number | A tax and identity number. It is not a residence permit and it does not let you live or work here. | Anyone buying property, opening a bank account, signing a contract or inheriting in Spain | Police station, or a Spanish consulate abroad |
| TIEForeigner identity card | The physical card that proves your residence permit. The permit is the decision; the TIE is the card. | Everyone granted a residence permit, within 30 days of arriving or of the grant | Police station, by appointment, with fingerprints |
| EU certificateCertificado de registro | The green certificate that registers an EU citizen as resident, and carries the NIE | EU, EEA and Swiss citizens staying longer than three months | Immigration office or police station |
| PadrónMunicipal registration | Registration at your local town hall as living at an address | Almost everyone. It is required for the TIE, for healthcare, for schools and for most town hall services. | Your town hall |
| Digital certificateOr Cl@ve | Your electronic identity, to deal with the Spanish administration online instead of queuing | Anyone who will file anything in Spain — and that is everyone, sooner or later | Online request, then identity verification in person |
| Social Security numberNúmero de la Seguridad Social | Your number in the Spanish Social Security system | Anyone about to start work, employed or self-employed | Social Security office, or online with a digital certificate |
| Return authorisationAutorización de regreso | Permission to leave Spain and come back while your card is expired, lost or being renewed | Anyone who needs to travel with a card that is not currently valid | Immigration office or police station |
| Invitation letterCarta de invitación | The document that lets you host a visitor at your home, which their consulate may require for their visa | Residents hosting family or friends from outside the EU | Police station, by appointment |
Two things worth knowing before you start
An NIE is not residence. It is the single most common misunderstanding we see. The NIE is a number for tax and identity purposes — you can hold one and have no right to live or work in Spain at all. If someone told you that getting an NIE “sorts out your papers”, it does not.
Do not leave Spain with an expired card and no return authorisation. If your card has run out while you renew it, or it has been lost or stolen, you need the return authorisation before you travel.
Why through us
Why through us
Appointments
The bottleneck is almost never the paperwork, it is finding a slot. We book them.
In the right order
Several of these depend on each other. Doing them out of order costs weeks.
One or all of them
Come to us for a single document, or for the whole set when you arrive.
No visa needed from us
We handle these whether or not we did your residence application.
Remote where possible
Several can be filed online once you have a digital certificate.
Your family too
The same set of documents, for everyone who came with you.
The order that saves you weeks
The order that saves you weeks
Most of these depend on one another. This is the sequence that works for someone arriving with a residence permit already granted.
| Order | Step | Why it comes here |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Padrón | Almost everything else asks for it, and the town hall is usually the quickest appointment to get |
| 2 | TIE appointment | Book it as early as you can. In some provinces the wait is the longest part of the whole process. |
| 3 | Fingerprints and TIE | You attend in person with the padrón and your resolution |
| 4 | Digital certificate | Easier once you hold the TIE, and from here on you can file most things from home |
| 5 | Social Security number | Before you start work, whether employed or self-employed |
| As needed | Return authorisation · Invitation letter | One-off documents, when travel or a visitor makes them necessary |
Required documents
What you will need
Usually asked for
- Passport, and a full copy of it
- Your residence resolution or visa, if you have one
- Proof of your address: rental contract, deeds or a utility bill
- Padrón certificate
- Passport photos, white background
- The application form for the document in question
- Proof of fee payment
Depending on the document
- NIE: evidence of the economic, professional or personal reason you need it for
- Return authorisation: proof that your renewal is under way, or the police report if your card was lost or stolen
- Invitation letter: your visitor’s passport details, your relationship to them, and evidence about the property
- Social Security number: your contract or your self-employment registration
The documents listed here are indicative. Every one of these procedures has its own form and its own local practice, and offices do not all ask for the same thing. Tell us which document you need and where you are, and we will send you the list that actually applies to you.
How we work
How we work
1
Tell us what you need
Free 15-min call. We confirm which documents apply to you and in what order.
Day 0
2
Documents
Shared Drive folder. We check every form before anything is filed.
Days, not weeks
3
Appointments
We book the slots and tell you exactly what to bring and say.
Varies by province*
4
Collection
You attend, or we file online where the procedure allows it.
*Appointment availability is the variable that decides the timeline, and it differs enormously between provinces. We will tell you what to expect in yours before you commit to anything.
Our service
What we do for you
Included
- Working out which documents you actually need, and in what order
- Personalised document checklist
- Shared Drive folder and full document review
- Completion of the forms
- Appointment booking
- A briefing before you attend: what to bring, and what you will be asked
- Online filing where the procedure allows it
- Follow-up until the document is in your hands
- The same for everyone in your family (price per service*)
- Direct contact with your case manager throughout
Not included
- Administrative fees (tasas)
- Apostilles and sworn translations
- Attending the appointment on your behalf, where the procedure requires you in person
- Health insurance policy
- Residence applications, which are a separate service
Fees
Fees and payment
Up-front Payment
€150 + VAT
Per document
- When you payAt the start of the assignment
- Formalised withUpon payment
Per document. Administrative fees (tasas), apostilles and sworn translations are not included. Ask us for a fixed quote if you need several documents at once.
Let our clients do the talking
What do our clients say?
Maricar de Dios
2 months ago
Nodisea just made my family’s dream of living in Madrid a reality! They helped build the strongest possible case for my DNV application, and because of that the whole process felt smooth and manageable.
From our very first consultation, they answered everything thoroughly, even the small questions I probably asked too many times. As an overthinker, I brought them a lot of concerns, and Miquel went above and beyond every time. He never gave false reassurance, but he also never let uncertainty sit unanswered.
When we needed help proving our financials to a landlord to secure our lease, they did more than I expected from a legal team and walked us through that too. After approval, they continued guiding us every step of the way.
Thorough, responsive, and genuinely caring. Thank you Miquel and Francisco!
From our very first consultation, they answered everything thoroughly, even the small questions I probably asked too many times. As an overthinker, I brought them a lot of concerns, and Miquel went above and beyond every time. He never gave false reassurance, but he also never let uncertainty sit unanswered.
When we needed help proving our financials to a landlord to secure our lease, they did more than I expected from a legal team and walked us through that too. After approval, they continued guiding us every step of the way.
Thorough, responsive, and genuinely caring. Thank you Miquel and Francisco!
Gerard Estacio
2 months ago
My wife recently received her digital nomad visa, and we couldn’t be happier with the outcome! The biggest part of our success was thanks to Nodisea. They are extremely professional, diligent, and thorough. Kudos to Miquel for taking such great care of us!
Amin
2 months ago
I had an excellent experience working with them on my Spanish Digital Nomad residency application. They were professional, responsive, and genuinely cared about the success of my case from start to finish. Every question was answered quickly, they followed up on every detail, and their dedication made the entire process smooth and stress-free. I always felt supported and confident that my application was in the best hands. I’m truly grateful for their hard work and would highly recommend their services to anyone looking for a reliable and dedicated immigration lawyer in Spain.
Marina R.
2 months ago
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I had an excellent experience working with Nodisea throughout our HQP immigration process in Spain.
From the very beginning, the entire team was incredibly professional, responsive, and supportive. Every email was answered very quickly—usually within 24 hours—and no question ever felt too small. They guided us through every step of the process and made what could have been a very stressful experience feel straightforward and well organized.
We signed the service agreement around **20 May**, our HQP application for **our family of five** was submitted on **16 June**, and we received the positive resolution on **3 August valid 3 years**. We were very impressed with both the preparation of the application and the efficiency of the entire process.
Even after the approval, their support didn’t stop. They are helping us with the TIE process, including securing fingerprint appointments in Valencia, which anyone familiar with the current situation knows is a huge help.
A special thank you to **Francisco, Miquel, and Ramón** for their professionalism, patience, and outstanding communication throughout the entire process.
I wholeheartedly recommend Nodisea to anyone looking for reliable immigration lawyers in Spain. Thank you for making our family’s relocation so much easier!
I had an excellent experience working with Nodisea throughout our HQP immigration process in Spain.
From the very beginning, the entire team was incredibly professional, responsive, and supportive. Every email was answered very quickly—usually within 24 hours—and no question ever felt too small. They guided us through every step of the process and made what could have been a very stressful experience feel straightforward and well organized.
We signed the service agreement around **20 May**, our HQP application for **our family of five** was submitted on **16 June**, and we received the positive resolution on **3 August valid 3 years**. We were very impressed with both the preparation of the application and the efficiency of the entire process.
Even after the approval, their support didn’t stop. They are helping us with the TIE process, including securing fingerprint appointments in Valencia, which anyone familiar with the current situation knows is a huge help.
A special thank you to **Francisco, Miquel, and Ramón** for their professionalism, patience, and outstanding communication throughout the entire process.
I wholeheartedly recommend Nodisea to anyone looking for reliable immigration lawyers in Spain. Thank you for making our family’s relocation so much easier!
charmaine Smith
4 months ago
When we decided to relocate to Spain, we needed legal professionals to help us sort out the details and prioritize the tasks. When we began working with Miguel and Francisco, we found them to be professional, polite, concise and clear about our steps along the way. They were helpful and informative and provided the counsel we needed to continue moving forward. We were able to secure our NIE and our visas with their help. It’s not complicated but as one seeking residency in another country, you can’t miss any details and our legal team were good at helping us anticipate next steps. So they do get a high recommendation from us and we for you we wish you good luck.
Dina Emera
2 years ago
Francesco I am fortunate that I have dealt with your wonderful company. Since the first time, you have provided me with free consultation more than once. You communicate with the utmost professionalism and patience and provide assistance to all parties. I did not feel afraid at all. You follow up with me from the beginning and are not bothered by questions. I wish you more success.
You are the best
You are the best
Lailing Him
2 years ago
100% recommended. I processed my digital nomad residency with Javier, and his attention to detail was incredible every step of the way. Kept up to date with the latest trends in CGU requirements, anticipating and including them in my dossier. Thanks to their work, my residency was approved in just 9 business days (i.e. two weeks). Without a doubt, it is very worth hiring their services.
Phyllis Webb
2 years ago
We highly recommend Francisco for any international assistence. He was extremely fair with prices and was very quick and easy to work with. We are very happy!
Omar Abunasra
2 years ago
I can’t thank Francisco enough for his incredible help with my student visa application. From start to finish, he was professional, knowledgeable, and always available to answer my questions. He guided me through every step of the process, making what seemed like a stressful situation so much easier. Thanks to his expertise and dedication, my application was successful! I highly recommend Francisco to anyone needing legal assistance—he truly goes above and beyond for his clients. Muchas gracias, Francisco!
Emiliano saá
2 years ago
They have been attentive to my process the entire time and have clarified all my doubts!
aria fatourehchi
2 years ago
Francisco was a great help with my student visa renewal. He made everything easy to understand and was always there to answer my questions. I especially appreciated how he helped me gather all the necessary documents. I’m really happy I chose him!
Youye Song
2 years ago
I highly recommend Francisco as immigration lawyer. We got the visa after 30 days of submission. We are so happy! Francisco is very structured and competent. He offered very clear consultation from the very beginning. We were informed very clearly what documents were needed and in what format- this detail level really helped with the preparation, as it can be a big headache to navigate the Spanish system. Moving to Spain was a big decision, and having Francisco to guide us through with empathy and patience eased the nerve. Thank you for the service, Francisco and team! We are grateful.
Tom Himsworth
2 years ago
I spoke to many different companies all charging ridiculous amounts, until I came across Nodisea and Francisco. The pay for success is a great incentive for both parties and Francisco was at my disposal for anything I needed. Would highly recommend their services if you are looking to move to Spain!
Mr. Garcia
2 years ago
Nikola Kostic
2 years ago
It has been an amazing experience and I can’t recommend Francisco and his team enough!
Great attention to details, timely communication, availability, cost, everything in one place!
Thank you Nodisea, you have been a reliable and friendly partner through this immense change in our lives!
Great attention to details, timely communication, availability, cost, everything in one place!
Thank you Nodisea, you have been a reliable and friendly partner through this immense change in our lives!
Jorge Pineda
2 years ago
I recently had the pleasure of working with Nodisea Immigration Lawyers to obtain my Digital Nomad Visa, and they were amazing! From the beginning, the team was very patient and understanding, making the whole process much easier. Nodisea made a complicated process feel simple and easy to follow.
They guided me through every step and explained everything clearly. The lawyer I worked with was super careful with my documents, making sure all the information was correct. This really made me feel confident about my application.
I also appreciated how professional and quick they were to respond to my questions. Because of their hard work, I got my visa approval in just 15 business days!
If you need help with immigration, I highly recommend Nodisea. They truly made a big difference in my experience!
They guided me through every step and explained everything clearly. The lawyer I worked with was super careful with my documents, making sure all the information was correct. This really made me feel confident about my application.
I also appreciated how professional and quick they were to respond to my questions. Because of their hard work, I got my visa approval in just 15 business days!
If you need help with immigration, I highly recommend Nodisea. They truly made a big difference in my experience!
Haider Ali
2 years ago
It took us over a year to plan our move to Spain, and with Francisco and his team’s help, we received approval in just 15 days. Being referred to him was a true blessing. Fran is an absolute pleasure to work with—a real gem who treats all his clients with the utmost care and attention. Highly recommended for all your immigration needs!!!! Thank you once again Francisco for all your help.
Arturo Berra
2 years ago
An exceptional experience from start to finish. The team demonstrated a high level of professionalism, efficiency and courtesy at all times. I felt cared for every step of the process, which made everything easy and seamless. In terms of time, they exceeded my expectations, since I obtained my authorization in just 20 days. I definitely highly recommend them to anyone looking for reliable, quality service.
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An outstanding experience from start to finish. The team demonstrated a high level of professionalism, efficiency, and courtesy throughout the entire process. I felt supported every step of the way, making everything smooth and hassle-free. In terms of timing, they exceeded my expectations, as I received my authorization in just 20 days. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for reliable and high-quality service.
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An outstanding experience from start to finish. The team demonstrated a high level of professionalism, efficiency, and courtesy throughout the entire process. I felt supported every step of the way, making everything smooth and hassle-free. In terms of timing, they exceeded my expectations, as I received my authorization in just 20 days. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for reliable and high-quality service.
Sam Capps
2 years ago
Francisco was incredibly helpful and made my application so smooth and stress free. Having had multiple consultations with various different immigration lawyers, I came across Francisco and was really impressed with the service and ultimately led to a successful application with zero issues. I could not recommend Francisco highly enough. Thank you!
fabian laguna sanchez
2 years ago
Excellent immigration advisors. They helped me and my partner obtain Digital Nomad residency in Spain. Throughout the entire process Francisco was very attentive and diligent.
Super happy with the results, 100% recommended.
Super happy with the results, 100% recommended.
Brenda camila lara silva
2 years ago
The team is super good, they guide you through everything and are also super friendly, I recommend them 100%
Mohd Arshul Mansoori
2 years ago
I consulted with Nodisea regarding my digital nomad visa application. It has been a fabulous experience working with the team specially Francisco. He filed my application and has always been very proactive in communicating the updates and also helped me get the positive resolution based on administrative silence.
Also Dahianna assisted me in getting my application prepared for TIE appointment on a very short notice. I highly recommend the team for your immigration processes.
Also Dahianna assisted me in getting my application prepared for TIE appointment on a very short notice. I highly recommend the team for your immigration processes.
Sarah Hays
2 years ago
Francisco with Nodisea was extremely helpful in guiding us through the immigration process. We truly wouldn’t have been able to do it without his help! Francisco was able to work directly with my company to obtain a work permit and help facilitate the process all the way up until we arrive to Spain. He answered all of our questions along the way, including my husband’s visa requirements as well. We can’t recommend Nodisea enough!
salvador moreno
2 years ago
Very formal and competent. I recommend them 100×100
Manuela Oliver
2 years ago
We couldn’t be happier with our experience at Nodisea Immigration Lawyers! In less than 30 days, my Digital Nomad residence was approved, and shortly after, my husband and son also received their approvals. If you follow the step-by-step guidance they provide, your case will likely be just as successful!
A special thanks to Francisco, who took over our case with such professionalism and care, and to Dahiana, who was always ready to assist even before we became clients. Her attention to detail and dedication made the entire process so much smoother.
As a Digital Nomad family, our dream of moving from the USA to Spain became a reality, and it was made so much easier with the help of the amazing team at Nodisea. We appreciate all of you—thank you so much! 🙏🏽
A special thanks to Francisco, who took over our case with such professionalism and care, and to Dahiana, who was always ready to assist even before we became clients. Her attention to detail and dedication made the entire process so much smoother.
As a Digital Nomad family, our dream of moving from the USA to Spain became a reality, and it was made so much easier with the help of the amazing team at Nodisea. We appreciate all of you—thank you so much! 🙏🏽
Ace Abe
2 years ago
Lawyers were helpful and knowledgeable
Daniela Ferreira
2 years ago
Best lawyer! A serious company and the best professionals!
Thank you for existing!🙏
Thank you for existing!🙏
Jas K
2 years ago
I am so grateful to have come across Francisco (Nodisea) at the time when me and my family’s renewal visa application got rejected. I was not at all clear of the future roadmap and at that time, Francisco stepped in.
As a foreigner, immigration rules can be very confusing and daunting. Francisco provided very valuable inputs at the time of consultation and made things seem so easy. He was very thorough and explained everything very nicely. One thing which makes him stand out is that he will not try to reel you in with money motive. So many immigration lawyers appear to be just money minting. Francisco is definitely my advisor for all future immigration related needs. He is a Stellar and I would definitely recommend him to everyone out there who are looking to hire a reliable and competent immigration lawyer.
As a foreigner, immigration rules can be very confusing and daunting. Francisco provided very valuable inputs at the time of consultation and made things seem so easy. He was very thorough and explained everything very nicely. One thing which makes him stand out is that he will not try to reel you in with money motive. So many immigration lawyers appear to be just money minting. Francisco is definitely my advisor for all future immigration related needs. He is a Stellar and I would definitely recommend him to everyone out there who are looking to hire a reliable and competent immigration lawyer.
Jason George
2 years ago
Thank you to the team at Nodisea, especially Francisco and Dahianna. We are from Canada and applied in Spain for our Digital Nomad Visa. Our application was submitted May 31, and we received approval June 26; there was only one clarification, for sworn translation of the relevant documents. That is approximately 18 business days.
I highly recommend this team as they have a very structured process for collaboration via Drive, email, and WhatsApp. They maintained organization throughout the process but were also readily available for questions and clarifications. This structure and organization gave us confidence and I believe contributed to the timely resolution of our application.
This collaboration and availability also helped us work through several potential issues such as differences with incorporation documents from Canada, the introduction of the apostille process in Canada, and getting certain documents apostilled at the Embassy in Madrid.
I highly recommend this team as they have a very structured process for collaboration via Drive, email, and WhatsApp. They maintained organization throughout the process but were also readily available for questions and clarifications. This structure and organization gave us confidence and I believe contributed to the timely resolution of our application.
This collaboration and availability also helped us work through several potential issues such as differences with incorporation documents from Canada, the introduction of the apostille process in Canada, and getting certain documents apostilled at the Embassy in Madrid.
Abdelali Fagroud
2 years ago
Good team and good service thank you very much 🙏🙏🙏
Ashley Copp
2 years ago
Working with Francisco is hands down the best decision I’ve made since coming to Spain. He’s taken one of the most complicated visa situations I’ve ever experienced and made every step clear and actionable. He’s incredibly responsive to messages, always very clear in his awnser and provides honest and clear guidance. Every blog I read or other lawyer I spoke to got confusing and often contradictory awnsers, but speaking to Francisco was a breath of fresh air. From day 1 I knew what my options were and what I needed to do to pursue each path. If you’re looking for help with your Spanish visa – student, digital nomad or otherwise this is who you need to work with. 5 out of 5.
Tj Davis
2 years ago
This Lawyer group was extremely helpful in getting me my visa for Spain. Francisco and Dahianna are my dream team right now. I will continue to work with them for future immigration needs I was so impressed. They really know their stuff 🙂
Chris Berliner
2 years ago
We have had the great pleasure of working with Francisco at Nodisea for the last month. He has been very helpful and responsive to all our questions through the process of obtaining our Spanish citizenship and passports. We are all so grateful, my sons and I, to have Francisco’s knowledge and guidance and would not hesitate to recommend him (and Nodisea) for others seeking the same journey.
Becky Smith
2 years ago
I couldn’t recommend Nodisea enough! My experience renewing my Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) with Francisco and Dahianna has been nothing but positive. Today, I have received a favourable resolution for a 2-year DNV renewal which I, and multiple other lawyers I contacted, never thought would be possible in my situation! In this process, there have been no additional or hidden costs from Nodisea which I am very grateful for. Francisco has always replied to my emails within a matter of hours and has never made me feel like a burden with any questions I’ve had. He explained the process clearly from the outset, and I couldn’t be more grateful for his patience and proactiveness. Thank you thank you thank you!
Gala Ladišić
3 years ago
We stumbled upon Francisco (Nodiesa) after being rejected for our first application attempt for the remote workers’ residency in Spain. And I have to say that we were very fortunate to make contact with him as he would later become our main and only advisor throughout our second application (which ended up being successful!).
We have only positive words about our experience. From the start, Francisco was professional but also friendly. He was always eager to assist and ready to dig for answers and provide clear, insightful guidance, showing a genuine concern for our progress and investing his time to help us navigate the complexities of the process.
Navigating the Spanish bureaucracy is very tough and patience-testing, especially for a foreigner, and each interaction with Francisco was both informative and reassuring, especially during challenging moments, which made the process immensely easier.
Even after we have successfully secured our residencies, we are grateful to have learned about Nodisea and look forward to maintaining our relationship with them and using their services during our residency, as they have proven to be a reliable and trustworthy source of support.
P.S. All the communication was in perfect English. 🙂
We have only positive words about our experience. From the start, Francisco was professional but also friendly. He was always eager to assist and ready to dig for answers and provide clear, insightful guidance, showing a genuine concern for our progress and investing his time to help us navigate the complexities of the process.
Navigating the Spanish bureaucracy is very tough and patience-testing, especially for a foreigner, and each interaction with Francisco was both informative and reassuring, especially during challenging moments, which made the process immensely easier.
Even after we have successfully secured our residencies, we are grateful to have learned about Nodisea and look forward to maintaining our relationship with them and using their services during our residency, as they have proven to be a reliable and trustworthy source of support.
P.S. All the communication was in perfect English. 🙂
Hamza Hati
3 years ago
A great team will solve any questions or procedures quickly, keep up the good work.
Med Moha12
3 years ago
Great team, good luck guys
Brett Arthur
3 years ago
I recently had the pleasure of working with the team at Nodisea. As someone who is not fluent in Spanish, navigating the Spanish bureaucracy is a daunting task. However, the team at Nodisea, especially Dahianna, went above and beyond to take care of every aspect of the application. I really appreciated her thoroughness, professionalism and dedication to helping me through the process. She turned what could have been a stressful experience into an easy and straightforward one. I cannot recommend her services enough to anyone in need of legal assistance in Spain. A truly 5-star experience!
lloydfider
3 years ago
I highly recommend the team at Nodisea, specially my lawyer Francisco. He has been a great help to me during the process of getting my Digital Nomad Visa. He answered all my questions, was very patient, explained things well, and was very collaborative.
ali alsaraaf
3 years ago
Highly recommended!
A great law firm and even better lawyers!
Don’t hesitate to contact them
A great law firm and even better lawyers!
Don’t hesitate to contact them
Ossama Youssef
3 years ago
I turned to them to apply for arraigo social and everything went well.
Youssef Chibou
3 years ago
I have contracted two services with Nodisea and both times I have had a very good experience. First to rectify that my TIE erroneously stated that I could not work in Spain and later for a renewal of my residence permit. On both occasions they have been efficient and informed me of everything.👍
Consultations
Still have questions?
Our immigration specialists in Spain are happy to answer them.
15 min
Quick eligibility check — free
45 min
Case review
60 min
Full strategy session
Consultation fees are deducted from our fees if you go ahead.
Each document
Read more about each procedure
Contact us
Request your document checklist
Tell us which documents you need and where you live, and we will get back to you within 24 hours with the order, the appointments and what to bring.