Immigration lawyer in Spain
Arraigo, Spanish nationality, residence, work and study permits: we help you choose the route that fits your case and file a complete application, wherever you are in Spain.
I am Fernanda Vargas, an immigration and employment lawyer based in Madrid. I handle immigration applications anywhere in Spain, and visa applications for people who are still abroad. I review your situation, tell you which permit you can apply for, which documents you need and by when, and handle the file until the decision. Consultations by video call and WhatsApp, in English or Spanish.
Arraigo
Spain’s 2024 immigration regulation (Royal Decree 1155/2024) groups arraigo into five routes: socio-labor, socio-formative, social, family and second chance.
- Types of arraigo: what each route requires, including family arraigo and second-chance arraigo for people whose earlier residence permit has expired.
- Arraigo social: residence for people who have lived in Spain for at least two years.
- Socio-formative arraigo: residence while you complete a training course, with work of up to 30 hours a week (formerly arraigo for training).
Spanish nationality
- Spanish nationality by residency: the years of legal residence required in your case, the Instituto Cervantes exams and the application.
Residence
- Non-lucrative residence permit: live in Spain without working, with sufficient funds and health insurance.
- Residence for family members of Spanish citizens: for partners, children and parents of Spanish nationals, including parents of a Spanish child.
- Residence card for family of an EU citizen: residence for family members of citizens of the European Union or the European Economic Area.
- Spanish residence for Filipinos in the UAE: routes to Spain for Filipino nationals living in the Emirates.
- Residence permit renewals: renewing your permit on time, when you still meet the conditions it was granted on.
Working in Spain
- Digital nomad visa: live in Spain while you work remotely for companies or clients outside Spain.
- Work visa with a Spanish job offer: residence and work permit for people abroad who have a contract with an employer in Spain.
- Beckham Law: the special tax regime for people who move to Spain to work. This is tax advice only and does not include a residence permit.
Studying in Spain
- Student visa and study stay: requirements, working while you study and switching to a residence and work permit when you finish.
How we work
- Consultation. We review your situation and I explain your options, with their requirements and timelines.
- Documents. You get a document list, and I check each document before filing.
- Filing and follow-up. I file the application and follow it until the decision, including any requests for more information. Most applications are filed online, so you do not need to come to Madrid.
Is your question about work, such as a dismissal or unpaid wages? See employment lawyer in Madrid.
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PhD in Spain for Foreigners 2026: Residency and Requirements
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EU Return Regulation 2026: What Changes in Expulsions in Spain
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