Individuals
Immigration lawyer in Barcelona: residence, ties and nationality
An immigration procedure determines where you can live and work, and with whom. We help you choose the appropriate route, gather the documents and submit them correctly; if an application has been refused, we assess an appeal.
At a glance
- New Immigration Regulations have applied since 20 May 2025, changing residence routes based on ties and residence and work permits.
- A well-prepared application avoids requests for further documents and refusals caused by avoidable defects.
- Appeals against refusals have deadlines of one month (administrative reconsideration) or two months (court proceedings).
Situations in which we can help
Residence based on ties (arraigo)
Second-chance, socio-employment, social, socio-training and family routes, according to each category's requirements.
Residence and renewals
Residence permits, changes of status and renewals.
Family reunification
Spouses, children and ascendants, subject to financial means and housing requirements.
Residence and work
Permits for workers and for businesses wishing to recruit.
Spanish nationality
Nationality by residence and other statutory routes. Marriage to a Spanish citizen may reduce the residence period where requirements are met; it does not itself confer nationality.
Appeals and expulsion
Appeals against refusals and defence in expulsion proceedings.
Which route might apply to me?
Indicative table. The actual route depends on your circumstances, documents and the rules applicable at the time.
| Your situation | Usual route | Key point |
|---|---|---|
| You have been in Spain for some time without authorisation | Residence based on ties, depending on the category and applicable requirements | Continuous, provable presence and the supporting connection |
| You have resident or Spanish family members | Family reunification or residence based on a family relationship | Family relationship, financial means and adequate housing |
| A business wants to employ you | Residence and work permit | Job offer and role requirements |
| You have been legally resident for years | Renewal, long-term residence or nationality | Continuity of residence, criminal record and examinations |
| Your application has been refused | Administrative reconsideration or court appeal | Short deadlines and the specific grounds for refusal |
Spanish nationality by residence
The years of lawful, continuous residence required by law depend on your circumstances.
10 years
General period.
5 years
People with refugee status.
2 years
Nationals of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea or Portugal, and Sephardic Jews.
1 year
Among other cases: birth in Spain; one year's marriage to a Spanish citizen without legal or de facto separation; or being the widow or widower of a Spanish citizen without separation at the time of death. Residence must be lawful, continuous and immediately before the application, and other requirements must be met.
How we work
Assessment of your situation
We assess possible routes, the documents you already have and those missing.
Preparing the application file
We provide a clear checklist and review documents, translations and apostilles.
Submission and follow-up
We submit the application and respond to requests from the authorities.
Decision and next step
If granted, we explain what comes next; if refused, we assess an appeal.
Deadlines and points to bear in mind
- Appeals
- Administrative reconsideration: one month from notification. Administrative court appeal: two months.
- Requests from the authorities
- The general period to remedy defects is ten days, subject to applicable rules and extensions. The request must warn that failure to remedy will result in the applicant being deemed to have withdrawn, following a decision. Always check the deadline and its calculation in the notice.
- Nationality oath
- A grant of nationality by residence expires if, within 180 days of notification, the person does not appear before the competent official to satisfy Article 23 of the Civil Code. Check the notification and arrange the appearance in time; this deadline must not be confused with the registration deadline.
- Presence and absences
- Long absences may break the continuity required by each route. Keep passports, municipal registration certificates and supporting documents.
Frequently asked questions
What is arraigo and how many categories are there?
The Immigration Regulations distinguish five categories of residence based on ties: second-chance, socio-employment, social, socio-training and family. Each requires specific conditions and documents. Required presence and exceptions must be checked for the category and the person's circumstances.
How long does Spanish nationality take?
The law sets a maximum of one year. In practice, processing may be longer or shorter depending on timing and application type. If that period passes without a response, the application is deemed refused and may be appealed.
Which examinations must be passed for nationality?
The CCSE (constitutional and sociocultural knowledge of Spain) and, generally, the DELE A2 Spanish examination, subject to exceptions based on country of origin or personal circumstances. We advise on examination dates and requirements.
Can I work while awaiting the decision?
It depends on the application type and whether authorisation includes work from acceptance for processing or from grant. We explain this for each procedure and help avoid the harm caused by working without authorisation.
What should I do if my residence application is refused?
Check the precise reason and appeal deadlines (one or two months). Depending on the case, an appeal may be filed, defects corrected and a new application submitted, or a different route chosen. Bring the complete decision to the consultation.
Do you help businesses wishing to recruit foreign workers?
Yes. Residence and work permits require both the employer and worker to meet conditions. We can support both.
Guides on Immigration and Nationality
General information to help you prepare before we assess your case.
General information, not advice. Each case needs individual study. Deadlines and rules may change.
Contact
Tell us about your case.
Briefly tell us what you need. We will review your message and contact you to discuss an initial consultation. The consultation carries a fee, which we will explain in writing before confirming it.