Independent legal advice for property buyers in Sotogrande+34 620 86 80 12Mon to Fri, 9:00 to 17:00
Esther Pujol Wilkie& Associates · AbogadosEN / ESGet in touchES
Practice area

Immigration and Foreigners’ Legal Procedures

Managing your affairs in Spain calls for an adviser with a thorough understanding, and proper care and diligence.

Since 1983Qualified in Barcelona
SotograndeBased here since 1988
3 jurisdictionsUK, Gibraltar & Spain
EN / ESFluent in both languages
Yachts moored at Puerto de Sotogrande

An area we know well

This is a field in which we have more than thirty years of experience and have built a reputation for reliable, dependable advice. We take care of the administrative and legal procedures on your behalf, usually under a power of attorney so that you need not attend in person.

Procedures we handle

  • NIE, the foreigner identification number
  • Authorisations of residency, with or without activity, including for work, family reunification and study
  • TIE, the residence card, and its renewals
  • Residence certificates for EU nationals
  • Citizenship applications
  • Driving licence exchange
  • Empadronamiento and registration with the town hall
  • Legalisation, apostille and sworn translation of documents from abroad

British nationals since Brexit

Those who were legally resident in Spain before 31 December 2020 retain their rights under the Withdrawal Agreement, evidenced by the TIE. Those who arrived afterwards follow the same routes as any other non EU national.

The distinction matters a good deal in practice, particularly for people who spent time here before 2021 without formally registering, and we are happy to tell you where you stand.

A tailormade service

Every situation is a little different. Write to us describing yours and we will advise you on what is needed and how we would go about it.

Common questions

What is an NIE and when do I need one?

It is your Spanish identification number for tax purposes, needed to buy property, open a bank account or pay tax here. We obtain it on your behalf and it is usually the first thing we arrange.

Do I have to attend appointments in person?

Usually not. With a power of attorney we can attend on your behalf for most procedures, which is how a good number of our clients prefer to handle it.

How long do these procedures take?

It varies by procedure and by office. Gathering documents is often the longest part, since papers from abroad need apostille and sworn translation and carry their own validity periods, so starting early makes a real difference.

This page gives general information about Spanish law and is not legal advice. Every case turns on its own facts and should be assessed individually.

Get in touch

Write to Esther

Tell me a little about what you are planning and I will reply personally, usually within one working day.

Office
Guadalmarina 1, Portal 3, 2E
La Marina de Sotogrande
11310 San Roque, Cádiz
Telephone
+34 620 86 80 12
Email
esther@pujolwilkie.com
Hours
Mon to Fri, 9:00 to 17:00
Languages
English and Spanish
Get in touchCall the office