Legal Services · Spain

Expert Legal Services for Expats in Spain

Property, visas, wills, tax, business, family law, and bureaucracy — handled by English-speaking legal specialists who understand exactly what foreign residents and buyers need in Spain.

Platinum Legal Spain · Property, immigration, wills, tax, and business law specialists
11 Core Practice
Areas
40+ Nationalities
Served
100% English-Speaking
Team
Online Case Portal &
Dashboard
Overview

A Full-Service Legal Partner for International Clients

Covering every legal, tax, and administrative need that comes with living in, buying in, or moving to Spain.

Platinum Legal Spain exists to solve a problem that most expats, foreign buyers, and international residents know well: Spanish legal and administrative systems are complicated, slow, and almost entirely set up in Spanish. Whether you are purchasing a property on the Costa del Sol, applying for a Digital Nomad Visa, writing a will to protect your family, setting up a company as a freelancer, or simply trying to get your NIE number sorted, you need professional guidance from people who know the system inside out and speak your language.

We are not a traditional Spanish law firm that happens to translate its website into English. We are a modern, digital-first legal services brand built specifically for international clients. Our team of bar-registered solicitors, legal specialists, and immigration specialists works with expats, retirees, remote workers, families, investors, and non-residents across every region of Spain. Every service is delivered in English, supported through our secure online client portal, and structured around transparent processes and clear communication.

Our work spans eleven core practice areas, from property conveyancing and visa applications through to inheritance planning, fiscal compliance, business formation, family law, civil litigation, and the mountain of Spanish bureaucracy that comes with living here. We handle cases from start to finish, coordinate with notaries, tax offices, consulates, and government departments, and keep you informed at every step.

Whether your situation is straightforward or highly complex, whether you are already living in Spain or still planning your move from abroad, and whether you need a single document processed or a full relocation package, we have the expertise, systems, and team to handle it. Below you will find a detailed overview of every service area we cover, what each one includes, and how to take the next step.

Our Practice Areas

Areas We Cover

Nine specialist departments covering everything an international client could need in Spain.

Spanish Property & Conveyancing

Full legal support for buying, selling, and owning property in Spain. Due diligence, contracts, completion, and post-sale compliance handled end to end.

Purchases Sales Off-Plan Due Diligence
Explore Property Services →

Visas & Residency

Expert visa application and renewal support for Non-Lucrative, Digital Nomad, Student, and work visas. Fixed-fee pricing, transparent process, high approval rates.

NLV DNV Student Renewals
Explore Visa Services →

Wills & Inheritance

Protect your family and assets with properly drafted Spanish wills, inheritance tax planning, and probate administration for cross-border estates.

Spanish Wills Inheritance Tax Probate Estate Admin
Explore Wills & Inheritance →

Buying & Selling Legal Services

Dedicated conveyancing and transaction support for purchases, sales, new builds, off-plan developments, and mortgage coordination across Spain.

Resales New Builds Off-Plan Mortgages
Explore Buying & Selling →

Tax & Fiscal Advice

Specialist tax guidance for expats, non-residents, and businesses in Spain. Income tax, capital gains, rental income, Beckham Law, and cross-border compliance.

Expat Tax Non-Resident Beckham Law CGT
Explore Tax Services →

Business & Corporate

Company formation, autónomo registration, corporate compliance, commercial contracts, and ongoing legal support for businesses operating in Spain.

SL Formation Autónomo Contracts Compliance
Explore Business Services →

NIEs, Admin & Paperwork

NIE applications, TIE cards, empadronamiento, digital certificates, apostilles, sworn translations, and every piece of Spanish paperwork you need handled.

NIE TIE Certificates Translations
Explore Admin Services →

Personal & Family Legal Services

Divorce, child custody, prenuptial agreements, marriage in Spain, powers of attorney, and personal legal matters handled sensitively and professionally.

Divorce Custody Marriage PoA
Explore Family Services →
Property & Conveyancing

Full Legal Protection for Every Property Transaction in Spain

Buying or selling property in Spain as a foreign national carries significant legal and financial risk if handled without specialist support. Different rules apply depending on whether the property is a resale, a new build, or an off-plan development, and the conveyancing process in Spain operates very differently from what British, American, or Northern European buyers might expect.

Our property team manages the entire legal side of your transaction, from the initial due diligence and contract review through to the notary signing, Land Registry inscription, and post-completion utilities and tax registrations. We check for hidden debts, planning irregularities, community charges, and structural risks before you commit. For sellers, we handle tax retention coordination, energy certificates, and contract preparation to ensure a clean, compliant sale.

Whether you are purchasing a holiday home on the Costa Blanca, investing in a rental property in Málaga, buying off-plan in a new development in Alicante, or selling a villa in Marbella, we work to protect your interests and reduce the risk of expensive mistakes.

  • Property purchase conveyancing — resales, new builds, off-plan
  • Property sale legal support — contracts, tax retention (3% non-resident), CGT
  • Due diligence — Land Registry, catastro, planning, debts, community charges
  • Contract review and negotiation — arras, private purchase contracts
  • Mortgage coordination with Spanish and international lenders
  • Post-completion — utilities, community registration, ongoing compliance

View Full Property Services →

Property Services Include

  • Full legal due diligence report
  • Contract drafting and review
  • Notary attendance and coordination
  • Land Registry inscription
  • NIE application support
  • Non-resident tax registration
  • Power of attorney if buying remotely
  • Post-completion utilities transfer
Get a Property Quote →
Visas & Residency

Spanish Visa Applications Handled by Immigration Specialists

Spain offers multiple visa routes for non-EU citizens who want to live here, but the application process is document-heavy, procedurally strict, and almost entirely in Spanish. A missing document, an incorrectly certified translation, or a misunderstanding of the financial proof requirements can lead to delays, requests for additional information, or outright refusal.

Our team of bar-registered solicitors, legal specialists, and immigration specialists handles visa applications for all major categories. We manage the full process — from initial eligibility assessment and document gathering through to submission, tracking, and follow-up — either through the UGE (Unidad de Grandes Empresas) fast-track system in Spain or through the Spanish consulate in your home country. Every application is prepared to professional standards, with certified translations, apostilled documents, and financial proof packages structured exactly the way the Spanish authorities require.

Whether you are a retiree applying for a Non-Lucrative Visa, a remote worker applying for a Digital Nomad Visa, a student preparing a Student Visa, or an existing resident who needs to renew, we provide fixed-fee pricing, transparent timelines, and full online portal access so you can track your case at any time.

  • Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) — new applications and renewals
  • Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) — employees, freelancers, founders
  • Student Visa — accredited course enrolment in Spain
  • Visa renewals and TIE card applications
  • Family reunification and dependent applications
  • Residency card (TIE) collection and coordination

View Full Visa Services →

Visa Services Include

  • Free eligibility assessment
  • Full document preparation
  • Certified sworn translations
  • Financial proof structuring
  • UGE or consulate submission
  • Application tracking and updates
  • Online client portal access
  • Family and dependent applications
Free Eligibility Quiz →
Wills & Inheritance

Spanish Wills, Inheritance Tax, and Estate Administration

If you own property or hold assets in Spain, having a properly drafted Spanish will is essential. Without one, your estate will be subject to Spanish forced heirship rules by default, inheritance tax could be significantly higher, and your family will face a much longer, more expensive probate process. A UK or US will does not automatically cover assets located in Spain, and relying solely on your home-country will can create serious legal complications for your beneficiaries.

We draft Spanish wills that are tailored to your specific circumstances, taking into account your nationality, your family structure, your assets in Spain, and your wishes. We coordinate with your home-country will where necessary to ensure there is no conflict. For clients who are inheriting assets in Spain — whether they are resident here or not — we provide full probate and estate administration services, including inheritance tax calculations, Hacienda filings, property transfers, and bank account closures.

Inheritance tax in Spain varies enormously depending on the autonomous community, the relationship between the deceased and the beneficiary, and the value of the estate. Getting specialist advice before a death — and acting quickly after one — can save your family tens of thousands of euros in tax and months of unnecessary delay.

  • Spanish will drafting — tailored to nationality and assets
  • Cross-border will coordination with UK, US, and EU countries
  • Inheritance tax planning and reduction strategies
  • Probate and estate administration in Spain
  • Property transfers following inheritance
  • Bank account closures and financial asset distribution

View Full Wills & Inheritance Services →

Wills & Inheritance Include

  • Personalised Spanish will drafting
  • Notary coordination and signing
  • Cross-border estate coordination
  • Inheritance tax calculations
  • Hacienda filing and payments
  • Property transfer from deceased
  • Bank and financial asset closures
  • Full probate administration
Arrange a Consultation →
Buying & Selling

Transaction-Focused Legal Support for Property Buyers and Sellers

Whether you are purchasing your first home in Spain, investing in a rental property, acquiring an off-plan development unit, or selling a property you have owned for years, the legal framework governing property transactions in Spain requires specialist handling. The process involves private contracts, reservation deposits, notary signings, Land Registry inscription, tax withholdings, and a range of due diligence checks that must be completed before you exchange or complete.

Our buying and selling legal services focus exclusively on the transaction itself. We handle all contract stages, negotiate on your behalf where needed, coordinate with estate agents, mortgage brokers, and developers, and ensure that every element of the transaction is legally sound before you sign anything. For sellers, we prepare all required documentation, calculate and coordinate the 3% non-resident retention where applicable, ensure capital gains tax compliance, and handle the sale through to completion.

We work with buyers and sellers across all property types — apartments, villas, townhouses, rural fincas, commercial premises, new builds, and off-plan developments. If you are buying remotely, we can arrange a power of attorney so the entire transaction can be completed without you needing to travel to Spain.

  • Resale property purchase — full conveyancing from offer to completion
  • New build and off-plan purchases — developer contract review and deposit protection
  • Property sale legal services — documentation, tax, and notary coordination
  • Mortgage application coordination with Spanish banks
  • Power of attorney for remote buyers and sellers
  • Post-completion formalities — utilities, community, ongoing compliance

View Full Buying & Selling Services →

Transaction Support Includes

  • Full due diligence and property checks
  • Arras and purchase contract review
  • Deposit protection guidance
  • Notary coordination and attendance
  • Land Registry inscription
  • 3% seller retention coordination
  • Capital gains tax compliance
  • Remote purchase via PoA
Get a Transaction Quote →
Tax & Fiscal

Expert Tax Advice for Expats, Non-Residents, and Businesses

Tax compliance in Spain is complex, and the consequences of getting it wrong — or ignoring it altogether — can be severe. Whether you are a tax resident in Spain, a non-resident who owns property or earns income here, or a business operating across borders, you need specialist guidance from people who understand both the Spanish tax system and how it interacts with the tax rules in your home country.

We advise on personal income tax for residents, non-resident income tax for property owners and investors, capital gains tax on property sales, rental income obligations, the Modelo 720 overseas assets declaration, and the Beckham Law special tax regime for qualifying individuals. We also handle double taxation issues between Spain and countries including the UK, US, Ireland, Canada, and Australia, and coordinate with your home-country accountant where needed to ensure you are not paying more tax than you should.

For businesses, we provide ongoing fiscal compliance, VAT (IVA) registration and filing, corporate tax planning, and quarterly and annual Hacienda submissions. Whether you are a new autónomo, an SL company director, or a non-resident landlord renting out a holiday apartment, we keep you compliant and help you structure your affairs as tax-efficiently as the law allows.

  • Personal income tax for Spanish residents (IRPF)
  • Non-resident income tax — property owners and investors
  • Capital gains tax on property sales
  • Rental income tax for non-resident landlords
  • Beckham Law applications and tax structuring
  • Modelo 720 overseas assets declaration

View Full Tax Services →

Tax Services Include

  • Annual tax return filing
  • Non-resident tax returns
  • Beckham Law eligibility assessment
  • Capital gains calculations
  • Double taxation treaty advice
  • Modelo 720 filing
  • Business and corporate tax
  • VAT (IVA) registration and filing
Speak to a Tax Specialist →

Not Sure Which Service You Need?

Speak to our team for a initial consultation. We will help you understand exactly what legal support you need, how the process works, and what it will cost — with no obligation.

Request a Consultation →
Business & Corporate

Company Formation, Compliance, and Commercial Law in Spain

Starting and running a business in Spain as a foreign national involves navigating a complex regulatory environment, from company registration and autónomo setup through to employment law, commercial contracts, VAT obligations, and ongoing compliance with Hacienda, Social Security, and the Registro Mercantil. Whether you are a freelancer registering as autónomo, a founder incorporating a Sociedad Limitada (SL), or an established company expanding into the Spanish market, we provide end-to-end legal and corporate support.

We handle company formation for SL companies, assist with autónomo registration and social security enrolment, draft and review commercial contracts, advise on employment law and hiring obligations, and manage ongoing corporate compliance including annual accounts, beneficial ownership registers, and board resolutions. For international clients, we coordinate NIE applications, business bank account openings, and digital certificate registration — all the foundational steps required before you can operate legally in Spain.

Our business clients include consultants, SaaS founders, e-commerce operators, property investors, hospitality businesses, content creators, and remote professionals working with UK, US, and international clients from a Spanish base. We understand the unique challenges that come with running a cross-border operation and structure our advice around your commercial reality, not generic templates.

  • Sociedad Limitada (SL) company incorporation
  • Autónomo registration and Social Security enrolment
  • Commercial contracts — drafting, review, and negotiation
  • Employment law — hiring, contracts, and dismissals
  • Corporate compliance — annual accounts, Registro Mercantil
  • Business closure and wind-down procedures

View Full Business Services →

Business Services Include

  • SL formation end to end
  • Autónomo registration
  • NIE for business purposes
  • Business bank account support
  • Commercial contract drafting
  • Employment contract templates
  • Annual accounts filing
  • Corporate governance advice
Speak to a Business Specialist →
Admin & Paperwork

NIE Numbers, TIE Cards, Certificates, and Spanish Bureaucracy

Living in Spain as a foreign national means dealing with a seemingly endless list of administrative requirements. From the moment you arrive — or even before — you need an NIE number, and from there the requirements expand to include empadronamiento, digital certificates, TIE cards, social security registration, health cards, driving licence exchanges, apostilles, sworn translations, and various other official documents that Spanish authorities require at different stages.

Most of these processes are conducted in Spanish, require specific appointments at specific government offices, and demand precisely formatted documentation. Missing a step or submitting incomplete paperwork can result in delays, rejected applications, and the frustration of starting again from scratch.

We handle every type of Spanish administrative process for expats and foreign residents. Whether you need an NIE number to buy a property, a digital certificate to file taxes online, an apostille on a birth certificate for a marriage application, or a sworn translation of a legal document for a visa application, we prepare everything to the correct standard, submit it on your behalf where possible, and chase it through the system until it is resolved. Sworn translations are capped at €200 and included in all visa packages.

  • NIE number applications — for property, business, and personal use
  • TIE card applications — biometric residence card for non-EU residents
  • Empadronamiento — municipal registration (padrón)
  • Digital certificate — for online Hacienda and government access
  • Apostille and legalisation — for international document use
  • Sworn translations — official certified translations (capped at €200)

View Full Admin Services →

Admin Services Include

  • NIE number application
  • TIE card application and collection
  • Empadronamiento registration
  • Digital certificate setup
  • Apostille and legalisation
  • Sworn certified translations
  • Driving licence exchange
  • Social security number (NUSS)
Get Help With Paperwork →
Personal & Family Law

Divorce, Custody, Marriage, and Personal Legal Matters in Spain

Family law in Spain involves different rules and procedures than most English-speaking countries, and the international dimension — when one or both parties are foreign nationals — adds additional layers of complexity. Whether you are going through a divorce, negotiating a custody arrangement, planning a prenuptial agreement, getting married in Spain, or dealing with a cross-border family dispute, you need legal support from people who understand both the Spanish system and the international implications.

Our family law team handles contested and uncontested divorces, child custody and visitation arrangements, child maintenance claims, legal separations, pareja de hecho (unmarried partner) registrations, prenuptial agreements, and the full administrative process for getting married in Spain as a foreign national. We also handle the recognition of foreign divorce decrees — if you divorced in the UK, US, or another country and need that divorce officially recognised in Spain, we manage the entire recognition process through the Spanish courts or civil registry.

Family law matters are personal and often emotionally difficult. We approach every case with sensitivity and discretion, while providing clear, practical legal advice about your rights, your options, and the likely outcomes under Spanish law. Where mutual agreement is possible, we work to reach practical solutions efficiently and cost-effectively. Where court proceedings are necessary, we provide full legal representation.

  • Divorce in Spain — contested and uncontested (mutual agreement)
  • International divorce — cross-border proceedings and recognition
  • Child custody — shared, sole, and visitation arrangements
  • Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
  • Getting married in Spain — full civil registry process
  • Pareja de hecho — unmarried partner registration

View Full Family Law Services →

Family Law Includes

  • Uncontested divorce processing
  • Contested divorce representation
  • Custody and visitation negotiation
  • Child maintenance applications
  • Prenuptial agreement drafting
  • Marriage application support
  • Foreign divorce recognition
  • Pareja de hecho registration
Speak to a Family Lawyer →
Civil & Litigation

Dispute Resolution, Debt Recovery, and Court Representation

When things go wrong — a contract is breached, a builder disappears, a deposit is not returned, a community of owners refuses to act, or a neighbour encroaches on your property — you need experienced legal representation to protect your rights and recover what you are owed. The Spanish court system operates differently from common law countries, with its own procedural rules, timelines, and costs, and navigating it without proper legal support is extremely difficult for foreign nationals.

Our litigation team handles civil disputes across all areas, including contract disputes, property disputes, construction defects, community of owners conflicts, consumer claims, debt recovery, and professional negligence. We begin every case with a thorough assessment of the merits, the likely costs, and the realistic outcomes before advising you on whether to proceed. Where possible, we seek resolution through negotiation or mediation before escalating to court proceedings. When litigation is necessary, we provide full legal representation through every stage of the Spanish court process.

We also handle debt recovery for individuals and businesses, including formal demand letters, judicial debt claims, and enforcement proceedings. If someone owes you money in Spain and is not paying, we can pursue recovery through the courts efficiently and cost-effectively.

  • Contract disputes — breach of contract, non-performance, damages
  • Property disputes — boundary issues, construction defects, community conflicts
  • Consumer claims — faulty goods, service failures, deposit recovery
  • Debt recovery — demand letters, judicial claims, enforcement
  • Mediation and negotiation — pre-litigation resolution
  • Full civil court representation — from filing to judgment

View Full Litigation Services →

Litigation Services Include

  • Case merit assessment
  • Formal demand letters
  • Pre-litigation negotiation
  • Mediation and ADR
  • Court filing and representation
  • Debt recovery proceedings
  • Enforcement of judgments
  • Consumer protection claims
Discuss Your Case →
How It Works

From First Contact to Case Resolved

A simple, structured process that keeps you informed at every stage — no matter which service you need.

1

Consultation

Tell us about your situation. We assess your needs, explain the process, and provide a clear fee estimate — with no obligation and no pressure.

2

Case Setup

Once you instruct us, we set up your case in our online portal, assign your dedicated specialist, and outline exactly what we need from you and when.

3

Active Management

We handle the legal work, coordinate with all relevant parties — notaries, tax offices, consulates, courts — and keep you updated throughout via your portal.

4

Completion

Your matter is resolved. We confirm the outcome, provide all final documentation, and advise on any ongoing obligations or next steps you need to be aware of.

ONLINE CLIENT PORTAL

Every client receives access to our secure online portal where you can track your case progress, upload documents, message your specialist, and review key milestones — all in one place. No chasing, no wondering what is happening. You can see your case status at any time, from anywhere.

Why Choose Us

What Makes Platinum Legal Spain Different

Built for international clients who expect clarity, efficiency, and professionalism.

EN

100% English-Speaking

Every member of our team speaks fluent English. You will never need a translator, and nothing will be lost in translation. We communicate in your language from start to finish.

Expat Specialists

We work exclusively with international clients. We understand the specific challenges expats, non-residents, and foreign buyers face in Spain — because it is all we do.

Online Portal Access

Track your case, upload documents, and message your specialist through our secure online client portal. Real-time visibility without needing to call or email.

£

Transparent Pricing

We quote clearly before you commit. Fixed fees where possible, no hidden charges, and a full breakdown of what is included. You know exactly what you are paying and what you get.

Proven Track Record

Trusted across major expat communities. Extensive case history across property, visas, wills, tax, business, and family law throughout Spain.

Responsive and Efficient

No week-long waits for replies. No unexplained silence. We respond quickly, communicate proactively, and move cases forward as fast as the Spanish system allows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions About Our Legal Services

Quick answers to the questions international clients most often ask before instructing us.

Do I need to be in Spain to use your services?
No. We handle cases for clients based anywhere in the world. Many of our clients instruct us from the UK, US, Ireland, Canada, or Australia before they have moved to Spain. For property transactions, we can arrange a power of attorney so you do not need to travel. For visa applications, much of the process can be managed remotely. Our online client portal means you can track your case and communicate with your specialist from anywhere.
How much do your services cost?
It depends on the service. Visa applications have transparent fixed-fee pricing that is published on our visa service pages. For property, wills, tax, business, and family law matters, we provide a clear fee estimate after your initial consultation based on the specific details of your case. We quote before you commit, and we explain exactly what is included. There are no hidden charges.
What areas of Spain do you cover?
We cover all of Spain. While we have particular depth of experience in the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, Alicante, Murcia, the Balearic Islands, and other popular expat regions, our services are available nationwide. For visa and immigration work, we handle applications through both the UGE system in Spain and Spanish consulates abroad, regardless of where in Spain you plan to live.
Can you help with multiple services at the same time?
Yes. Many of our clients need help with more than one area at the same time. For example, someone buying a property might also need an NIE, a Spanish will, a non-resident tax setup, and eventually a visa application. We coordinate across all our practice areas so everything is handled together, efficiently, and without you needing to instruct multiple firms.
Are your solicitors qualified in Spanish law?
Our team includes bar-registered solicitors, legal specialists, and immigration specialists. The specific professionals assigned to your case will depend on the nature of your matter. For visa and immigration work, our immigration specialists often have deeper expertise in these procedures than generalist solicitors. For property, wills, tax, and litigation, our bar-registered solicitors handle the legal work directly.
How long does the process take?
Timelines vary significantly depending on the service. Visa applications typically take 4 to 12 weeks depending on the visa type and route. Property transactions usually complete within 4 to 8 weeks from reservation. Wills can be drafted and signed within 2 to 4 weeks. Business formation takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks. During your initial consultation, we provide realistic timelines based on your specific situation so you know what to expect.
What is the first step?
The simplest way to get started is to request a consultation through our website. Tell us briefly what you need help with, and one of our specialists will get back to you within 24 hours. We will discuss your situation, explain the process, provide a fee estimate, and answer any questions. There is no obligation, and there is no pressure. If we are the right fit, we will move forward. If not, we will tell you honestly.
Do you offer payment plans?
For visa services, we offer structured payment plans — typically split across two or three stages. For larger matters such as property transactions or litigation, we can discuss payment arrangements during your consultation. Our aim is to make professional legal support accessible while maintaining the quality and depth of service you need.

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you need help with a property purchase, a visa application, a Spanish will, a business setup, or any other legal matter in Spain — we are here to help. Request a consultation and speak to a specialist today.

Request a Consultation → Start Your Case Online →
IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Platinum Legal Spain provides legal services through a team of bar-registered solicitors, legal specialists, and immigration specialists. The information on this page is provided for general guidance purposes and does not constitute formal legal advice. Every client's situation is different, and specific advice should be sought through a formal consultation. Timelines, processes, and requirements are subject to change based on Spanish government policy and regional regulations. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.