Spanish immigration paperwork is unforgiving: one missing document can cost you months of waiting or an avoidable refusal. At FH Jurídicos, a law firm in the centre of Madrid, we handle immigration and residency procedures for international clients from start to finish — in English. We review your situation, prepare the exact file your immigration office requires, and appeal refusals when there are grounds to do so. Your first consultation is free.
Why now is a good moment to regularise your status
Spain's new Immigration Regulation, in force since May 2025, redesigned the "arraigo" (settlement) permits and generally reduced the required period of residence in Spain to two years. Many people who did not qualify before do qualify now — and don't know it. If you have been living in Spain without papers, it is worth reviewing your case today.
What we handle
Residency through settlement (arraigo)
We assess which route fits your case — social, socio-labour, family or training-based arraigo — prepare the complete file (registration history, means of support, job offer or training, depending on the route) and follow it through to resolution.
Work and residence permits
Initial authorisations, renewals and modifications, long-term residence, and recovery of expired permits.
Family reunification and EU family members
Reunification of spouses, children and parents; the EU family member card; registered civil partnerships (pareja de hecho) and their immigration effects.
Spanish nationality
Citizenship by residence — 10 years as a general rule, 2 years for nationals of Ibero-American countries and certain others, 1 year if you are married to a Spanish citizen — including the application file, follow-up and appeals against refusals or delays.
NIE, TIE and paperwork
NIE numbers, TIE card issuance and renewals, invitation letters and appointments: we take the bureaucracy off your hands.
Appeals and expulsion proceedings
Administrative appeals and judicial review of refusals, defence in sanction and expulsion proceedings, and interim suspension requests. A refusal is not the end of the road — but deadlines run from the day you are notified, so contact us early.
A law firm for your life in Spain
We give you an honest assessment first: if there is no viable route, we tell you and you don't waste money. If there is, you get a precise document checklist, electronic filing where possible and follow-up until resolution. Many of our international clients also rely on us for Spanish wills, inheritance matters and property purchases — the legal side of building a life in Madrid, all under one roof and in English.
How we handle your case
01
Free assessment
We listen to your case, review your documents and tell you honestly whether it is worth pursuing and by which route.
02
Fixed written quote
Before starting, you receive a written quote with the fees and the foreseeable court costs. No surprises.
03
We handle everything
Filings, deadlines, hearings and communication with the court. You are kept informed at every relevant step.
04
Resolution and follow-up
We pursue the matter until it is actually resolved, including enforcement if the other side does not comply.
What our quote includes
- Full study of the case and documentation
- Strategy and route recommendation
- Drafting and filing of all documents
- Representation at hearings and appearances
- Direct communication with your lawyer
- Follow-up until the matter is resolved
Frequently asked questions
How long must I have lived in Spain to apply for arraigo?
Under the Immigration Regulation in force since May 2025, the general requirement for the main arraigo routes is two years of continuous residence in Spain, usually evidenced by your padrón registration and other proof. Each route has its own additional requirements.
My residence application was refused. Can I appeal?
Yes. Refusals can be challenged, first through an administrative appeal and then before the administrative courts. Deadlines are short and run from notification, so bring us the decision as soon as possible.
How many years do I need for Spanish nationality?
Ten years of legal, continuous residence as a general rule. This drops to two years for nationals of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal and Sephardic Jews, and to one year for those married to a Spanish citizen, among other cases.
I'm in Spain without papers. Is it safe to consult a lawyer?
Yes. Consultations are confidential. The purpose is precisely to understand your options for regularising your status and, if you face sanction proceedings, to defend you with full guarantees.
Do you work with clients outside Madrid?
Yes. Most immigration procedures can be prepared and filed electronically, so we assist clients across the Madrid region and beyond, with meetings in person or by video call.
