Moving to Spain? Immigration advice in Malaga and Marbella

Spanish immigration rules are detailed, and every case is different. Whether you are retiring on the Costa del Sol, relocating for work, studying or joining family, the right route depends on your circumstances.

Asecontex is a team of chartered administrative agents (gestores administrativos colegiados) and lawyers, with offices in Marbella and Malaga city. Since 2011 we have prepared and filed immigration applications with the immigration offices, the National Police and Spain's unit for highly skilled professionals (UGE-CE). We handle cases anywhere in Spain and work in English, Spanish, Russian and Romanian.



Find your situation

I want to live in Spain without working here

If you have sufficient income or savings, the usual route is the non-lucrative residence visa, applied for at the Spanish consulate in your country. If you work remotely for a company or clients outside Spain, the international remote work permit (digital nomad visa, article 74 bis of Law 14/2013) may suit you better. We confirm the right route before you gather any documents.

I have a job offer or want to start a business

We handle employee and self-employed residence and work permits, as well as permits for highly qualified professionals and entrepreneurs under Law 14/2013. We coordinate with your employer and, where needed, with your Social Security registration.

I am already in Spain without legal status

The Immigration Regulation (Royal Decree 1155/2024, article 127) sets out several "arraigo" routes based on your ties to Spain: work, training, social, family and second-chance. Royal Decree 316/2026 added extraordinary arraigo routes. We review how long you have been here, your ties and your paperwork, and tell you clearly which option you have.

I want to bring my family, or my partner is Spanish

We prepare family reunification, permits for family members of Spanish citizens and residence cards for family members of EU citizens (Royal Decree 240/2007). We check that marriage, partnership and birth certificates are apostilled or legalised and carry a sworn translation.



Abogada de Asecontex asesorando a clientes extranjeros en una reunión en Marbella

I am an EU citizen

If you will live in Spain for more than three months, you must register with the Central Register of Foreigners and obtain your EU registration certificate. We help with the town hall registration (padrón), health insurance or proof of funds, and the filing.

I need to renew or change my permit

Renewing and changing a permit are different procedures. If your situation stays the same, you renew (article 80 of the Regulation). If you move from student to employee, or from employee to self-employed, you apply for a modification (article 191). We track your deadlines so you never go without a valid permit.

I have lived in Spain for years and want Spanish citizenship

Under article 22 of the Spanish Civil Code, the general rule is ten years of legal, continuous residence. It is two years for nationals of Latin American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea and Portugal, and one year in cases such as marriage to a Spanish citizen or birth in Spain. We guide you through the DELE and CCSE exams run by the Instituto Cervantes and file your application.

After approval: fingerprints and TIE card

Once your permit is approved, one step remains: giving your fingerprints at the National Police so they can issue your foreigner identity card (TIE).

Since October 2026, in Malaga and other provinces, approvals of first residence or stay permits and of renewals come with the automatic system: the decision itself states that the Police will assign the fingerprint appointment. You do not need to book it. The date and time arrive by text message or email to the contact details on your file. If 20 days pass after you are notified of the approval and no appointment arrives, it is booked through the standard appointment system.

We watch for the notification, prepare the EX-17 form and the fee, and tell you exactly what to bring.

How we work

  1. We study your case and tell you which routes are open to you, and which are not.
  2. We send you a fixed quote and a document checklist.
  3. We review every document, including apostilles and sworn translations by trusted sworn translators.
  4. We file your application online as chartered administrative agents.
  5. We follow your file through to the decision and your TIE card.

FAQ

Do I need to come to the office?

Not always. Many cases can be handled remotely. For signatures or document checks, we meet you in Marbella or Malaga.

What if my application is refused?

We review the decision and, where there are grounds, our lawyers prepare the appeal.

Can I use my foreign documents as they are?

Usually they need an apostille or legalisation and a sworn translation into Spanish. We check them before anything is filed.

Can you also handle my taxes?

Yes. Many of our international clients also trust us with their Spanish taxes, as residents or non-residents.

Request a quote

Tell us about your case and we will send you a quote. Phone +34 952 42 82 85 · WhatsApp +34 622 176 870 · info@asecontex.com