Immigration Lawyers in Barcelona: residence permits, arraigo & nationality
At KPLEX · Boutique Legal in Barcelona we assist international clients and families with all immigration and residency matters in Spain. We know procedures can be confusing, especially after the 2025 reform of the Immigration Regulation. Our approach combines legal precision, practical experience and a close, human touch to make your process as clear and secure as possible.
Update 2025: The new Spanish Immigration Regulation has changed the requirements for arraigo, reducing time periods and creating new categories. At KPLEX we adapt your strategy to the current law so you don’t lose time or opportunities.
Residence and work permits
We handle initial permits and renewals for both employed and self-employed (autónomo) work. We also manage changes from student stay to residence, internships, and special permits such as digital nomad visas or highly qualified professionals. With online filing we ensure faster processing and fewer errors.
Arraigo (regularization)
Since the 2025 reform, the rules are more flexible and faster:
- ✔️ Social arraigo: now requires only 2 years in Spain, plus family ties or a social integration report, and economic means.
- ✔️ Work arraigo: 2 years in Spain plus a work contract of at least 20 hours per week.
- ✔️ Training arraigo: 2 years in Spain plus enrollment in vocational training in sectors in demand.
- ✔️ Family arraigo: for parents of minor EU citizens; no minimum stay required, and it grants a 5-year permit.
- ✔️ Second chance arraigo: for people who had a permit and lost it due to reasons beyond their control.
We assess your specific case to identify the best option and prepare a strong application to maximize approval chances.
EU family members & reunification
We assist with the EU family member card, whether through marriage or registered partnerships in Catalonia. We also handle family reunification under the general regime for spouses, children and parents, making sure housing and financial requirements are properly documented.
Spanish nationality
Acquiring Spanish nationality usually requires 10 years of legal residence, with shorter periods (5, 2 or even 1 year) in specific cases. We handle application preparation, online submission, exams (CCSE & DELE), and appeals against rejections or administrative silence.
Appeals and legal defense
If your application has been rejected or delayed, we intervene in corrections, administrative appeals and, when necessary, judicial proceedings. We analyze the resolution and design the right defense strategy for your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a stay and residence?
A stay (e.g., student visa) allows you to be in Spain temporarily. Residence allows you to live and, in many cases, work in Spain on a long-term basis.
How long do I need to live in Spain to apply for nationality?
In general, 10 years of legal and continuous residence are required, although in some cases only 5, 2 or 1 year is enough.
What is arraigo?
It is an extraordinary way of regularization. After the 2025 reform, there are five types: social, work, training, family, and second chance.
Can I bring my family to Spain?
Yes, if you have a valid residence and sufficient income and housing. In the EU regime the requirements are lighter.
What can I do if my permit is denied?
We can file an administrative appeal (alzada or reposición) or go to court if necessary, depending on your case.
Need to regularize your situation in Spain? KPLEX offers rigorous and personalized legal guidance, with close follow-up throughout the process.
We speak Spanish, Catalan, English, Russian, Italian and Armenian, so we can assist you in your own language.
Contact us: request a consultation.
*This information is general and may vary due to legal changes. We evaluate each case individually.