Whether you are buying a home on the coast, moving for work or dealing with an inheritance, sooner or later you will need legal help in Spain. The system has a few roles that confuse newcomers. This guide explains who does what and how to hire well.

Who does what

  • Abogado: the lawyer who advises you, drafts and negotiates, and argues your case in court. Every abogado must be a member of a local bar, the Colegio de Abogados.
  • Procurador: a court representative who files documents and handles communication with the court. In most court proceedings you need both an abogado and a procurador. Your abogado will usually arrange one.
  • Notario: a public official who authorises deeds such as property sales, mortgages, powers of attorney and wills. The notary is neutral and does not act as your lawyer.
  • Gestor administrativo: handles paperwork with public offices, such as tax forms or vehicle registration. Useful, but not a lawyer.

The NIE comes first

As a foreigner you need an NIE (foreigner identification number) for almost every legal and financial step: buying property, opening a bank account, paying tax or inheriting. Many lawyers can apply for it on your behalf with a power of attorney.

Buying property

In Spain, the notary checks the deed but does not investigate the property for you. An independent abogado does that: checking the land registry for debts and charges, planning and licence issues, community fees and the contract terms before you pay a deposit.

Budget for taxes and costs on top of the price: transfer tax on resale homes or VAT on new builds, notary and registry fees, and the lawyer's fee. Rates vary by region, so ask your lawyer for a written estimate for your purchase.

Fees and the engagement letter

Lawyer fees in Spain are agreed freely. You may be offered a fixed fee, an hourly rate or, for property, a percentage of the price. Always ask for a hoja de encargo, a written engagement letter with the scope of work and the price, and a budget (presupuesto) before work starts. Court cases may also involve the procurador's fees and court costs.

If your income is low, you may qualify for free legal aid, justicia gratuita, through the local bar.

Residency and visas

Many expats come to Spain on a non-lucrative visa, a digital nomad visa or a work permit. Spain closed its golden visa route for property investors in 2025, so be wary of anyone still selling it. An immigration lawyer in Spain can tell you which route fits your situation.

How to check a lawyer

Ask for the lawyer's bar membership number (número de colegiado) and the Colegio they belong to. You can verify it in the national census of lawyers run by the General Council of Spanish Lawyers.

On Lexrova you can browse law firms in Spain or start with Madrid or Barcelona, and filter by area, for example real estate lawyers in Barcelona.

Questions to ask at the first meeting

  1. Do you work in English, and will documents be translated for me?
  2. What does the hoja de encargo include, and what is the total budget?
  3. For property: what checks will you do before I sign or pay a deposit?
  4. Will I need a procurador, and what will that cost?
  5. Can you obtain my NIE and sign on my behalf with a power of attorney?

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