Obtaining Spain Visa for Immigration: Paying for Immigration Lawyer VS Making It Yourself

There are different types of Spain visas offered to citizens of EU and non-EU nationals. Whether you are going to Spain for a short-term visit or a long-term stay, you will need to apply for the visa that suits your purpose.

The process of obtaining a Spanish visa can be daunting depending on the visa type. Short stay visas are considered easier than long-stay visas, but they both require that the applicant meet all necessary requirements.

This leaves many applicants wondering whether involving an immigration lawyer would be ideal or, whether they should continue the application journey alone? Which path will guarantee higher chances of success while being cost-effective?

This article will help readers make an informed decision by giving a detailed comparison of self-application and hiring an immigration lawyer for your Spain visa. It will outline the benefits and disadvantages/risks of each path, so that you can make a more suitable choice.

Understanding Spain Entry Requirements for UK Travelers

Short-stay visas like tourist visas are easier to apply for than long-term visas like residency or work visas. Hence, applicants can apply for short-term visas without involving an immigration lawyer.

However, the application process for national or Type D visas can be complex, which is why involving an immigration lawyer might be a necessity.

There are different types of long-term Spain visa types for immigration.

• There are work-related visas such as self-employed work visa, Work visa, Entrepreneur visa, the Intra-Company Transfer visa and the Highly Qualified Professional visa (PAC).

• There are study related visas like student visa and research visa.

• There are family-related visas like family reunification visa and au pair visa.

• There are investment-related visas like the Non-lucrative residence visa and the Investor visa (Golden visa).

• Other long-term visas include internship visa, working holiday visa, and religious worker visa.

Each visa type has unique eligibility criteria and document requirements. Nevertheless, there are general requirements for long-term visas, and they include:

1. A valid passport
2. Proof of sufficient funds (through a job offer, bank statements, or a scholarship). Specific amounts are determined by the visa type.
3. Health insurance.
4. Criminal record check certificate – You must have a certificate from the proper authority to affirm your clean criminal record. It can be obtained from your home country or country of residence in the past 5 years.
5. Medical certificate.
6. Proof of accommodation.
7. A recent passport-sized photograph.
8. Visa application form and fee.
9. Sworn translations and apostilles of documents (where documents are not in English or Spanish or where applicable).

Each visa type has its specific requirement:

1. Work visas require a job offer, employment contract, and a work authorization.
2. Student or Research visa, requires proof of enrollment or proof of acceptance for a research position at an accredited university in Spain.
3. The Non-Lucrative visa is for those who wish to retire to or live independently in Spain. It requires enough funds to prove self-sufficiency without working or relying on the government. Individual applicants need to show an annual income of €25,560, while applicants with family members need to prove an additional €6,390 annually.
4. The Family visa requires a Spanish-based sponsor who either has a settled status in Spain or is a Spanish citizen. You must prove that the family relationship is valid.

DIY Approach: Step-by-Step Guide for Spain Visa Application From the UK

Benefits of Applying for a Spain Visa Yourself

Applying for a Spain visa by yourself allows you to avoid lawyer or agent fees, which saves you a substantial amount of money. Also, you can be personally involved in all the application process, which gives you more direct control over your application.

You can ensure that information provided is accurate and correct instead of depending on another person’s understanding of your situation. You can avoid the risk of falling into the hands of dishonest or greedy agents who can give you inaccurate advice.

Applying yourself gives you a first-hand experience and deeper understanding of the Spanish immigration system, which can be beneficial in the long run.

Disadvantages of Spanish Visa Self-Application

Applying for your visa yourself can be a learning experience, but it comes with its certain risks.

It requires thorough research and preparation, which can be time-consuming especially for first-time applicants. Visas that require specialized skills or investment can be too complex for a non-expert to navigate.

Ignorance of the correct application process or requirements can lead to mistakes or missing documents, further causing delays or outright denial. If you don’t speak Spanish or English, you will struggle with translation both for your documents and during the interview.

Immigration laws change often and staying updated may be a struggle for single applicants. Most single applicants do not know that visa denials can be appealed, hence they easily accept the embassy’s decision.

Those who know that visa denials can be appealed still struggle with the process without proper legal expertise. During application, certain requirements can be missed or misinterpreted by a non-expert.

The Immigration Lawyer Approach: Step-by-Step Checklist for Legal Spain Travel From the UK

Immigration lawyers stay updated on the constantly evolving immigration policies and can guide you through the process. They offer accurate advice and ensure that you meet all requirements.

During consultations, they assess your individual circumstances and give you personalized advice for your specific needs. They help you gather and organize all necessary documents, and to fill out your application form accurately.

They also handle submission and communication with Spanish immigration authorities, saving you time and stress. Their meticulousness in ensuring that your application is error-free increases the likelihood of approval.

In unique situations where the applicant has a bad immigration history/record, or have faced previous visa rejections, an experienced immigration lawyer can help such applicants present a strong case to the home office.

Most UK law firms are affiliated with certified Spanish translators or have Spanish lawyers in their team who are fluent in English and can bridge communication gaps.

Potential Drawbacks of Hiring an Immigration Lawyer for Your Spanish Visa Application in 2025

Hiring an immigration lawyer can be expensive, hence the need to weigh the cost against the potential benefits of professional assistance.

If you prefer more control over your application process, you may feel excluded as immigration lawyers make ultimate decisions about your application.

Finding a reputable solicitor is crucial as dishonest immigration lawyers who engage in fraudulent activities can risk the success of your application.