Immigration Lawyer
in the Canary Islands
English-speaking immigration lawyers in Las Palmas. NIE, Spanish residency permits, digital nomad visa, family reunification and Spanish citizenship — handled from start to finish.
10+
Years immigration experience
4.8★
217 verified reviews
EN · DE · FR
Languages spoken
Common immigration permits — processing times
| Permit / document | Processing time | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| NIE | 1–4 weeks | All foreigners needing a tax ID |
| EU registration certificate | 2–4 weeks | EU/EEA citizens |
| Non-lucrative visa | 1–3 months | Retirees, financially independent |
| Digital nomad visa | 2–4 months | Remote workers |
| Long-term residency | 3–6 months | 5+ years legal residence |
| Family reunification | 3–6 months | Family members of residents |
Our Immigration Law Services
NIE & TIE
The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is required to buy property, open bank accounts and work in Spain. We obtain your NIE appointment and manage the full process.
Spanish Residency Permit
Residency by employment, self-employment, family reunification or long-term residency (5+ years). We prepare and submit all documentation.
Digital Nomad Visa
Spain's digital nomad visa for remote workers. The Canary Islands are among the most popular destinations. We manage the full application including eligibility and health insurance.
Family Reunification
Bring your spouse, children and dependent parents to Spain. We handle the full reunification application from document preparation to submission.
Spanish Citizenship
By residence (10 years general, 2 years for Latin Americans), by marriage (1 year) or by descent. We prepare the full file for the Ministry of Justice.
Appeals Against Refusals
If your residency or visa was refused, you have a deadline to appeal. We file administrative appeals and judicial reviews before the TSJ de Canarias.
What we handle for you
- NIE appointment booking and document preparation
- TIE (biometric residency card) applications
- EU residency certificate (certificado de registro)
- Non-lucrative visa for retirees and independent means
- Digital nomad visa (teletrabajador internacional)
- Work permit sponsorship for employers
- Family reunification: spouse, children, parents
- Long-term residency after 5 years
- Spanish citizenship applications and DELE/CCSE guidance
- Appeals against visa and residency refusals
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a NIE in the Canary Islands?
The NIE is obtained at the Extranjería office in Las Palmas (appointment via iCITA). From appointment to receiving the NIE certificate typically takes 1–4 weeks. For urgent cases (e.g. imminent property purchase), we can advise on expedited procedures. We manage the appointment booking and prepare all required documents.
Can I live in the Canary Islands after Brexit as a UK citizen?
Yes, but the rules changed after Brexit. UK citizens are now treated as third-country (non-EU) nationals. If you arrived before 31 December 2020 and registered under the EU Withdrawal Agreement, you have protected rights. If you are arriving now, you need to apply for a long-stay visa and residency permit. We advise UK nationals on all post-Brexit immigration routes.
What is the digital nomad visa and who qualifies?
Spain's digital nomad visa (Visa para Teletrabajadores de Carácter Internacional) allows remote workers employed by or providing services to companies outside Spain to live legally in Spain. Requirements include: income of at least 200% of the Spanish minimum wage (approximately €2,646/month in 2026), proof of remote work contract with a foreign company (at least 1 year old), and Spanish health insurance. The Canary Islands are one of the most popular locations due to the climate and time zone.
Do EU citizens need a residency certificate in the Canary Islands?
EU citizens exercising Treaty rights (employed, self-employed, studying or having sufficient resources) can live in Spain without a permit but should register at the Oficina de Extranjeros to obtain the Certificado de Registro Comunitario. This is important for establishing your residency history (required for long-term residency and Spanish citizenship) and for access to public services.
How long do I have to appeal a rejected visa or residency application?
You have 1 month to file an administrative appeal (recurso de alzada) before the Delegación del Gobierno. If that is rejected, you have 2 months to file a judicial review (recurso contencioso-administrativo) before the Tribunal Superior de Justicia de Canarias. These are strict deadlines — contact us immediately after receiving a refusal.
Can I apply for Spanish citizenship after 2 years if I am from Latin America?
Yes. Citizens of Latin American countries, Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Andorra, Portugal and Sephardic Jews only need 2 years of legal residence (instead of the standard 10 years) to apply for Spanish nationality. The residence must be continuous and legal throughout. You also need to pass the DELE A2 (or be a native Spanish speaker) and the CCSE civic knowledge test.
Get immigration advice in English
Free initial consultation. We reply within 24 hours. Appeals have strict deadlines — contact us promptly after any refusal.