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How to Choose a Lawyer in Spain

Answer a few questions to find the right Spanish legal professional for your situation.

1. What best describes your legal matter?
🏠 Buying, selling, or renting property in Spain
👔 Employment — dismissal, contract, salary dispute
🏢 Starting or running a company in Spain
✈️ Visa, NIE, residence permit, or nationality
👨‍👩‍👧 Divorce, separation, children, inheritance
⚖️ Criminal matter — police, accusation, defence
💸 Debt recovery or commercial dispute
🧾 Tax dispute, Agencia Tributaria, modelo 720
💡 Intellectual property — trademark, patent, copyright
📜 Notarial document — escritura, poderes, estatutos

Spanish Legal Professionals — Comparison Matrix

ProfessionalRoleRegulated byFee BasisWhen to Use
Abogado Legal advice, representation in all courts and proceedings Colegio de Abogados (CGAE / bar association) Hourly (€100–350) or fixed. Baremo orientador only advisory. Any legal dispute, contract advice, immigration, criminal defence
Notario Public official certifying legal acts — property deeds, company formation, powers of attorney Dirección General de Seguridad Jurídica y Fe Pública (Min. Justicia) Regulated arancel (RD 1426/1989) — no negotiation Property purchase, escrituras, company constitution, testamentos
Procurador Court representative — files documents, receives notifications. No legal advice. Colegio de Procuradores (CGPE) Regulated arancel (RD 1373/2003) Mandatory in most court proceedings above €2,000; works alongside abogado
Graduado Social Labour law specialist — Seguridad Social, employment contracts, ERTE, SEPE, Juzgado Social Colegio Oficial de Graduados Sociales Negotiated fees Employment law, Social Security disputes, payroll, ERE/ERTE
Gestoría Administrative agent — tax filings, company registration, NIE applications, ITP/AJD payment Colegio de Gestores Administrativos (not all) Fixed fees (€200–1,500 depending on service) Routine admin: ITP/AJD, Hacienda filings, vehicle registration, NIE, TIE applications
Asesor Fiscal / Economista Tax adviser and accountant Colegio de Economistas / Registro de Economistas Asesores Fiscales (REAF) Negotiated IRPF returns, IS, IVA, IRNR, Modelo 720, international tax planning