01Marbella relies on the Málaga provincial offices
There is no Immigration Office in Marbella itself. Residence applications from people living in Marbella, San Pedro Alcántara, Nueva Andalucía or Puerto Banús are decided by the Immigration Office of the Government Sub-delegation in Málaga, at Calle Mauricio Moro Pareto, 13.
In practice this matters little to you, because we file through the government's electronic portal, which is compulsory for lawyers. You do not need to travel to Málaga to hand in documents or chase a counter appointment.
The only step in person is the card itself. Once residence is granted, fingerprints and collection of the TIE take place at the National Police. According to the official police office finder, both the Marbella and the Estepona stations issue TIE cards, so you will not normally need to go to Málaga city.
02How we work with Costa del Sol clients
We are a firm working online across Spain. We do not have an office in Marbella and your case does not need one: dealings with the administration are electronic, and we meet you by video call, in English or Spanish.
Where a case needs a one-off task in person that you cannot do yourself, our network of collaborating professionals covers it.
- An initial video call to choose the right residence route.
- A document checklist tailored to you, including apostilles and sworn translations.
- A full review before filing.
- Electronic filing and follow-up through to the decision.
- Preparation for your fingerprint appointment in Marbella or Estepona.
03Buying a home in Marbella no longer brings residence
Until 2025, buying property above a set threshold gave access to the investor residence visa under Law 14/2013. Organic Law 1/2025 removed that article with effect from 3 April 2025. Today, buying a house in Marbella does not by itself give you the right to live in Spain.
People who want to live here without working usually choose non-lucrative residence, which requires sufficient financial means, health insurance and a clean record, and is applied for as a visa at the Spanish consulate in your country. If you plan to set up a business, the entrepreneur route may fit; if you work remotely for companies abroad, international teleworking.
04Who contacts us from Marbella
Marbella is home to residents of many nationalities. A large share of our enquiries come from British nationals: some were resident before 2021 and need the Withdrawal Agreement TIE or its renewal; others are arriving now and can no longer live here as EU citizens, so they need a residence permit.
We also act for non-EU families settling with school-age children, for remote professionals and for couples where one partner is an EU citizen, in which case the non-EU partner can apply for the EU family member residence card.
05Andalusian specifics
If you plan to bring your family over, you will need an adequate housing report. The Immigration Regulations (Royal Decree 1155/2024) assign it to the regional government or, where the region has delegated it, the town hall, with one month to issue it and six months' validity for the application.
Unmarried couples can evidence their relationship by several means, including registration with the Andalusian Register of Unmarried Couples under Law 5/2002.
Frequently asked questions
Where is my residence application handled if I live in Marbella?
It is decided by the Immigration Office in Málaga, which covers the whole province. We file electronically, so you do not need to go to that office.
Can I have my TIE fingerprints taken in Marbella?
Yes. The official National Police office finder lists TIE issuing at the Marbella station, Avenida Arias de Velasco, 25, and also at Estepona. An appointment is required.
I have bought a house in Marbella. Does that give me residence?
Not on its own. The property investment residence visa was abolished with effect from 3 April 2025. We look at which other route suits you, usually non-lucrative residence.
I am British and spend part of the year in Marbella. Do I need residence?
If you are not resident, as a non-EU national you may stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. To stay longer you need a residence permit or, if you were already resident before 2021, the Withdrawal Agreement TIE.
Do you have an office in Marbella?
No. We handle your case online, by video call. If something must be done in person and you cannot do it, our network of collaborating professionals covers it.
Can you work with me in English?
Yes. We work in English and Spanish, and we explain every request from the authorities in the language you prefer.