Lawyers in Marbella — Expert Legal Services for Expats & Property Buyers

Marbella is the jewel of the Costa del Sol — a city where international property buyers invest billions annually and where the expat community includes British, Scandinavian, German, and Middle Eastern residents. The legal needs here are distinct: high-value property transactions, golden visa applications, complex international tax planning, and estate structures spanning multiple countries. CostaLuz Lawyers serves Marbella clients with the same rigour we bring to our Campo de Gibraltar practice, combined with deep knowledge of the luxury property market from Puerto Banús to the Golden Mile.

⚠️ Important: the Spain Golden Visa (closed to new applicants since 3 April 2025) (closed to new applicants since 3 April 2025) / Investor Visa in Spain has been eliminated and is no longer available in any modality. Following recent legal changes, Spain has ended the Spain Golden Visa (closed to new applicants since 3 April 2025) (closed to new applicants since 3 April 2025) program. Our team can advise on the most suitable alternative based on your profile, such as the Digital Nomad Visa, Non-Lucrative Visa, or Entrepreneur Visa.

Legal Services We Provide in Marbella

Luxury Property & Conveyancing

Marbella’s property market is fast-moving and high-stakes. Off-plan developments in Nueva Andalucía, resale villas on the Golden Mile, and beachfront apartments in San Pedro de Alcántara each present different legal risks. We conduct thorough due diligence: verifying building licences, checking for illegal extensions (common in older Marbella villas), reviewing community statutes, and ensuring the urbanisation’s infrastructure is properly handed over to the Ayuntamiento. Full property buying guide.

Golden Visa (closed to new applicants since 3 April 2025) & Investor Residency (Program Ended)

Marbella is one of Spain’s top destinations for golden visa applicants — investors who acquire property worth €500,000 (this program has ended) or more and receive Spanish residency in return. We manage the entire process, from property acquisition through visa application at the Unidad de Grandes Empresas in Madrid. Explore visa options for Spain.

International Tax Planning

Many Marbella residents split their time between Spain and another country. The Beckham Law (régimen de impatriados) can be a powerful tax optimisation tool for new arrivals earning foreign income. We advise on fiscal residency, the 183-day rule, wealth tax in Andalusia, and cross-border pension treatment. Spanish tax guide.

Wills, Trusts & International Succession

Marbella’s international community creates complex inheritance scenarios. EU Succession Regulation 650/2012 allows you to choose the law of your nationality to govern your estate — but the tax implications in Andalusia remain Spanish. We design your Spanish will coordinated with your wills abroads, advise on estate planning, and manage probate. Guide to Spanish wills.

Business & Commercial Law

From boutique hotel ventures to restaurant partnerships, Marbella attracts entrepreneurs. We advise on company formation, shareholder agreements, commercial leases, and licence applications for hospitality businesses. Setting up a company in Spain.

Family Law & Prenuptial Agreements

International couples in Marbella often need prenuptial agreements that are valid under Spanish law, or they face cross-border custody disputes. We handle both, coordinating with foreign lawyers when needed. Family law in Spain.

Why Choose CostaLuz Lawyers for Marbella

High-value transaction experience. We have handled property purchases from €200,000 apartments to multi-million-euro estates. We understand the due diligence required for complex properties — including checking for PGOU compliance, verifying pool and extension licences, and negotiating with developers on off-plan guarantees.

Not a Marbella-priced firm. Our base in Algeciras means our overheads are not inflated by Golden Mile rents. You get senior-level legal expertise at rates that reflect the reality of legal work — not the postcode of a serviced office. We meet Marbella clients at their convenience, including at our partner offices in town.

15+ years with international clients. María de Castro and her team have built their practice around English-speaking clients. We explain Spanish legal concepts in plain English, not in translated legalese.

Full-service approach. Property, tax, immigration, succession — it is all connected when you move to Spain. We manage the entire legal picture so you do not need four different firms for four different problems.

Areas We Cover Near Marbella

From our office in Algeciras, we serve clients across the following areas near Marbella:

• Estepona
• Fuengirola
• San Roque
• Sotogrande
• Málaga

All Locations We Serve

• Alcaidesa
• Algeciras
• Chipiona
• Cádiz
• Estepona
• Fuengirola
• Gibraltar
• Jerez de la Frontera
• La Línea de la Concepción
• Manilva
• Málaga
• Nerja
• San Roque
• Sotogrande
• Tarifa
• Zahara de los Atunes

How to Reach Us from Marbella

Our main office is at Calle San Antonio, 3 entreplanta C, 11201 Algeciras, approximately 80 minutes from Marbella via the AP-7 toll road or the A-7 coast road.

Phone: 919 49 93 42

For Marbella clients, we offer video consultations as standard and can arrange in-person meetings at partner offices in Marbella by appointment. Many of our Marbella property transactions are completed entirely remotely — we attend the Marbella notary on your behalf using a power of attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions About Legal Services in Marbella

Is it safe to buy off-plan property in Marbella?

It can be — with the right legal protection. Spanish law requires developers to provide a bank guarantee or insurance policy covering your stage payments. We verify that this guarantee exists and is enforceable before you sign the private contract. We also check the developer’s building licence, the project’s PGOU compliance, and the completion timeline.

What is the golden visa and can I get one through Marbella property? (Program Ended)

The Spanish golden visa grants residency to non-EU nationals who invest at least €500,000 (this program has ended) in Spanish real estate. Marbella is one of the most popular locations for this route. The visa allows you to live and work in Spain and travel freely within the Schengen area. We manage both the property purchase and the visa application.

How much are legal fees for buying property in Marbella?

Legal fees for a standard property purchase typically range from 1% to 1.5% of the purchase price, with a minimum fee. This covers due diligence, contract review, notary attendance, and registration. We provide a detailed fee breakdown before you commit.

Do I need to be resident in Spain to buy property in Marbella?

No. Non-residents can buy property in Spain. You will need a NIE (foreigner identification number) and a Spanish bank account. However, you should be aware of the tax implications: non-residents pay annual imputed income tax on the property and 19% capital gains tax on sale (for EU residents).

Can you help with a rental licence in Marbella?

Yes. Holiday rental regulations in Andalusia require a tourism licence (Vivienda con Fines Turísticos or VFT). The Marbella town hall has specific rules about which zones allow tourist rentals. We handle the licence application and ensure your property meets the legal requirements.

Book Your Free Initial Consultation

Ready to discuss your legal needs? Our team is here to help — whether you prefer a quick chat on WhatsApp or a scheduled video consultation.

💬 Message us on WhatsApp — We typically respond within 2 hours during business days.

📅 Book a consultation via Calendly — Choose a time that works for you for a free 15-minute introductory call.

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