SERVICES

Residency for Professional Athletes in Spain

Your talent deserves to compete on the world stage. The Residency for Professional Athletes in Spain is your official permit to sign with a Spanish club and compete legally. We manage the entire process with your club so you can focus on what you do best: performing at the highest level.

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Book your Appointment Now

The best way to start solving your doubts is to schedule a call with one of our professionals.

All prices are final and include VAT. We have interpreters from French, Portuguese, Arabic (Moroccan variant), Russian and Ukrainian. Other languages may be available on request

€80

30’

video call

Immigration Consultation

Unsure of the requirements to immigrate to Spain? We provide a clear path forward and manage the entire process for you.

*The cost of the consultation is deducted from the final service fee.

€185

45’

video call

Tax Consultation

Perfect for individuals and companies in Spain who require expert guidance on complex tax matters.

*The cost of the consultation is deducted from the final service fee.

€250

60’

video call

Immigration and Tax Planning

A comprehensive session to make informed decisions before moving to Spain. We analyse your legal residence, the potential tax impact of your relocation and the obligations you should anticipate.

*The cost of the consultation is deducted from the final service fee.

About the service

What is the Residency for Professional Athletes in Spain?

Signing a contract with a Spanish club is a huge step in your career. The Residency for Professional Athletes is a special type of work permit that formalizes this professional relationship, allowing non-EU athletes, coaches, and related staff to live and work legally in Spain.

This is a specific category within the general work permit regime, adapted to the unique needs of professional sports.

The process is initiated by the club or sports entity that wants to hire you. They act as your sponsor and must lead the application before the corresponding Immigration Office in Spain.

A fundamental requirement is that you must possess a federative license. This official license from the corresponding sports federation certifies that you are qualified to compete in official professional leagues in Spain.

This special authorization bypasses the National Employment Situation for certain high-level competitions (like LaLiga in football or Liga ACB in basketball), making the hiring process much more direct than for a standard worker.

Once the authorization is approved, you can obtain your residence and work permit and begin your professional activity in Spain.

After your arrival, you must register with Social Security and obtain your Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) to finalize your legal status. The initial permit is typically granted for one year, linked to the duration of your contract.

Our expertise is in coordinating every step with your club, agent, and the sports federation. We ensure that your contract, federative license, and all club documentation are perfectly aligned with immigration requirements, guaranteeing a fast and efficient process that allows you to join your team as quickly as possible.

Enjoy all the Benefits it has to offer

The benefits of the Residency for Professional Athletes in Spain

Compete Legally in Spain

Sign a professional contract and compete in official leagues.

Stable Residency

Live in Spain with a renewable residency permit tied to your career.

Direct Process for Top Leagues

A streamlined application for athletes in major professional sports.

Pathway to Long-Term Residency

Your years as a professional athlete count towards permanent residency.

Are you eligible?

Requirements to apply for a Residency for Professional Athletes in Spain

These are requirements for Residency for Professional Athletes applicants:

Professional Sports Contract

You must have a signed contract with a Spanish club, federation, or sports entity that guarantees professional activity.

Official Federative License

You must possess a sports license that enables you to participate in official professional competitions in Spain.

Club's Solvency

The hiring club must be up to date with its tax and Social Security obligations and prove it can meet your contractual salary.

No Criminal Record

You must provide a clean criminal record certificate from the countries where you have lived for the past 5 years.

Do you have any questions about the immigration process to Spain?

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Necessary documentation for the Residency for Professional Athletes in Spain

This is the necessary documentation for the Residency for Professional Athletes in Spain

Athlete's Full Passport: A complete and valid copy of your current passport.
Signed Professional Contract: The official employment contract specifying conditions, duration, and salary.
Federative License Certificate: The document certifying you hold the necessary sports license.
Club's Documentation: The club's NIF, social security registration, and solvency proof.

Proof of Fees Paid: The official receipts for the payment of the corresponding administrative fees.
Criminal Record Certificate: Legalized or apostilled document, and officially translated where it is required.
Official Medical Certificate: A certificate proving your good health, which is a consular requirement.

Our numbers speak for themselves

Our track record

On average, we tell good news about their immigration cases to 9-10 people each day. A real perk of the job.

Refusals overrulled in appeals

+ 0

Immigration cases solved and in process

+ 0

Appeals efficiency

0 %

Join a Community of Satisfied Customers

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 501 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Givago Dias Mendes 
 27/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Muy educado, eficientes, organizados. También rápidos. Mejor experiencia posible!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Anastasia Danilova 
 26/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I would like to sincerely thank Marc and Soundous for all the support they gave me and my mom in obtaining our residence. You are an amazing team, and I feel very lucky to have found your company to guide us through this process.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Camryn Jones 
 25/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an amazing experience working with Dario and his team throughout my visa process. They made everything completely stress-free and were incredibly helpful every step of the way. Dario speaks excellent English, which made communication easy and comfortable, and he was always responsive, patient, and clear in explaining everything. He and his colleagues handled every detail with care, efficiency, and in a very timely manner, which gave me a lot of confidence and truly made my life so much easier throughout the entire process. By far the best lawyer I’ve worked with in Barcelona. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience and would highly recommend Dario and his team to anyone needing help with visas or immigration.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Marc Ovalle 
 22/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have been working with Marc and his team and the experience has been truly remarkable! From day one, their professionalism has been outstanding. The depth and breadth of knowledge across the entire team have consistently impressed us and given us complete confidence in our partnership. They are reliable, insightful, and truly committed. Thank you Marc!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Karen Oelrich 
 20/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. He tenido una muy buena experiencia, nos ayudaron en la resolución de dudas y consultas desde el primer contacto. El proceso fue muy rápido, claro y expedito.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Abs Ka 
 19/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A friend recommended Illay Legal  to help obtain my permanent residency in Spain. Exceptional service! Marc explained every part of the process clearly and precisely. Once I provided all the necessary details, the team did all the work: pre-completed the necessary paperwork, helped retrieve padron and digital tax certificate, secured appointments in my preferred neighbourhood and checked in with me before and after both appointments. I subsequently switched both my tax and business accountancy contracts to Marc's firm and have enjoyed the same very high level of service. Communication via email and WhatsApp, and extremely responsive to answering any small or large questions/concerns. A huge endorsement to the whole team - I would highly reccomend. Regards Ismail
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Dean 
 11/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Awesome service, got my permanent residency quickly and without any issues
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Anastasiia Sizova 
 10/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Lawyers I truly trust and genuinely enjoy working with. Huge thanks to Marc and Soundous for guiding me through a very stressful documentation process over the past few years. Together we managed to resolve a complicated situation I ended up in because of a bureaucratic issue with my previous paperwork. They have well-organized processes and a lot of experience with different kinds of cases — even the tricky ones. Whenever I was stressed or freaking out, they were always there to reassure and support me. That human approach means a lot. With them, you are in very good hands 💚
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   MRI. Emran 
 10/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. ILLAY Legal handled my immigration case in Spain very professionally and completed it on time. Highly recommended!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Adriana Garzon 
 09/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excelente asesoría y muy oportunos los tiempos. El acompañamiento en todo el proceso es de gran calidad.
  
 
  
  
 
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FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the Residency for Professional Athletes in Spain

Is this visa only for football and basketball players?

No. Although it is most common in those sports, this permit applies to any athlete, coach, or related staff in any sport with a recognized professional competition in Spain, such as handball, volleyball, cycling, etc.

How long is the residency permit valid for?

The initial authorization is typically granted for one year or for the duration of your contract if it’s shorter. It can be renewed as long as you maintain a professional sports contract in Spain.

Does this permit allow me to do other types of work?

No. This authorization is exclusively linked to your professional activity with the specific club that sponsored your application. You are not permitted to engage in any other professional work.

Guiding you in every step to your bright future.
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