Why applications get refused
In resort areas, some rentals are holiday lets that do not allow padrón registration. Make sure your accommodation lets you register, because the padrón is needed for your TIE and later procedures.
Applying from Marbella
If you are on the Costa del Sol legally, we file your residence permit online, with a legal deadline of 20 days. See apply from inside Spain.
First steps
- Padrón at your town hall.
- TIE appointment at a police office in the province. See TIE card.
- Tax registration and planning. See taxes.
Where remote workers live on the Costa del Sol
| Area | Profile |
|---|---|
| Marbella centre and Golden Mile | Services, beaches, international community |
| Nueva Andalucía and San Pedro | Families, schools, golf |
| Estepona | Quieter town, growing community |
| Málaga city | Urban life, tech scene, culture |
| Fuengirola and Mijas | Large expat community, more affordable |
Families
The Costa del Sol has many British and international schools. Your family can apply with you. See bringing your family.
Working from the Costa del Sol
Málaga has become one of Spain's fastest-growing tech hubs, with coworking spaces and international companies, while Marbella and Estepona offer a quieter base with excellent services. Remote workers often combine a home on the coast with a coworking membership in Málaga or Marbella. The permit does not require you to rent office space.
Our process for Costa del Sol clients
- A video call to confirm eligibility and the best route.
- A tailored document plan for you and your family.
- Electronic filing and follow-up until the decision.
- Guidance for the TIE appointment and padrón in your town.
A practical example
An American family with three children wanted to spend at least three years in Marbella while the mother worked remotely for a New York company. We prepared the family applications with the household income calculation for five people, and the family settled in Nueva Andalucía with the children in an international school. See also Madrid. More information on the firm's main website: immigration law at Castell Abogados (in Spanish).
Get your file checked before you apply
Most refusals come from documents that do not prove what the law asks for. Send us your situation and an immigration lawyer will tell you what is missing before you submit.
Questions about moving to Marbella
Can you handle my application if I live in Marbella?
Yes. Applications are filed electronically for clients anywhere in Spain.
Is the visa different in Andalusia?
No. The requirements and procedure are the same throughout Spain.
Can my children go to international schools?
Yes. The Costa del Sol has many international schools.
Do I need a long-term rental?
You need an address where you can register in the padrón.
How long does the permit take if I apply from Marbella?
The legal deadline is 20 days from electronic filing; if there is no answer, the permit is deemed granted.
Can I bring my children to the Costa del Sol?
Yes. Your children can apply with you, and the household income must cover them.