01
Immigration & residence procedures
Guidance for expatriates and foreign nationals dealing with Spanish immigration procedures, residence documentation and NIE applications.
PRIVATE CLIENT · EXPAT SERVICES
English-speaking legal advice for life in Tenerife
Clear, personal guidance for foreign residents and private clients facing a family, immigration, civil, criminal or administrative matter in Spain.
A considered first step
A multidisciplinary practice, led personally
Valenta Lawyers is directed by Sergio García Valenta, a law graduate of the University of La Laguna with a Master's in Legal Practice from the University of Granada and an Advanced Specialisation Course in Real Estate Law from the Complutense University of Madrid.
The firm works with lawyers based in Tenerife and elsewhere in Spain when a matter calls for additional experience. Every enquiry starts with the same disciplined approach: understand the facts, study the documents and identify realistic legal options before a course of action is agreed.
Advice is available in English and Spanish. Outcomes can never be guaranteed, but the options, procedure and next steps will be explained clearly.
Areas of practice
Support beyond property law
02
Family law
Advice on divorce, legal separation, child arrangements, maintenance, pensions and the property questions that can arise when a family situation changes.
03
Debt collection
Assessment and pursuit of sums owed, beginning with the documents, the debtor's position and the proportionate routes available for recovery.
04
General claims & unfair terms
Drafting and handling claims arising from contracts, consumer matters, mortgage expenses and terms that may be unfair or unenforceable.
05
Civil litigation
Advice and representation in civil disputes, both domestic and with an international element, with an initial review of the evidence, legal options, likely procedure and practical risks.
06
Criminal litigation
Defence and private-prosecution support in criminal matters, domestic or cross-border, with confidential advice tailored to the procedural stage of the case.
07
Assistance following detention
Legal assistance where a person is detained or otherwise subject to a restriction of liberty imposed by the authorities.
08
Administrative sanctions
Preparation of submissions, appeals and supporting arguments in response to official penalties, fines and administrative enforcement action.
09
Highly Qualified Professional residence
Residence authorisations for highly qualified professionals relocating to Spain, from eligibility review to filing and renewal.
10
Digital Nomad Visa
Visas and residence authorisations for international remote workers who want to live in Tenerife while working for clients or employers abroad.
How we work
From first conversation to representation
The right path depends on the facts. The process begins with analysis rather than a one-size-fits-all answer.
- 01
We listen
Meet Sergio at the Adeje office or speak remotely to explain the situation, the people involved and the outcome you need.
- 02
We analyse your case
We review the documents and assess the legal routes that may be available and proportionate in your circumstances.
- 03
We explain your options
You receive a clear account of the possible approaches, procedural steps, material risks and information still required.
- 04
We agree a strategy
If you choose to proceed, we confirm the scope of work and gather the evidence needed to put the agreed strategy into action.
- 05
We prepare your case
We draft the appropriate claim, submission, response or proceedings after completing the documentary review.
- 06
We represent your interests
We support and represent you through the relevant process, keeping you informed as the matter progresses.
Wills and inheritance for foreign property owners
Owning property in Tenerife brings the Spanish inheritance system into your estate. Spanish law reserves part of an estate for children unless the owner chooses the law of their nationality in a will, as EU Succession Regulation 650/2012 allows. A short Spanish will covering Spanish assets avoids months of paperwork for your family.
When a property is inherited, the heirs must obtain NIE numbers, accept the estate before a notary, pay inheritance tax within six months of death and register the property in their names. We handle each step for families abroad, usually by power of attorney. Property-specific questions are covered in our guide to buying property in Tenerife.
Moving to Tenerife
Residence documentation, NIE numbers, registering with the town hall and understanding your tax position usually run in parallel with a purchase. We can coordinate both, so you deal with one lawyer for the move and the property.
Frequently asked questions
Private consultation
Discuss your situation before deciding what to do next
Share the essential facts and documents. We will tell you whether the matter is one we can assist with and outline the appropriate next step.
Book a Legal Consultation Call our office
Confidential enquiry
Book a Legal Consultation
Three short steps. A qualified lawyer — not a call centre — reads every enquiry and replies within one working day in English.
Reply within one working day
Monday to Thursday 08:00–14:00, 16:00–19:00 · Friday 08:00–14:00
Our office
Avenida de la Constitución, 33, Edificio Promociones Stel, Portal 6, Local 2
38670 Adeje, TenerifePrefer to talk?
Call our office
Your enquiry is read personally by Sergio García Valenta and treated in strict confidence.