Before you buy

Do I need a lawyer?

Many procedures you can do yourself, with or without help. Some require a lawyer by law (for example, a court appeal) and for others we recommend one because the case is complex. This table shows where the line is and what we do in each case.

Reviewed: 24/10/2026

Do I need a lawyer?

ProcedureCan you do it yourself?Do we do it?Lawyer?Source
NIE (EX-15)Yes, in personYes: we prepare the fileNo[1][2]
EU registration certificate (EX-18)Yes, in personYes: we prepare the fileNo[3]
TIE: first issue, renewal or replacement (EX-17)Yes: fingerprints are in personYes: we prepare the fileNo[4]
EU family member card (EX-19)Yes, in person with an appointmentYes: we prepare the fileNo[5]
Renewal of the residence authorisationYes, on paper with an appointment or electronicallyWe prepare the file; you submit itNot required[6][7][8]
Electronic filing on behalf of others (Mercurio)With your own recognised digital certificate or electronic ID card (and Autofirma), yes.No. Hola Papeles does not submit applications on anyone's behalf: you submit the application yourself. For procedures under RD 1155/2024, a person you choose can also submit it with valid authorisation (notarial or apud acta power of attorney, art. 197.4.a). The EU registration certificate and the EU family member card must be applied for in person (art. 12.1 RD 240/2007).Not applicable[9][8][10]
Initial authorisation: arraigo and other complex casesLegally, yesWe do not take these on: consult an independent lawyerRecommended[8]
Administrative appeal (reposición or alzada) against a refusalLegally, yesWe do not take these on: consult an independent lawyerRecommended[11]
Judicial review (contencioso-administrativo)NoNoYes, mandatory[12]
Refusal of entry, return or expulsionYou have the right to a lawyer (art. 22 LOEX)NoYes (you have the right to a lawyer, art. 22 LOEX)[13]
International protection (asylum)
Rules being adapted to the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum		You have the right to a lawyer (art. 22 LOEX)We do not take these on: consult an independent lawyer or a specialised NGOYes (you have the right to a lawyer, art. 22 LOEX)[13][14]
Spanish nationality: court appealsNo, in court proceedingsNoYes, in judicial review[12]

How to read the table

“Mandatory” means the law requires it: before an administrative court you must always be assisted by a lawyer[12]. “Recommended” is our policy. You submit the application yourself. For procedures under RD 1155/2024, a person you choose can also submit it with valid authorisation (notarial or apud acta power of attorney, art. 197.4.a)[8]. The EU registration certificate and the EU family member card must be applied for in person (art. 12.1 RD 240/2007)[10]. Even so, in complex cases it is best to have an independent lawyer with you.

If your case needs a lawyer

Hola Papeles does not take on those cases, does not work with lawyers and does not refer you to any. We recommend that you consult an independent lawyer of your choice or the Legal Guidance Service (SOJ) of your provincial Bar Association, which also informs about free legal aid and the duty-lawyer scheme[15][16].

Check whether my case fits

Hola Papeles provides a document preparation and management service; it is not a law firm, does not provide legal advice and does not guarantee outcomes.