Practising law in Spain as a foreign lawyer

Recognition of the degree and access to the profession

For: Lawyers with a non-EU law degree or qualification.

1. Apply to the Spanish authorities for recognition (homologación) of your foreign law degree. The decision can require supplementary training, a practical period or an aptitude test.
2. Complete the master's degree in the legal profession and the state access exam to the profession, as required under the Law on Access to the Legal Profession (Ley 34/2006).
3. Register with a local bar association (colegio de abogados). Non-Europeans may need a waiver of the nationality requirement.

These rules involve several ministries and have changed over time, so check the Ministry of Justice.

Lawyers from the EU

For: Lawyers who hold a title in an EU member state.

1. Register with a Spanish bar association as a 'community lawyer', practising under your home title, with rights to later integrate.