About us
44 years of experience, trust and commitment to our clients
Lawyers for foreigners in Spain since 1982
At Bocanegra Lawyers, foreign clients are our priority.
Since 1982 we have supported individuals, families, professionals, investors and international companies who want to live, work, invest or settle in Spain with legal certainty, clarity and peace of mind.
The firm was founded in Marbella by Ricardo Bocanegra Sánchez at a time when immigration law was not yet an established speciality in Spain. Since then, Bocanegra Lawyers has become a leading firm for international clients, with a track record built on legal rigour, personal service and the resolution of complex cases.
Today, under the leadership of Managing Partner Cristina Bocanegra, the firm combines more than 44 years of experience with a modern approach to legal advice: premium service, efficient processes, clear communication and an impeccable client experience.
The firm now brings together lawyers, tax and employment advisers and chartered administrative agents in Marbella and Madrid, so a single team can handle your immigration matters, your property, your taxes or your business. Below you will find each department’s areas of work.
The Immigration department is overseen directly by Ricardo Bocanegra and Cristina Bocanegra, who personally handle the cases that call for the greatest complexity, strategy and legal precision.
Our commitment to the international community goes beyond individual advice. Ricardo Bocanegra founded FAECOSOL, the Federation of Foreigners’ Associations of the Costa del Sol, as a platform to support and defend the rights of foreigners in Spain.
At Bocanegra Lawyers we still work by one clear principle: if a case is viable, we commit fully to finding the best legal route.
Effective tax exemption
On the import of vehicles for British citizens moving their residence to Spain
Amendment to a draft bill
On the taxation of tourist number plates
(known as the ‘Bocanegra Amendment’)
Intervention before the European Commission
Which urged the Spanish authorities to apply EU rules on residence permits correctly, following a formal complaint lodged by the firm
Proposals adopted by the Administration
In various regulations and initiatives (regularisations, implementing regulations on immigration, the Entrepreneurs Act and others), with letters of institutional recognition
A proposal included in a Ministerial Order
During the state of emergency, allowing residents whose permit had expired while abroad to enter Spain
The firm's achievements in national legislation
Throughout our history, Bocanegra has played an active part in defending foreigners in Spain, promoting initiatives and proposals that have been reflected at institutional and legislative level.
Our leaders
Founder of Bocanegra Lawyers
Experience
With more than 44 years of experience and as a pioneer of immigration law in Andalusia, Ricardo laid the foundations of what is today one of the most respected firms advising foreigners on the Costa del Sol.
• Chartered administrative agent no. 155 with the Official Association of Administrative Agents of Málaga
• Founding member of FAECOSOL
• Club Internacional de Marbella
Managing Partner of Bocanegra Lawyers
Experience
She represents the new generation of Bocanegra Lawyers. Her international education and experience at major firms bring a modern perspective while preserving the firm’s family values.
• NYU Law School – New York
• Goethe Business School (Goethe University Berlin)
• Universidad Pontificia Comillas ICADE
• Lawyer registered with the Madrid Bar Association (Ilustre Colegio de la Abogacía de Madrid), no. 133.761
• Mediator listed in the Spanish Register of Mediators
Our full team
Rocío Oliver Bernal
Immigration Department
Experience
Qualified in Administrative Management and specialised in immigration. She has been with the firm since 2003, holding various roles within the practice. She has extensive experience in handling immigration procedures and in assisting Spanish and international clients.
Cristina Gómez Rojo
Immigration Department
Experience
Graduate in English Philology with a Higher National Diploma in Administration and Finance. With 24 years at the firm, she specialises in immigration, bringing extensive technical experience and in-depth knowledge of administrative procedures, as well as attendance at specialist industry conferences.
Fátima Bocanegra
Residence and Work Permits Department
Amalia Gracia Álvarez-Ossorio
Lawyer and Tax Adviser
Experience
LL.M. in Transactional Business Practice from McGeorge School of Law (University of the Pacific, California) and a graduate of ICADE – Universidad Pontificia Comillas. She built her career as a Senior Manager at EY and KPMG in Madrid, bringing solid experience in high-level tax advice and corporate structuring.
Ana Cano Guerrero
Tax and Accounting Department
Experience
With more than 25 years of professional experience, 18 of them at the firm, she began her career in employment matters before joining the Accounting and Tax Department. She brings extensive experience in accounting and tax management and in dealing with official bodies, and is a key support to the running of the department.
Ana María Sánchez Carrasco
Employment Adviser
Experience
Graduate in Industrial Relations and Human Resources with a Higher National Diploma in Administration and Finance, awarded with distinction (Matrícula de Honor). She joined the firm in 2016 and has grown steadily since, becoming a senior adviser in the Employment Department. She stands out for her commitment, academic excellence and professional promise.
Lourdes Sánchez del Pozo Castaño
Employment Adviser
Experience
Qualified Graduado Social (employment and social security adviser), with specialist training in payroll and employment law from the Málaga Association of Graduados Sociales. With more than two decades at the firm, she works as an employment adviser, bringing broad experience and technical expertise to the area.
Plácido Díaz Delgado
Employment Adviser
Experience
Diploma in Industrial Relations and a Higher National Diploma in Administration, specialising in business IT. He has a solid professional background in employment and administration and has been with the firm since 2012. He brings experience in payroll and HR administration and specialist technical and administrative support.
Irene Garrido Mellado
Tax and Accounting Department
Experience
Higher National Diploma in Administration and Finance. Part of the Tax and Accounting Department, where she brings an analytical profile focused on process optimisation. She has training in Big Data and Artificial Intelligence applied to accounting and tax management, strengthening the department’s digitalisation and technical control.
María Bermudo
Property Department
Martín Ruiz
Immigration Department
Experience
More than 25 years of experience in immigration procedures.
Malen Perurena Favale
Russia and Eastern Europe Department
Experience
A professional with a background in management and coordination. Part of the Immigration team, she brings a structured approach, a strong client focus and an organised method to supporting administrative procedures, strengthening the department’s efficiency and service.
Andrea Iancu
Immigration Department
Experience
Part of the Immigration team, she brings an analytical profile and a commitment to continuous learning, focused on organisation and rigour in the department’s internal management.
Antonio Herrera Chaves
Tax and Accounting Department
Experience
A tax and accounting professional with previous experience in tax advice and tax compliance. She brings a technical, methodical and compliance-focused approach to the department, supporting sound tax and accounting management for Spanish and international clients.
Natalia Santos
Employment Department
Experience
With training in administration and a profile geared towards management and client service, she is part of the Employment team, helping to follow up procedures and providing document support, contributing to an efficient, well-organised service in line with the firm’s standards.
José Fernández
Immigration Department
How can we help you?
At Bocanegra Lawyers we understand that every client has unique needs and specific challenges.
That is why we do not offer generic solutions. We take the time to understand your particular situation, analyse your goals and design a tailored strategy that really works for you.
Personal service
Every case is unique. We take the time to understand your specific situation and offer solutions tailored to your real needs, not standard answers.
Complex problems
We specialise in solving cases others consider impossible.
Our experience allows us to find creative solutions where others see only obstacles.
Real commitment
Your success is our success. We get personally involved in every case because we know that behind every file there is a person with real hopes and concerns.
Measurable results
44 years in practice speak for themselves.
Our clients are not only satisfied: they recommend us to their family and friends because they know we deliver on our promises.
Our areas of practice
One team for everything you need in Spain
Residency, visas, citizenship and arraigo since 1982.
Buying and selling property in Marbella and on the Costa del Sol.
Which taxes apply to you as a resident or non-resident.
Defence before Hacienda in inspections, penalties and appeals.
Special tax regime for workers relocating to Spain.
Who handles your company's accounts and taxes every month.
Contracts, payroll and employment procedures.
NIE, Social Security and dealings with the authorities.
Inheritance, holiday rental licences, contracts and commercial matters.
Buying property from outside Marbella? See also our property lawyer service throughout Spain.
Our core values
The values that define us
Reliability
Total commitment to every case
Professionalism
Excellence in every service
Ethics
Transparency and honesty
Approachability
A personal, family-firm touch
Trust
Lasting relationships
Full involvement
Total dedication to your case
Contact us
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