The Tarragona Bar Association (ICAT) and Càritas have detected individuals and 'mafias' posing as lawyers or consultants. These scammers are reportedly charging between 300 and 450 euros to fast-track applications for a process that is not yet operational and will eventually be free of charge.
“"We have seen travel agencies, call centers, or lawyers who do not specialize in this field offering services and charging for complete procedures that haven't even started."
The official window for applications is expected to open in April 2026 and run until June. To qualify, migrants must prove they were living in Spain before December 31, 2025. Experts emphasize that there are no limited quotas, so there is no need to pay for 'express' services that do not exist.
Local lawyers in Tarragona report receiving over 300 inquiries a day. They advise migrants to prepare their criminal record certificates but to wait for the official publication in the State Official Gazette (BOE) before taking any formal steps or making payments to third parties.
