Immigration appeals and objections in Spain: reconsideration and judicial review

Appeals and Objections

Has your application been refused or closed? We defend your rights through administrative and judicial channels.

Do not give up on your application. A well-grounded appeal filed on time can overturn a refusal by the Immigration Office or the Consulate.

Types of immigration appeals

Each appeal has its own deadline and is filed with a different body. These are the three routes, from the shortest to the longest.

10–15 days

Objections (alegaciones)

A response within the legal deadline (usually 10 or 15 days) to a request for documents or a proposed refusal issued by the Immigration Office, providing the missing documents or clarifications.

1 month

Appeal for reconsideration (administrative route)

Deadline: 1 month from notification of the refusal or closure decision.
Where it is filed: With the same body that issued the decision (Immigration Office, Ministry of Justice or Consulate).
Aim: To show the Administration's error or provide the legal grounds that were overlooked so that the decision is corrected.

2 months

Judicial review appeal (contencioso-administrativo)

Deadline: 2 months from notification of the refusal (or of the dismissal of the appeal for reconsideration).
Where it is filed: With the Administrative Courts (Juzgados de lo Contencioso-Administrativo).
Advantage: The file is examined by an impartial judge, outside the direct sphere of the Immigration Office.

Common grounds for refusal that can be overcome

Errors that a well-prepared appeal can correct

Errors in calculating financial means or in the validity of employment contracts.
Unfavourable criminal or police record reports that are out of date or can be cancelled.
Incorrect calculation of the time of residence or stay in Spain.
Failure to properly assess the applicant's social or family integration.