Administrative Law and Relations with the Public Administration

Navigating Spanish bureaucracy can be the biggest challenge for businesses and individuals. At Legal Excellens, we turn administrative obstacles into agile solutions.

Beyond Bureaucracy: Legal Defence against the State

Administrative law regulates relations between citizens (or companies) and public administrations (local councils, autonomous communities, the state). In Spain, these procedures are often complex, slow and rigorous in terms of deadlines.

An error on a form, a missed deadline or an incorrect interpretation of local regulations can result in heavy fines, the refusal of licences that are vital to your business, or the paralysis of investment projects.

Our team of experts in public law does not just handle paperwork; we actively defend your interests when the authorities fail to respond as they should.

Our Administrative Practice Areas

For Companies and Investors

  • Licences and Urban Planning: Obtaining activity licences, building permits and urban planning management in Barcelona and the rest of Spain.
  • Public Procurement: Advice on tenders and public competitions.
  • Administrative penalties: Defence against disciplinary proceedings and regulatory fines.
  • Regulated Sectors: Consultancy in specific sectors (energy, telecommunications, transport).

For Individuals and Expatriates

  • Immigration and Visas (Related): Appeals against refusals of residence or nationality.
  • Financial Liability: Claims for compensation for damages caused by the functioning of the Administration.
  • Compulsory Expropriations: Defence of fair pricing in expropriation proceedings.
  • Fines: Traffic, local tax office, etc.

Litigation and Appeals

When administrative channels have been exhausted, we defend your rights in court.

  • Appeals and Remedies: We have exhausted all prior administrative channels.
  • Contentious-administrative proceedings: Legal defence before the contentious courts and tribunals.
  • Precautionary measures: Request for suspension of harmful administrative acts.

Why Legal Excellens in public affairs?

The Spanish administration has its peculiarities, which multiply when international elements are involved. Our added value lies in:

  1. International and Local Vision: We understand the needs of foreign clients and know the ins and outs of local government in Barcelona and Madrid.
  2. Proactivity: We do not wait for problems to escalate. We anticipate documentation requirements to avoid corrections and delays.
  3. Litigation Experience: If negotiations fail, we have a solid track record in contentious-administrative jurisdiction.

Frequently Asked Questions about Administrative Law

What is the deadline for appealing a notification from the Administration?

Deadlines are critical. Generally, you have one month to file an appeal for reconsideration or an administrative appeal (through administrative channels) and two months to file a contentious-administrative appeal (through judicial channels) from the date of notification. Acting quickly is vital.

What is administrative silence and how does it affect me?

If the Administration does not respond within the deadline, administrative silence occurs. Depending on the type of procedure, this silence may mean that your application has been approved (positive) or rejected (negative). It is essential to consult a solicitor to correctly interpret the silence in your specific case.

Can you help me with planning permission in Barcelona if I am a foreigner?

Yes, it is one of our specialities. We advise international investors on obtaining building and activity licences, ensuring compliance with municipal and regional regulations before making the investment.

Do not let bureaucracy slow down your projects.

If you are facing complex proceedings before the Public Administration or need to ensure the legal viability of your business in Spain, speak to our specialists.

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