Who qualifies for free legal aid in Spain?

Natural persons whose annual income does not exceed 2 times the IPREM (EUR 16,800/year in 2026 for an individual), adjusted by household size. It also applies automatically to victims of domestic violence, trafficking, terrorism, minors in youth justice and asylum seekers.

Where do you apply for free legal aid?

At the Bar Association of the province where the court proceedings take place. You need your latest income tax return, income certificate and asset declaration. The Commission decides within 15 working days.

Law 1/1996 · IPREM 2026

Free Legal Aid

Q: What does free legal aid cover?

Free court-appointed lawyer and solicitor, court fee exemption, free expert witnesses, reduced notary and registry fees, and out-of-court assistance (mediation). Governed by Art. 6 of Law 1/1996.

Do you qualify for a duty lawyer? Check income requirements, household size and special categories in seconds.

Do you belong to an automatically qualifying category?

Some people qualify regardless of income. Select all that apply.

Domestic violence / gender-based violence victim

Art. 2.g Law 1/1996 + LO 1/2004

Trafficking victim

Art. 2.h Law 1/1996

Asylum seeker / international protection applicant

Art. 2.a Law 12/2009

Minor in conflict with the law (youth justice)

Art. 2 LO 5/2000 LORPM

Person with intellectual disability or mental illness in criminal proceedings

Art. 2.f Law 1/1996

Irregular migrant in expulsion proceedings

Art. 2.d Law 1/1996 + LO 4/2000

Terrorism victim (any related proceedings)

Art. 2.i Law 29/2011

Applicable legislation

Art. 119 CE: Justice shall be free when so provided by law and, in any case, for those who demonstrate insufficient resources to litigate.

Art. 3 Ley 1/1996: Those whose annual income does not exceed 2× IPREM (€16,800/year in 2026), adjusted by household size (+0.5× IPREM per additional member). Maximum assets: 5× IPREM = €42,000.

Art. 2 Ley 1/1996: Automatic entitlement regardless of income for victims of domestic violence, trafficking, terrorism, minors in youth justice, persons with intellectual disability in criminal proceedings and asylum seekers.

Art. 6 Ley 1/1996: Covers court-appointed lawyer and solicitor, court fee exemption, free expert witnesses, reduced notary and registry fees, and out-of-court assistance.

Lexiel searches Supreme Court and Provincial Courts case law on free legal aid and duty counsel.

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