About XtraSpain

Not a guide.
A lifeline.

I don't just offer legal advice. I offer the kind of support I wish I'd had when I arrived in Spain in 2001 with a suitcase and a lot of unanswered questions.

Meet Alisa

Licensed Immigration Professional.
Spain since 2001.

I moved to Spain in 2001, navigating the long road from my first residency permit to full citizenship. Since 2008, I have served as an immigration consultant, further solidifying my expertise in 2022 as a Licensed Immigration Professional.

Spain is a "country of countries." Having lived in Barcelona, Zaragoza, Marbella, the Canary Islands, and Malaga, I understand firsthand that every region has its own management style and unique vibe.

As a mother of two, my most personal victory has been navigating Special Education (Autism) - a journey that taught me how to unlock the system for my own children and now for the families I represent. I don't just offer legal advice; I offer a lifeline. I've helped dozens of individuals and families find their place here, and I'm ready to help you find yours.

Licensed since 2022 Consulting since 2008 In Spain since 2001
Alisa Zinko - Licensed Immigration Professional and Spain relocation consultant since 2001

Spain is a "country of countries." I know it firsthand.

Every region in Spain operates differently. The bureaucracy in Catalonia is not the bureaucracy in Andalusia. The pace of Malaga is not the pace of Madrid. Having lived in Barcelona, Zaragoza, Marbella, the Canary Islands, and Malaga, I understand the regional differences that catch most expats off guard.

When you work with XtraSpain, you're not getting generic advice pulled from a forum. You're getting guidance shaped by two decades of real life in multiple Spanish regions, across multiple visa categories, and through every layer of the immigration system.

BCN

Barcelona

Cosmopolitan, international, expensive - and home to one of Spain's largest expat communities. Great for professionals and families.

ZGZ

Zaragoza

Central Spain at its most authentic. Affordable, underrated, and a world away from tourist Spain. Excellent quality of life.

MBL

Marbella

The Costa del Sol at its most international. Exceptional climate, strong English-speaking community, and world-class amenities.

CNR

Canary Islands

Perpetual spring climate, growing digital nomad scene, and a unique legal status within Spain. A favourite for remote workers.

AGP

Malaga

Spain's fastest-growing expat city. A genuine tech and creative hub with the beach, the food, and the sun of the Costa.

A personal victory

Navigating Spain's Special Education system - as a mother.

As a mother of two, my most personal and hard-won achievement has been navigating Spain's Special Education system for a child with autism. It is a journey that taught me how to unlock a system that does not make itself easy to access - and it changed the way I work with every family I represent.

If you are moving to Spain with a child who has additional needs, I understand your situation in a way most consultants cannot. I have been there. I know which doors to knock on, which professionals to trust, and how to advocate for your child in a system that operates entirely in Spanish.

Family Soft Landing Package →

What XtraSpain stands for

01

Radical Honesty

Spain is wonderful, and complicated. I tell you exactly what to expect - including the parts that are slow, frustrating, or expensive. No sugarcoating.

02

No Conflicts of Interest

I only refer collaborators I have personally worked with and trust. When I recommend a lawyer or broker, it is because they have delivered for my clients.

03

Always in English

Every call, email, and document is in English. You will never need Google Translate to understand the advice you are paying for.

04

Practical Over Perfect

I focus on what actually works for real people moving their lives to Spain - not theoretical best-case scenarios. Action beats analysis paralysis.

Common Questions

About working with XtraSpain

Is XtraSpain a law firm? +

No. XtraSpain is an immigration consulting and relocation service. Alisa is a Licensed Immigration Professional, not a lawyer. For legal matters requiring an abogado (such as property purchases or court proceedings), we refer you to trusted partner lawyers in our collaborator network.

Do you only work with people from the UK? +

No. We work with English speakers from all countries - UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Ireland, South Africa, and beyond. The visa process differs depending on your nationality and whether you are an EU/EEA citizen, and we tailor our guidance accordingly.

Which regions of Spain do you cover? +

All of Spain. Alisa has personally lived in Barcelona, Zaragoza, Marbella, the Canary Islands, and Malaga, and has clients across the country. Our collaborator network covers Madrid, Valencia, Seville, Alicante, Bilbao, and the Costa del Sol.

Can you help families with children who have special educational needs? +

Yes, and this is an area where XtraSpain has unique expertise. Alisa personally navigated Spain's Special Education system for a child with autism, and now provides specialist support to families in the same situation. This includes identifying the right schools, understanding your rights under Spanish education law, and connecting you with the right professionals.

Ready to find your place in Spain?

Describe your situation and Alisa will come back to you with initial thoughts. No commitment - and any paid consultation fee is deducted if you go on to hire us.

Tell Us Your Situation →