Why Many Colombians Are Moving to Spain
Spain is a top destination for Colombians seeking quality of life, career growth, education, or family reunification. Thanks to shared language, cultural ties, and legal advantages for Latin Americans, Colombians enjoy a faster and easier path to Spanish citizenship than most other nationalities.
✅ Benefits of Moving to Spain from Colombia:
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🗣 No language barrier — both countries speak Spanish
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✈️ Visa-free travel for short stays (up to 90 days)
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🏥 Access to Spain’s top-tier healthcare system
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🏫 World-class education and universities
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👨👩👧 Strong Colombian expat communities in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia
🛂 Do Colombians Need a Visa for Spain?
Short stay (under 90 days): Colombians can enter visa-free for tourism, business, or short visits.
Long stay (over 90 days): You must apply for a long-stay visa (visado nacional tipo D) to live, study, work, or retire in Spain.
🧭 Best Visa Options to Immigrate to Spain from Colombia
🧑💻 Digital Nomad Visa
For Colombians who work remotely for foreign companies.
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💼 Must earn around €2,650/month from non-Spanish sources
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📄 Requires contracts, proof of experience, and clean record
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👨👩👧 Family members can apply together
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✅ Leads to residency and eventual citizenship
🏖 Non-Lucrative Visa
Best for financially independent individuals or retirees.
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💶 Proof of approx. €2,400/month in passive income or savings
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🛑 Cannot work for Spanish companies
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👪 Includes spouse and children
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🔁 Renewable; leads to long-term residency
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✅ Time counts toward citizenship
💼 Work Visa (Job Offer Required)
For Colombians hired by Spanish companies.
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🧾 Employer must initiate the process in Spain
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🧑💼 Applicant applies through Spanish consulate in Colombia
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📑 Includes contracts, certifications, clean record
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✅ Full legal status to live and work in Spain
🎓 Student Visa
For Colombians studying in Spain.
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🏫 Must enroll in a certified Spanish university or school
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💼 Can work 20 hours per week during study
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🔁 Renewable for multi-year programs
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🔄 Can switch to work visa after graduation
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⚠️ Doesn’t count toward citizenship timeline
👨👩👧 EU Citizen Family Member Residency
For Colombians with Spanish or EU family members.
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💍 Covers spouses, partners, children, dependent parents
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🛂 Fast-tracked visa and fewer documents
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✅ 5-year renewable residence card with full work rights
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✅ Eligible for long-term and permanent residency
📜 Fast Track: Citizenship for Colombians in Just 2 Years
Unlike most nationalities who must live in Spain for 10 years before applying for citizenship, Colombian nationals are eligible after only 2 years of legal residency.
📝 Requirements include:
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Legal, continuous residence in Spain for 2+ years
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Criminal background check from Colombia and Spain
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Passing integration exams (CCSE & DELE A2, if required)
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Demonstrating cultural integration and financial stability
📋 How to Apply – Step by Step
1️⃣ Choose Your Visa Type
🎯 Based on your purpose: work, family, retirement, study, or remote work.
2️⃣ Prepare Your Documents
🗂 Common documents include:
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Valid Colombian passport
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Apostilled background check from Colombia
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Medical certificate (apostilled)
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Proof of income, job offer, or school enrollment
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Private health insurance (if applicable)
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Certified Spanish translations (we can help)
3️⃣ Apply Through the Spanish Consulate in Colombia
📍 Consulates are located in:
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Bogotá
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Medellín
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Cali
⏱ Visa processing typically takes 4–8 weeks.
4️⃣ Travel to Spain and Finalize Residency
✈️ After approval:
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Register your address (empadronamiento)
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Apply for your TIE card (Foreigner ID) within 30 days
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Open a bank account, sign up for healthcare, and begin building residency
5️⃣ Apply for Citizenship (after 2 years)
📜 Once you reach 2 years of legal residence:
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Submit full naturalization application
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Pass exams and interviews
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Obtain Spanish citizenship and passport
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Submitting documents without proper apostille or translation
🚫 Assuming tourist entry allows visa switching
🚫 Working on a non-lucrative or student visa without authorization
🚫 Missing deadlines for renewal or TIE card appointment
✅ Our lawyers prevent costly delays and rejections.
👩⚖️ Why Work with Borderless Lawyers?
We specialize in helping Colombian nationals move to Spain with personalized immigration strategies and full legal support—from visa application to citizenship.
🧰 Our Services Include:
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📞 Strategy calls in Spanish or English
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📑 Apostille, translations, and document checks
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📨 Complete application handling (visas, TIE, renewals)
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🏛 Representation with consulates and Spanish immigration
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🧾 Citizenship & dual nationality assistance
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👨👩👧 Family reunification and spouse visas
📞 Start Your Spanish Immigration Journey Today
Whether you’re moving to retire, work, study, or reunite with family, Borderless Lawyers will help you relocate legally and confidently from Colombia to Spain.