Why Many Colombians Are Moving to Spain
Spain continues to attract Colombians seeking:
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🏛️ Cultural and linguistic familiarity
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🎓 Education opportunities for youth
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💼 Professional and digital work environments
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👨👩👧 Family reunification or retirement
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🏖️ Better quality of life and legal residency options
As a Colombian citizen, relocating to Spain involves legal steps and immigration requirements — but also comes with certain benefits, like visa waivers for short stays.
🛂 Do Colombians Need a Visa to Enter Spain?
| Purpose | Visa Required? | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Short stays (under 90 days) | ❌ No | Visa-free |
| Long-term stay (over 90 days) | ✅ Yes | National Visa (Type D) |
✅ Colombians can visit Spain visa-free for 90 days, but you must apply for a visa if you plan to:
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Study
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Work
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Retire
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Join family
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Reside long-term
📌 All long-stay visas must be obtained from the Spanish consulate in Colombia, typically in Bogotá or Medellín.
🏠 Spain Residency Options for Colombians
| Visa Type | Best For | Can Work? |
|---|---|---|
| Student Visa | University or language studies | ✅ Yes, part-time |
| Work Visa | Colombians with a job offer in Spain | ✅ Yes |
| Digital Nomad Visa | Remote workers/freelancers | ✅ Yes |
| Non-Lucrative Visa | Retirees or financially independent people | ❌ No |
| Family Reunification | Joining spouse, parents, or children | ✅ Yes |
| Entrepreneur Visa | Business owners or startup founders | ✅ Yes |
✅ Borderless Lawyers will help you identify which visa best fits your goals — and guide you from application to approval.
📋 How to Move from Colombia to Spain – Step by Step
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Decide the purpose of your move (study, work, retire, etc.) |
| 2️⃣ | Gather the required documents (apostilled + translated) |
| 3️⃣ | Submit your visa application at the Spanish consulate |
| 4️⃣ | Upon approval, travel to Spain and register your residence |
| 5️⃣ | Apply for your TIE (residence card) and register locally |
📝 The Spanish process can feel complex — our legal team assists Colombians with every part of this journey.
🧾 Required Documents for Colombians
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Valid Colombian passport | At least 12 months validity |
| Visa application form | Matching the correct visa type |
| Proof of economic means | Depending on the visa |
| Background check | Issued by Colombia’s National Police (apostilled) |
| Medical certificate | Declaring no contagious disease |
| Spanish health insurance | Full coverage required |
| Housing/accommodation | Lease, hotel, or invitation letter |
| Sworn translations | Required for all documents not in Spanish |
📌 We help with apostille, sworn translation, and legal formatting to prevent rejections or delays.
💰 Financial Requirements (Example Estimates)
| Visa Type | Monthly Income Required |
|---|---|
| Student Visa | €600–€700 |
| Non-Lucrative Visa | €2,400+ (plus €600 per dependent) |
| Digital Nomad Visa | €2,650+ |
| Entrepreneur Visa | Show capital and a viable business plan |
| Family Reunification | Based on Spain’s minimum wage |
💡 Funds must be verifiable from bank statements, income sources, or family sponsorships.
🏡 Can Colombians Buy Property in Spain?
✅ Yes — Colombian citizens can legally purchase property in Spain.
However:
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Buying a home no longer grants a visa (the Golden Visa for real estate was removed)
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Owning property can support a visa application as proof of accommodation or economic ties
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You will still need to apply for a residence permit separately
📌 Borderless Lawyers assists Colombians with property searches, legal due diligence, and purchases — even if you’re not in Spain.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Problem |
|---|---|
| Assuming visa-free travel allows long stays | Can result in overstaying penalties |
| Using unofficial translations or missing apostilles | Causes application rejections |
| Waiting until the last minute | May miss school, job, or housing deadlines |
| Not planning tax or financial requirements | Leads to compliance issues later |
✅ Our legal team ensures you follow the correct path and avoid delays or fines.
👩⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Helps Colombians Move to Spain
✔️ Personalized legal guidance from start to finish
✔️ Help choosing the best visa for your goals
✔️ Apostille and sworn translation coordination
✔️ Full visa application support
✔️ Property or investment legal services (if needed)
✔️ NIE, TIE, and local registrations
✔️ Spanish-speaking legal team with cross-border expertise
You don’t need to figure this out alone — we’re here to guide you.
📞 Call to Action
Are you ready to move from Colombia to Spain?
Let Borderless Lawyers help you relocate with confidence — legally, securely, and stress-free.