Moving to Spain from Colombia

Spaniards often choose Spain as their migration destination because it is the best option for those considering moving to a European country. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about immigrating to Spain from Colombia. Historically, conflict in Colombia has been one of the main reasons for relocation; however, people now seek employment or study opportunities in Spain and other countries in the old continent. Individuals can immigrate to Spain from Colombia if they obtain residence permits in Spain, according to the purpose of their stay, and meet the requirements for renewing their permits and residing legally in the country.

Our team of immigration lawyers in Spain answers some of the most common questions about the process and can guide Colombians through the necessary steps to move to the country. If you wish to immigrate to Spain from Colombia, our lawyers are at your disposal with various services. We can also assist you in applying for Spanish citizenship.

Do Colombians need a visa for Spain?

Traveling to Spain is not conditioned on obtaining a prior visa for short stays. Colombians wishing to come to the country can do so with a valid passport. However, in this case, their visit will be limited to a maximum period of 90 days.

Individuals wishing to move to Spain should initiate the process by selecting an appropriate residence permit type and observing the requirements for applying for this document at the Embassy of Spain in Bogotá, Colombia, or the Consulate in Cúcuta, Cartagena, or Pasto.

If you need more information about immigration to Spain from other countries in South America, feel free to discuss your options with our lawyers.

What are the conditions for obtaining a residence permit in Spain as a Colombian?

Immigrating to Spain for long periods of time can be achieved when the individual obtains a job offer, is transferred to a specific job, or for study, family reunification, or investment purposes.

Emigration to Spain can be done in the following ways if you are from Colombia:

• For employment: Issued when the applicant has found a job with a Spanish employer.
• For study purposes: For students admitted to universities in Spain or those continuing their education.
• Entrepreneurial investment: Entrepreneurs wishing to start a business in Spain can do so and obtain a residence permit, under certain conditions.
• Real estate investment: Also known as the «Golden Visa,» it is issued to investors who purchase a Spanish property with a minimum value of 500,000 euros.
• Family reunification: If one of the spouses is of Spanish nationality or has a residence visa or when other family members are in the country; subject to certain conditions.

Our team of immigration lawyers specialized in Spain can provide you with more detailed information on these situations and can guide you in gathering and preparing the appropriate documents for the application. By working with our agents, you can be assured that the documents submitted for approval will be those required by the authorities and that the application will not be denied due to missing or defective documents.

You can contact our agents once you have decided how you can travel to Spain and stay in the country for an extended period: employment, education, or otherwise. We can provide the necessary support to apply for a residence permit in Spain.

Immigration Visas to Spain from Colombia

As mentioned earlier, those who want to immigrate to Spain from Colombia have several options. The choice will determine the type of visa required to immigrate to Spain.

It is also important to note that some visas are easier and faster to obtain than others. These are the main types of visas that can be obtained when immigrating to Spain from Colombia:

• Student visas for those who want to study in Spain (these visas are issued only when enrolled in accredited educational institutions);
• Work visas for short and long-term employment contracts obtained with Spanish employers;
• Non-profit visas that are usually issued to Colombian citizens retiring in Spain;
• Investment visas under which Colombian citizens can start a business or invest in real estate in order to obtain residency in Spain.

There are also other types of visas that can be obtained for specific purposes. These are visas for cultural, sports, business, and medical purposes that are generally issued for short periods of time. Foreign citizens wishing to immigrate to Spain from Colombia can rely on our lawyers to obtain detailed information on the types of visas they can obtain based on their nationalities.

Immigrating to Spain from Colombia with a work visa

Those who want to immigrate to Spain from Colombia can easily move here with a work visa.

The fact that there are no language barriers and that Spanish companies looking to hire skilled migrants represent good options for Colombian citizens wishing to move to Europe.

To obtain a Spanish work visa, the Colombian citizen must first ensure they have a job contract with a local company. Based on the contract, the valid passport, and a temporary work permit issued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Inclusion in Spain.

Then, the documents must be submitted to the Embassy or Consulate of Spain in the region. Other documents may also be required when applying for a work visa for Spain. The major advantage of immigrating to Spain from Colombia with a work visa is that, once relocated here, Colombian citizens can also work in other EU member states if they wish.

Our immigration lawyers in Spain can assist South American citizens who want to move to this country.

Schengen Visas for Colombian Citizens Moving to Spain

As mentioned earlier, immigration to Spain allows citizens from non-EU countries to engage in various activities, such as working and traveling to other EU states. To do so, these citizens must apply for a Schengen visa. There are several types of Schengen visas available for Colombian citizens immigrating to Spain, including short and long-stay visas that can be obtained depending on the purpose of the stay.

The procedure for obtaining a Schengen visa is the same as for obtaining other types of Spanish visas. If you wish to immigrate to Spain with a Schengen visa, our lawyers can explain the procedure and guide you on the documents you need to prepare.

Those planning to move to Spain for long periods of time, including those who wish to apply for Spanish citizenship, can rely on us to guide them in purchasing properties here.

How is the immigration process in Spain when coming from Colombia?

Colombians wishing to immigrate to Spain from Colombia must submit an appropriate application at the Spanish embassy or consulate, according to one of the purposes of their stay listed above.

The required application documents will vary depending on the purpose of the stay. For instance, for employment purposes, a copy of the employment contract must be attached, just as for the purpose of study permit, the applicant should attach a copy of the acceptance letter.

Colombians investing in real estate in Spain may receive residency permits after completing the investment and having the property evaluated. Once the visa application is submitted, it is sent to Spain where Spanish authorities evaluate it and communicate their decision to the corresponding embassy or consulate.

If approved, the applicant can collect it in approximately a month and then schedule their trip to Spain within the period included in the document. The residency permit has a specified validity period and must be renewed. Upon arrival in Spain, Colombians must obtain their foreigner identification number or NIE. This is an important step followed by the application for an identity card. Renting a property and making all other necessary arrangements should be handled by foreigners as they see fit.

Documents required to immigrate to Spain from Colombia

The list of required documents for foreign citizens from non-EU countries, including Colombia, to Spain is slightly different from those moving from other EU member states. The first thing to consider when preparing for immigration to Spain is the type of visa to obtain.

For all visa types, a valid passport, along with the application form issued by the Spanish Embassy or Consulate, is required. An important aspect to consider when deciding to immigrate to Spain from Colombia is the time needed to prepare and file the documents.

This should be calculated based on the time required for the visa to be issued. Colombian citizens can also apply for Spanish citizenship.

According to Spanish immigration authorities:

• The earliest time to initiate the visa application procedure is 6 months;
• The latest period is 2 weeks before the trip; however, our lawyers advise not to wait that long;
• The fees for obtaining Schengen visas for Spain are currently set at 80 euros per adult and 40 euros per child aged 6 to 12 years;
• There are no fees for children under 6 years old.

What do Colombians need to work in Spain?

To work in Spain, a Colombian citizen needs to have a work permit. To obtain a work permit in Spain, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be of legal age (18 years old).
• Have a residence and work authorization.
• Have no criminal record.
• The contract must be for more than 90 days.
• Not be prohibited from entering Spain.
• Be registered with Social Security. T
• These are the requirements that Colombians need to work in Spain.

Frequently Asked Questions about Immigrating to Spain from Colombia

What should a Colombian do to live in Spain?

A Colombian who wishes to live in Spain generally needs to follow these steps:

• Obtain a visa that fits their situation, such as a work visa, study visa, family reunification visa, among others.
• Fulfill the specific visa requirements, which may include documentation, financial and accommodation proofs.
• Register their arrival at the Foreigners’ Office once in Spain.

How to obtain the NIE in Spain as a Colombian?

To obtain the Foreigner Identification Number (NIE) in Spain as a Colombian, you typically need to follow these steps:

• Request an appointment at the police station or Foreigners’ Office.
• Complete the corresponding form and submit the required documentation, which may include passport, visa, and proof of the reason for obtaining the NIE (work, study, etc.).
• Pay the corresponding fees.
• Collect the NIE once issued.

Is it possible to immigrate to Spain from Colombia as an entrepreneur?

Yes, there is an entrepreneur visa for those who wish to start a business in Spain. Certain requirements must be met, and a solid business plan must be presented.

Can I bring my family when immigrating to Spain from Colombia?

In some cases, family reunification visas allow family members to join the visa holder in Spain. The requirements and conditions may vary.