Travel and Residency Options in Spain 2025

Spain remains one of the top destinations for Colombians who want to travel, study, work, or settle permanently. With ETIAS coming into force in 2025, the rules for short-term stays change, and there are also multiple visa and residency options for long-term settlement.

This article covers:

• Updated 2025–2026 requirements.
• Work, study, residence, digital nomad, job search, investment, and nationality options.
• Comparative tables, practical advice, and FAQs.

1. Tourism with ETIAS

Colombians can visit Spain for up to 90 days without a visa. From 2025, ETIAS will be mandatory.

Requirements: passport valid for 6 months, ETIAS authorization (€7), €95/day proof of funds, return ticket, Schengen insurance (€30,000), accommodation proof.

See our dedicated guide: Travel Requirements to Spain from Colombia 2025.

2. Work Visas in Spain

• Employee visa: Spanish job offer required, valid 1 year.
• Self-employed visa: business plan and funds, valid 1 year.
• Highly qualified professional: under Entrepreneur Law 14/2013, valid 2 years.

3. Student Visa

• Admission letter from a Spanish institution.
• Proof of funds (~IPREM monthly).
• Private health insurance.
• Criminal record certificate.

4. Residency Options

• Non-lucrative residency: €28,800/year income, no work rights.
• Family reunification: for spouses, children, or parents.
• Golden Visa: €500,000 in real estate.

5. Digital Nomad Visa

• Contract with foreign company or freelance income.
• Minimum €2,160/month.
• Private insurance.
• Valid for 1–3 years.

6. Job Search Visa

Allows Colombians to reside in Spain for 12 months while seeking employment or starting a business.

Requirements: degree recognition, proof of funds (100% IPREM), insurance, clean criminal record.

Advantage: can be converted into a work or self-employed residency once employment is secured.

7. Spanish Nationality

• After 2 years of legal residence.
• By marriage to a Spanish citizen.
• By descent (children/grandchildren of Spaniards).

Quick comparison

| Category | Visa | Initial duration | Minimum funds | Work allowed? | |-----------------------|:----:|------------------|----------------------|--------------------------| | Tourism + ETIAS | No | 90 days | €95 per day | No | | Work (employee) | Yes | 1 year | Job contract | Yes | | Work (self-employed) | Yes | 1 year | Business plan + funds| Yes | | Highly qualified | Yes | 2 years | Job contract | Yes | | Student | Yes | Course length | IPREM monthly | No (except internships) | | Non-lucrative | Yes | 1 year | €28,800 per year | No | | Family reunification | Yes | 1 year | Dependent | Yes | | Golden Visa | Yes | 2 years | €500,000 or more | Yes | | Job Search Visa | Yes | 12 months | 100% of IPREM | No (until status change) | | Digital Nomad | Yes | 1 year | €2,160 per month | Yes | | Nationality | N/A | After 2 yrs res. | Variable | Yes |

FAQs

Do Colombians need a visa to travel to Spain in 2025?
No, but ETIAS is mandatory.

What is the Job Search Visa?
A 12-month permit to legally stay in Spain while seeking employment.

Can I live in Spain without working?
Yes, with a non-lucrative residency visa.

What is the Golden Visa minimum investment?
€500,000 in real estate.

Conclusion

Spain offers Colombians diverse pathways in 2025–2026: ETIAS tourism, work visas, study programs, Golden Visa, family reunification, job search visa, and digital nomad permits.

At LS Consulting, we assist you with every step of your Spanish visa or residency process.
Contact us today for professional legal advice.