How to Transfer Money from Spain to Colombia
Spain to Colombia Guide
Summary
Spain and Colombia share a number of cultural ties and cooperate closely on global initiatives ranging from bilateral trade agreements to international human rights issues and global terrorism. It is common for Spanish citizens to make international transfers to Colombia to fund travel, relocation costs, pay tuition, make rental or mortgage payments, or for any number of other reasons. Currently, there are no restrictions for Spanish citizens who are planning to transfer money from Spain to Colombia.
Visas, work permits and residency
Typically, Spanish citizens who wish to live or work in Colombia for longer than six months must apply for the appropriate visa. There are two types of residency visas in Colombia: temporary and permanent. For visitors planning to stay longer than six months, they must apply for either a temporary business visa or a temporary visa (for non-work related stays).
For short visits lasting less than six months, Spanish citizens need only show their valid passport (valid for at least six months from the time they arrive) to enter the country. For more information about Colombia’s visa and residence requirements, visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Buying property in Colombia
Residents and non-residents of Colombia are able to freely purchase property within Colombia, with minimal restrictions. It is strongly advised that foreigners work with a licensed real estate agent and/or a real estate attorney who is familiar with Colombian real estate laws to help guide them through the process.
Once a property has been found and due diligence has been completed to ascertain that there are no existing liens or debts against the property, it is typical to then make a promise to purchase. Part of the promise to purchase process is to show proof of the certificado de libertad y tradicion, which attests that due diligence has been completed on the property. The promise to purchase will state the property price, the closing date of the transaction, the notary public used and their contact details, the contact details for the buyer and seller, and any special conditions that were agreed to between the buyer and seller.
The next step, the signing of the public deed, can occur from within a few days of the promise to purchase agreement to several months, as there are several things that need to happen before the final deed can be signed. These include paying all property-related taxes, providing proof of payment for all applicable building administration fees, payment of notary fees, and providing copies of the buyer’s and seller’s IDs. This is typically the step where the buyer will send money from Spain to Colombia to fund their purchase.
The final step, the registration of the closing deed, is where the official transfer of deed takes place and the property is registered under the new owner’s name. The fees for the property registration and mortgage are paid at this time.
Taxation
All Colombian residents are required to pay national and regional taxes on earned income. An individual is considered a resident if they have spent 183 days total (consecutive or non-consecutive) in Colombia within any 365-day period. Colombia and Spain do have a tax treaty in place to ensure that citizens of both countries are not double taxed on any income earned while living in either country.
Spanish students studying in Colombia
Spanish students who plan to study in Colombia at the university level will find a number of resources available through Colombia’s Ministry of Education. Scholarships and grant opportunities are available to international students. Note that a student visa is required to study within the country for any length of time. For younger students, Colombia has a number of international schools in its major cities. Typically, enrollment for international schools is done at the school, and it is recommended that the school be contacted directly to begin the process.
Voting
Spanish citizens are not permitted to vote in Colombian elections. Spanish citizens who wish to vote in Spanish elections or EU parliamentary elections must first register with their local Spanish embassy in Colombia, and will then be permitted to vote in Spanish and EU elections via absentee ballot.
Healthcare
Colombia’s healthcare system is comprised of a combination of compulsory health insurance services and supplemental pre-paid medical insurance. For non-residents who are visiting or planning to stay in Colombia for an extended period of time, purchasing traveler’s insurance or a private medical plan to cover them for the duration of the stay is strongly advisable. Non-citizens are not eligible for Colombia’s compulsory health insurance services.
Importing from Spain to Colombia
As a member of the EU, Spain benefits from powerful bilateral trade agreements and a strong regulatory framework in its trade relationship with Colombia. This trade relationship is governed by a Framework Trade and Economic Co-operation Agreement. In 2011, foreign direct investment (FDI), trade, remittances and international money transfers between the EU and Colombia accounted for approximately USD $15 billion. Trade between Colombia and Spain accounted for USD $1.8 billion of that total. Spain was also the second-largest provider of FDI into Colombia in 2012, supplying USD $4.42 billion to the Colombian economy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the money transfer companies shown above safe to use?
Yes, all the companies are safe and fully-regulated money transfer services.
Each are authorised and regulated by the relevant authority such as the Financial
Conduct Authority(FCA) in the UK, FinCEN in the US, FinTRAC in Canada or ASIC in Australia.
How long does an international money transfer take?
The speed of delivery will depend on where the money is being from and to and how
you are sending and receiving the money. Transfers sent using bank to bank transfers
can depend take anywhere from minutes to days and you should check the time estimates
from the relevant provider. Debit and credit card payments sometimes allow for faster
transfers for smaller amounts.
How do I use FXcompared?
First review the comparison results (such as for a table above) for a given amount
of money sending from Spain to Colombia. Then select a provider based on
factors such as price, speed, their rating and click the green button to be taken to
their website. From there, you can register and sign up for an account. Once you have
done that and the provider has verified your identity to ensure the money can be send
safely, you will be ready to transfer money.
What payments methods can I use to send money overseas?
The results shown above are typically for bank to bank transfers. It is possible
via some providers to pay in your funds for the transfer via cash, debit or credit
cards as well but this is usually reserved for smaller amounts. Some providers also
give you different options for how the money will be received - to a bank account
(most common), to a debit card, to cash or to a digital or mobile wallet.
What if the price shown above isn’t exactly what I am offered when I try to transfer money?
There can be a number of reasons why the final price you are offered may be different
to that shown in the table above. Exchange rates between two currencies change all
the time and is the most common reason. Additionally, some providers offer different
pricing depending what method you are using to send funds or how the funds will be
received. Others may offer you a premium service for faster payments. In some cases
FXcompared has a special rate with a provider and this is reserved for first time
customers who sign up to the provider starting from FXcompared’s website.
As prices do change often, be sure to confirm the total cost with the provider
before transferring money.
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