Visa Types in Colombia: General Guide for Foreigners

Why does understanding the visa system matter?

If you are a foreigner who wants to stay in Colombia for more than 90 days, you will need to obtain a visa. The Colombian immigration system offers different visa categories depending on the purpose of your stay, whether it's extended tourism, work, study, investment, or permanent residence.

Understanding the available options will allow you to choose the right visa for your situation, avoid costly rejections, and plan your immigration process effectively.

If you need specialized advice on immigration procedures, learn about our immigration law services in Santa Marta.

How does the Colombian visa system work?

Colombia classifies its visas into three main categories according to Resolution 5477 of 2022 from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

Category V - Visitor

For foreigners visiting Colombia temporarily without intention to settle. Allows multiple activities but has limitations regarding length of stay.

Category M - Migrant

For foreigners who wish to settle in Colombia temporarily but for an extended period. Includes work, study, marriage, and other visas.

Category R - Resident

For foreigners who meet specific requirements and wish to reside permanently in Colombia. It is the step prior to Colombian citizenship.

What is a Type V visitor visa, and who is it for?

Visitor visas are ideal for temporary stays with specific purposes.

V - Tourism

• Duration: Up to 2 years with stays of 180 days per year
• Purpose: Tourist, recreational, or cultural activities
• Main requirements:
  • Valid passport
  • Exit ticket or travel itinerary
  • Demonstrable financial solvency
  • Health insurance with coverage in Colombia

V - Business

• Duration: Up to 2 years
• Purpose: Business meetings, conferences, trade fairs
• Main requirements:
  • Invitation letter from Colombian company
  • Certificate of existence of the inviting company
  • Bank statements of the applicant
  • Does not allow paid work in Colombia

V - Crew Member

• Duration: Up to 1 year
• Purpose: Crew members of vessels or aircraft
• Main requirements:
  • Employment contract with the transportation company
  • Valid professional license or certification

V - Agreement

• Duration: According to the applicable agreement
• Purpose: Beneficiaries of international agreements
• Main requirements:
  • Documentation of the agreement or accord
  • Letter from the entity responsible for the agreement

V - Courtesy

• Duration: Variable
• Purpose: Officials of international organizations, diplomats
• Main requirements:
  • Verbal note from the diplomatic mission
  • Accreditation from the international organization

What is a Type M migrant visa, and who is it for?

Migrant visas allow for a longer stay and generally include a work permit.

M - Worker

The work visa is one of the most requested by foreigners in Colombia.

Main subtypes:

General requirements:

• Employment or service contract
• Professional degree or certification of experience
• Criminal background check from country of origin
• Certificate from the employing company
• Payment of consular fee

M - Entrepreneur

• Duration: Up to 3 years
• Purpose: Creation of companies or startups in Colombia
• Main requirements:
  • Detailed business plan
  • Minimum investment capital
  • Company registration with the Chamber of Commerce
  • Demonstrate viability of the venture

M - Student

• Duration: Duration of the academic program
• Purpose: Formal studies at Colombian institutions
• Main requirements:
  • Acceptance letter from approved educational institution
  • Financial solvency for maintenance
  • Student health insurance
  • Does not allow full-time work (maximum 20 hours per week)

M - Marriage or Marital Union

• Duration: Up to 3 years
• Purpose: Spouses or permanent partners of Colombians
• Main requirements:
  • Marriage certificate or declaration of marital union
  • Copy of Colombian spouse's ID card
  • Proof of cohabitation
  • Sworn declaration of cohabitation

M - Religious

• Duration: Up to 3 years
• Purpose: Ministers of worship and missionaries
• Main requirements:
  • Letter from the religious organization in Colombia
  • Certification from the religious entity of origin
  • Legal status of the religious organization

M - Pensioner or Rentier

• Duration: Up to 3 years
• Purpose: Retirees or persons with passive income
• Main requirements:
  • Minimum pension of 3 Colombian minimum wages per month
  • Or equivalent periodic income
  • Bank certification of income
  • Health insurance affiliation in Colombia

M - Investor

• Duration: Up to 3 years
• Purpose: Direct investment in Colombia
• Main requirements:
  • Minimum investment of 650 monthly minimum wages in real estate
  • Or investment of 350 minimum wages in a Colombian company
  • Or purchase of shares or participations in a Colombian company
  • Registration of the investment with the Bank of the Republic

What is a Type R resident visa, and who is it for?

The resident visa is the most favorable immigration status for foreigners in Colombia.

Benefits of the R Visa

• Permanent and indefinite residence
• Unrestricted work permit
• Path to Colombian citizenship
• Access to public services and social programs
• No renewal required (foreigner ID card is issued)

Requirements for Obtaining R Visa

You can apply for a resident visa if you meet any of the following conditions:

1. By accumulated time:

• Having held an M visa for 5 consecutive years
• Having held an M visa as a parent of a Colombian for 2 years
• Having held an M visa for marriage to a Colombian for 3 years

2. By investment:

• Registered investment of at least 650 monthly minimum wages
• Maintained for at least 5 years

3. By pension:

• Being a beneficiary of an old-age pension
• Having resided in Colombia for 5 years

4. By birth:

• Foreign parents of Colombian children born in Colombia

How does the Colombian visa application process work?

The application process is mainly done online through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal.

To maximize your chances of success, check our guide on what documents to prepare before an immigration consultation.

Step 1: Document Preparation

Gather all required documents according to the visa type:

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• Digital photo with technical specifications
• Supporting documents according to category
• Official translations if applicable
• Apostille of foreign documents

Step 2: Portal Registration

• Create an account in the Visa and Immigration System (www.cancilleria.gov.co)
• Complete the online application form
• Upload digitized documents
• Pay the visa study fee

Step 3: Application Review

• The Ministry evaluates the documentation
• May request additional documents
• Response time: 5 to 30 business days
• Possible consular interview

Step 4: Approval and Stamping

• Electronic notification of the decision
• Payment of visa issuance fee
• Stamping in passport (in person or by mail)
• Registration with Migration Colombia within 15 days

Step 5: Foreigner ID Card

Once in Colombia with a valid visa:

• Apply for foreigner ID card (cedula de extranjeria) at Migration Colombia
• Present stamped visa and passport
• Pay the corresponding fee
• Identity document for foreigners in Colombia

How much does each Colombian visa cost in 2025?

Costs vary according to visa type and are paid in two stages.

Study Fees

Issuance Fees

Additional Costs

• Foreigner ID card: Approximately 230,000 COP
• Official translations: Variable depending on document
• Apostilles: Variable depending on country of origin
• Medical examinations (if applicable): Variable

What are the most common visa application mistakes?

Avoid these frequent errors that can cause delays or rejections:

Documentary Errors

• Passport about to expire (must have at least 6 months validity)
• Documents without apostille or legalization
• Unofficial translations
• Photos that do not meet technical specifications
• Incomplete or inconsistent forms

Process Errors

• Not verifying updated requirements before applying
• Applying for the wrong visa category
• Not paying fees within established timeframes
• Not responding to additional requirements on time
• Not registering with Migration Colombia after entry

Substantive Errors

• Inconsistencies between documentation and declared purpose
• Insufficient or non-demonstrable financial solvency
• Undeclared negative immigration history
• Employment contracts that do not meet legal requirements

What rights and obligations does a visa holder have?

Your Rights

• Stay in Colombia during the visa validity
• Work if the visa allows it
• Access health and education services
• Leave and re-enter the country during validity
• Request category change if you meet requirements

Your Obligations

• Keep passport and visa valid
• Register with Migration Colombia
• Carry foreigner ID card
• Report changes in address or employer
• Not engage in activities not authorized by the visa
• Renew the visa before expiration

Special Situations

Visa Category Change

You can request a category change while in Colombia if:

• You have a valid visa
• You meet requirements for the new category
• You have no pending immigration sanctions

Stay Extension

If your visa is valid but your length of stay is about to expire:

• Request an extension from Migration Colombia
• Present valid justification
• Pay the corresponding fee

Safe Conduct Pass

Document that allows temporary stay while:

• Waiting for visa application decision
• Resolving immigration situation
• Preparing departure from the country

Refugee and Asylum Situations

Colombia offers protection to people fleeing:

• Political persecution
• Armed conflicts
• Human rights violations
• Special process before CONARE

Recommendations for Foreigners

Before Traveling

1. Check if you need a tourist visa to enter
2. Review updated requirements on the Ministry's website
3. Prepare documents in advance
4. Purchase international health insurance
5. Have sufficient demonstrable funds

During Your Stay

1. Keep copies of all your documents
2. Register at your country's embassy or consulate
3. Comply with renewal deadlines
4. Report address changes to Migration Colombia
5. Keep records of your legal status

For Work Visa

1. Make sure the job offer is legitimate
2. Verify that the company can sponsor visas
3. Negotiate for the company to cover application costs
4. Understand your labor rights in Colombia
5. Enroll in the social security system

When should you seek legal advice?

It is recommended to consult with an attorney specialized in immigration when:

• Your case presents special complexities
• You have had previous visa rejections
• You have immigration history that requires explanation
• You plan a long-term immigration strategy
• You want to start a business or make investments
• You need to process visas for your entire family
• You face deportation or sanction procedures

Useful Resources

Official Entities

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs: www.cancilleria.gov.co
• Migration Colombia: www.migracioncolombia.gov.co
• Colombian Consulates: Located in your country of origin

Contact Lines

• Migration Colombia national line: 153
• Citizen contact center: (+57) 601 3814000