Colombia – Visas

Do I need a visa to move to Colombia?

Colombia has signed agreements with numerous countries permitting entry without a visa for short-term visits. Citizens of more than 90 nations — including Germany, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, France, Japan, Mexico, Peru, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Spain, among many others — may visit Colombia without obtaining a visa in advance. The complete list is published on the Cancillería’s official website.

If your passport is from one of these countries, you may enter Colombia without a visa and remain for up to 90 days, with the possibility of a single extension bringing the total to 180 days within a calendar year. This entitlement constitutes a tourist permit rather than a visa, and it carries no authorisation to work or reside in Colombia on a long-term basis. Anyone intending to live, study, invest, or be employed in Colombia must secure an official visa before doing so.

It is also worth noting that Colombia does not offer a visa on arrival. If your nationality is not among those exempt, you must obtain a visa before departing for Colombia. Nationals of countries such as Algeria, Belarus, Haiti, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Vietnam, and Zambia, among others, are required to approach the Colombian consulate in their home country and complete the full visa process in advance of travel.

According to the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, certain nationalities — including those of Cambodia, India, Nicaragua, China, Thailand, and Vietnam — may enter without a visa if they hold a valid short-stay visa or residence permit issued by a Schengen country or the United States. That permit must retain at least 180 days of validity from the date of arrival in Colombia. Since visa regulations can be revised at any time, you should always confirm your specific circumstances with the Cancillería or the nearest Colombian consulate before making travel arrangements.

If you plan to travel to Colombia for any purpose other than tourism — such as study, employment, volunteering, research, or long-term residence — a specific visa will be required. The correct visa category will depend on your intended activities and personal situation.

What types of visa are available for people moving to Colombia?

Colombia’s visa framework is divided into three principal categories: Visitor (V), Migrant (M), and Resident (R). Each category addresses different purposes, including tourism, employment, study, retirement, volunteering, and religious activity. For expats planning a long-term relocation, the Migrant (M) visa is the most important category to understand.

The Visitor Visa (Type V) is intended for foreigners who wish to visit Colombia on one or more occasions, or to remain temporarily without establishing permanent residence. This visa permits holders to engage in a range of activities, including airport transit, tourism, business dealings, academic exchange, studies in art or trades and postgraduate courses, medical treatment, administrative and/or judicial procedures, vessel or coastal platform crew duties, participation in events, volunteering, audiovisual and digital production, journalistic coverage, and courtesy stays. Visitor visas are generally granted for up to 180 days or, under certain subcategories, for periods of up to two years.

The Migrant (M) visa requires applicants to demonstrate financial solvency, professional credentials, or qualifying family connections in order to secure long-term residency. This category encompasses a variety of circumstances, ranging from skilled workers and investors to religious workers and retirees, and facilitates extended stays with a potential pathway to permanent residency. This visa may be granted for up to three years and is suited to those who wish to live, work, invest, retire, or establish a family in Colombia. It functions as the principal stepping stone toward permanent residency and is broadly comparable in purpose to Spain’s long-stay resident visa or France’s carte de séjour temporaire, in that it confers temporary residence while time accumulates toward permanent status.

Key subcategories of the Migrant (M) visa relevant to expats include:

• Retirement/Pensioner visa: Colombia’s Retirement Visa, classified within the Migrant (M) category, is a widely chosen option among retirees. Applicants must demonstrate a stable monthly income — typically derived from a pension — that meets the government’s minimum threshold. As of 2025, this equates to at least three times the Colombian minimum wage (3 SMLMV), approximately COP 4,270,500 (~USD 1,042) per month. Employment is not permitted under this visa.
• Employee/Work visa: This visa is available to foreigners formally employed by a Colombian company. It requires a valid employment contract and evidence that the employer has received income exceeding 100 times the minimum monthly legal wage (SMLMV) over the preceding six months (approximately COP 427 million as of 2025), along with supporting employer documentation such as bank statements, business registration records, and legal existence certification.
• Investor/Business owner visa: Those wishing to establish a company or acquire a stake in an existing Colombian business may find this visa appropriate. A minimum investment of 100 SMLMV is required — approximately COP 427 million (~USD 104,000) in 2025. A Real Estate Investment Visa also offers a practical route, with the application requiring proof of property purchase, registration documentation, and financial source verification.
• Digital nomad visa: The Digital Nomad Visa has grown into one of the most sought-after options for location-independent expats. It is tailored to freelancers, entrepreneurs, and employees working under contracts with entities based outside Colombia. A fundamental condition is that all income must originate from abroad rather than from Colombian employers.
• Family reunification visa: This visa is available to the spouse or permanent partner of a Colombian national. Those in a civil partnership become eligible one year after formally registering the partnership.

The Resident Visa (Type R) is designed for those who wish to establish permanent residency in Colombia. To qualify, applicants must first hold a Migrant (M) visa for a minimum period that varies according to the specific migrant visa category held. Prior to October 2022, foreigners could apply for a resident visa on the basis of a substantial investment in Colombian real estate, but this has since changed and a migrant visa must now be held first. Resident visas are granted for five-year periods and are renewable.

How do I apply for a visa for Colombia?

All visa applications are submitted online through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores or Cancillería). Applicants can monitor the progress of their submission using the link and passcode included in the confirmation email sent at the time of application. The primary online portal is available at tramitesmre.cancilleria.gov.co.

The first Visitor visa must always be processed at a Colombian consulate abroad. In all other cases, the application may be submitted in Bogotá, provided the applicant already holds a valid visa. If you are lawfully present in Colombia with a valid permit, certain renewals and changes of status may be handled from within the country.

The step-by-step application process is as follows:

1. Check your visa requirements: Establish whether your nationality requires a visa for entry to Colombia and identify which visa category corresponds to your intended purpose. Refer to the Cancillería website for the official list of exempt nationalities and available visa types.
2. Gather your documents: Assemble all supporting documents required for your specific visa category (see the documents section below). Confirm that any foreign documents carry apostille certification and Spanish translations where applicable.
3. Complete the online application form: Submit your application through the online service on the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. You will be asked to enter your name, nationality, and passport number to begin. Bear in mind that the online session times out after 30 minutes, so it is advisable to have all your information ready before starting.
4. Select your visa type and upload documents: Choose the visa category you are applying for, attach a digital photograph meeting the specified requirements, upload PDF copies of all required documents, and select the Colombian consulate through which you wish to process your application.
5. Pay the application study fee: A non-refundable study fee of approximately USD 50 is charged by the Colombian government to review your application; your submission will not proceed until this payment has been made. The fee can be paid by credit card or Colombian bank card through the PSE payment platform.
6. Await a decision: The Colombian authorities have a maximum of 30 days to respond to your application. During this time, you may receive requests by email for supplementary information or corrections.
7. Pay the visa issuance fee: Should your application be approved, you will have ten business days in which to pay the visa issuance fee. Failure to pay within this timeframe will be treated as a withdrawal of your application.
8. Receive your e-visa and register with Migración Colombia: Upon approval, your e-visa will be delivered to your email address — no stamp in your passport is required. Within 15 days of your visa being issued and your entry into Colombia (or from the date of issuance if you are already in the country), you are legally obliged to register your visa and apply for your Cédula de Extranjería (foreigner’s ID card) with Migración Colombia. This is a mandatory legal requirement.

Applicants based in the United States should direct enquiries to the Embassy of Colombia in Washington D.C. and its consulates in cities including New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, Boston, Atlanta, and Chicago. Those applying from the United Kingdom should contact the Colombian Consulate General in London. Applicants in other countries should consult the nearest Colombian embassy or consulate. As procedures are subject to revision, always verify current requirements directly on the Cancillería website before proceeding.

What documents do I need to apply for a visa for Colombia?

Regardless of the visa category, certain documents are universally required: a valid passport with a minimum of six months remaining before expiry, along with additional items that vary depending on the type of visa sought. The core documents typically required are set out below, with category-specific additions indicated.

• Valid passport with at least two blank pages and no less than six months’ validity beyond the intended period of stay.
• Recent photographs — two recent colour photographs measuring 3×3 cm, taken facing directly toward the camera against a plain white background.
• Proof of financial capacity: Documentation demonstrating sufficient economic means to sustain yourself in Colombia — typically bank statements, pension certificates, employment contracts, or evidence of income appropriate to the visa category being applied for.
• Criminal record certificate: Criminal background checks have long been a requirement for retirement and rentista visas. From 2024, this obligation was extended to include digital nomad visas, and by 2025 it has been broadened further to encompass nearly all visa categories.
• Health insurance: From October 2024, the Colombian Retirement Visa requires a travel health policy covering accidents and repatriation. Health insurance requirements are increasingly applicable across visa categories — consult the specific conditions for your chosen visa type.
• Proof of accommodation or a letter of invitation, where relevant to the visa category.
• Category-specific documents: For instance, a valid employment contract for a work visa, an official pension certificate for a retirement visa, property purchase documentation for an investor visa, or a Colombian marriage or civil union certificate for a family reunification visa.

All documents originating abroad must carry an apostille or legalisation, and must be officially translated into Spanish if they are not already in that language. The official translation itself must be legalised or apostilled as appropriate. Where bank statements are required, these may be submitted without apostille or legalisation and without a Spanish translation, provided their content can be satisfactorily established by the reviewing visa officer.

If you are a national of a country that is not party to the Apostille Convention, your documents must first be notarised before a public notary and then endorsed at the Colombian Consulate. Document requirements can vary considerably by visa category and may be updated by the authorities at any time. Always consult the official Cancillería website for a definitive and current checklist specific to your visa type.

How long does a visa application for Colombia take to process?

Colombian visa applications are generally processed within two to three weeks, though the authorities have up to 30 calendar days to reach a decision, as of 2024. It is essential to apply well in advance of any planned travel date.

Despite shorter timescales being indicated on the government website, Visitor (V) visas can in practice take between 20 and 30 days to be approved. Where documents are found to be missing, the process is typically delayed by approximately one additional week. Migrant (M) and Resident (R) applications, which ordinarily require more extensive supporting documentation, should be planned on the assumption that the full 30-day period will be needed.

Certain visa categories involve documents that are directly tied to anticipated travel dates — such as return tickets and medical insurance policies. Submitting an application without adequate lead time creates a risk that documents may have expired or become invalid by the time the application is assessed. It is strongly recommended to begin the process at least six to eight weeks before your intended relocation date, in order to allow sufficient time for document collection, apostille procedures, and any requests for supplementary information.

Processing times are determined by the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and may be revised. Always consult the Cancillería’s official website for up-to-date estimated processing times for your specific visa category.

How much does it cost to apply for a visa for Colombia?

Applicants for a Colombian visa are subject to two distinct fees: a non-refundable processing (study) fee payable at the time of application, followed by a separate issuance fee charged only if the visa is granted. As of 2024, the study fee is approximately USD 52 for applications submitted from within Colombia or from a non-European country, or approximately €40 for applications originating from Cuba or a European country.

An additional fee becomes payable once a visa is approved, and the amount varies according to the visa type. Issuance fees generally range from around USD 50 to USD 400, as of 2024–2025. By way of example, the qualified resident’s visa carries an issuance fee of USD 300, according to the most recent Cancillería guidance.

The table below provides a general overview of typical costs, as of 2024–2025:

The above figures represent only the official fees payable to the Colombian government. You should also plan for a range of additional costs that will vary depending on your country of origin and visa type. Expenses commonly incurred in connection with the application process include:

• Document translation into Spanish by a government-certified translator
• Apostille certification of foreign-issued documents
• Criminal background check (now required across most visa categories as of 2025)
• Health insurance that satisfies Colombian government requirements
• Legal or immigration consultancy fees if professional assistance is engaged
• Cédula de Extranjería (foreigner’s ID card) registration with Migración Colombia

The study fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of your application. All fees are set by the Colombian government and are subject to revision. Always verify the current fee schedule on the Cancillería costs and payments page before submitting your application.

Can my family members join me in Colombia on a visa?

A dependent family visa may be granted to the spouse, permanent partner, parents, or children of a foreigner holding a valid Colombian visa. It mirrors the duration and conditions of the principal visa holder’s visa but does not independently accumulate time toward residency or naturalisation. It is intended for families relocating together or dependants accompanying the primary visa holder.

A beneficiary’s visa may be issued to the spouse, permanent partner, parents, and economically dependent children of the main visa holder. Under such a visa, the beneficiary’s permitted activities are confined to managing the household or pursuing studies. No other occupation is authorised under a dependent visa — dependants do not automatically acquire the right to work in Colombia. Any dependant who wishes to work must apply for an appropriate visa in their own name.

Dependent applicants must lodge their own application and provide documentation establishing the relevant family relationship. Documents typically required include a civil registration or equivalent record demonstrating the relationship or kinship, duly legalised or apostilled, evidence showing the beneficiary’s economic dependence on the main visa holder, and a letter in which the principal visa holder formally accepts responsibility for the beneficiary’s stay in and departure from Colombia.

Where minors are concerned, the application, proxy, or authorisation must bear the signatures of both parents and be authenticated before a Colombian notary or consul. A copy of the principal holder’s valid visa must also be included. Children may attend school in Colombia under a dependent visa. For the most current income thresholds and eligibility conditions, consult the Cancillería website.

Can I extend my visa or apply for permanent residence in Colombia?

The Resident Visa (R) is the route for those seeking to make Colombia their permanent home. Applicants must first have held a Migrant Visa (M) for a minimum qualifying period that differs depending on their circumstances. This time must be continuous — any lapse or expiry of the visa between renewals resets the residency clock.

Expats may apply for a resident visa once they have accumulated the required uninterrupted period of living and/or working in Colombia. For those who have resided in Colombia as a political refugee, employee, entrepreneur, freelancer, investor, retiree, or permanent partner, the qualifying period is five years. Shorter qualifying periods apply to certain categories — the specific rules for your visa type should always be confirmed with the Cancillería.

Once eligible, applicants may apply for the Resident Visa, which is valid for up to five years and may be renewed. It confers the freedom to work and reside in Colombia without restriction. In structural terms, this is broadly comparable to France’s carte de résident or Germany’s permanent settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis), in that it provides an open-ended right to live and work in the country without the need to renew a category-specific permit each year.

Renewing a Colombian visa generally involves submitting refreshed documentation and paying the applicable fees to the immigration authorities. Following the grant of a Resident visa, a pathway to Colombian citizenship becomes available. For foreign nationals other than those from Latin American, Caribbean, or Spanish backgrounds, the requirement is five years of domicile in Colombia, or two years if the individual is married to or is the permanent partner of a Colombian national, or has Colombian children. The domicile period is counted from the date on which the Resident Visa was issued.

Latin American or Caribbean citizens who have lived continuously in Colombia for one year are eligible to apply for citizenship. For Spanish citizens, the required period is two years. Applicants must demonstrate a basic knowledge of the Colombian Political Constitution, history, geography, and Spanish, although individuals who have completed secondary or university education in Colombia, as well as those aged 65 and over, are exempt. Persons whose native language is Spanish are not required to sit the Spanish examination.

What are the most common reasons visa applications for Colombia are refused?

All applications are processed through the Cancillería’s online platform, and it is essential to select the correct visa category and follow the instructions precisely — errors can result in delays or outright refusal. Familiarising yourself with the most frequent grounds for rejection will help you put together a stronger application.

The most common reasons for visa refusal include:

• Incorrect or incomplete documentation: Absent documents, improperly authenticated paperwork, or translations not carried out by a government-certified translator are among the most frequently cited reasons for rejection. The authorities will typically notify you by email of any outstanding items or corrections required.
• Insufficient proof of income or financial means: Failure to demonstrate the required income threshold — for example, the minimum monthly pension for a retirement visa or the requisite investment level for a business visa — will ordinarily lead to refusal.
• Criminal record issues: Criminal background checks are now a requirement across nearly all visa categories. This obligation was considerably expanded in 2024 and by 2025 broadly covers all major visa types. Any unresolved criminal history may result in an application being refused.
• Overstaying a previous visit: Applicants for many Colombian visa categories are expected not to have previously overstayed their permitted period in the country. A prior overstay represents a significant ground for refusal.
• Failure to satisfy category-specific requirements: Each visa subcategory carries precise financial, professional, or relationship conditions. The absence of a valid employment contract for a work visa, or inadequate investment documentation for an investor visa, will typically result in refusal.

If a visa application is refused, the applicant may not lodge a fresh application for six months following the rejection, and may only do so from their country of nationality or permanent legal residence. This makes it especially important to submit a thorough and accurate application from the outset.

If your application is refused, you may reapply once the mandatory waiting period has elapsed. It is advisable to seek the guidance of a qualified Colombian immigration lawyer or specialist agency to assess the reasons for refusal before submitting a new application. Professional assistance is generally recommended for any visa category beyond the basic Visitor visa, as the Colombian authorities examine applications with considerable rigour and a qualified adviser can help ensure nothing is overlooked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work in Colombia on a tourist permit or visa-free entry?

Visa-free entry grants you a tourist permit, not a visa, and it carries no authorisation to work or remain in Colombia over the long term. Whether you intend to be employed by a Colombian company or to operate as a self-employed digital nomad, you must obtain the appropriate Migrant (M) visa before commencing any work activities.

Can I apply for a Colombian visa from inside Colombia?

If you intend to apply for a V-type visa while already in Colombia, you should provide both your arrival stamp and the biographical page of your passport at the time of application. For Migrant (M) and Resident (R) visas, applications can generally be submitted online whether you are inside or outside Colombia, provided you hold valid immigration status. For first-time Visitor visa applications, however, the application must always be processed at a Colombian consulate abroad.

Do I need to speak Spanish to apply for a Colombian visa?

No language proficiency is required to apply for a Visitor or Migrant visa. However, all documents originating abroad must carry an apostille or legalisation and must be officially translated into Spanish if they are not already in that language. Spanish language ability becomes relevant at the citizenship (naturalisation) stage, though persons whose native language is Spanish are not required to sit the Spanish examination.

What is the Cédula de Extranjería and do I need one?

Within 15 days of your visa being issued and your entry into Colombia, you are legally required to register your visa and apply for the Cédula de Extranjería (foreigner’s ID card) with Migración Colombia. This is a mandatory obligation, not an optional step. The Cédula de Extranjería serves as your official identification document in Colombia and is necessary for opening bank accounts, entering into contracts, and accessing a wide range of services. The application must be made in person at a Migración Colombia office.

How long can I stay in Colombia before needing a long-term visa?

Nationals of visa-exempt countries may enter Colombia and remain for up to 90 days without a visa. A single extension of a further 90 days can be requested, bringing the total permitted stay to 180 days within a calendar year. No further extension is possible. Once the 180-day limit is reached, you must either depart Colombia or hold a valid long-term visa.

Is there a digital nomad visa for Colombia?

Yes. The Digital Nomad Visa has become one of the most popular choices for expats who value flexibility in where they work. It is available to location-independent freelancers, entrepreneurs, and employees working under contracts with organisations based outside Colombia. A key condition is that all income must come from foreign rather than Colombian sources. Depending on duration and specific circumstances, it may fall under the Visitor (V) or Migrant (M) category — consult the Cancillería website for the latest requirements.

Can Colombia residents hold dual citizenship?

After holding a Resident visa for five years, you become eligible to apply for Colombian citizenship without being required to renounce your existing nationality. Colombian citizenship confers the right to vote and provides protection from deportation. It also allows you to travel freely between Mercosur member states in South America using only your Colombian ID card. As individual countries have differing rules on dual nationality, you should check the legislation of your country of origin before applying.

What happens if I overstay my visa or tourist permit in Colombia?

Remaining in Colombia beyond your authorised period is a serious immigration infringement that may lead to fines, detention, and possible deportation. Migración Colombia has the authority to issue immigration penalties, and mitigating factors are assessed under Resolution 360 of 2015, which may result in a reduction of the financial sanction. An overstay can also jeopardise your eligibility for future visas. If you are at risk of exceeding your permitted stay, contact Migración Colombia without delay to seek guidance on regularising your status.