Colombia offers different types of visas for foreigners who wish to stay in the country. The most common types of visas for expats in Colombia are:
Visitor visa
This type of visa is suitable for people who are planning to stay in Colombia for less than six months. A visitor visa allows the holder to engage in tourism, business, or academic activities.
Migrant visa
Migrant visas are issued to those individuals who want to stay in Colombia for more than six months. The following are the different types of migrant visas available in Colombia:
M-1 visa
This visa is suitable for people who are retired or have a pension income that they receive from their home country. To apply for this visa, the applicant must show proof of the income received.
M-2 visa
This visa is suitable for individuals who want to invest in a business in Colombia. The investment must be at least 100 times the minimum wage in Colombia.
M-3 visa
This visa is suitable for people who are married to a Colombian citizen or have a Colombian child.
M-4 visa
This visa is suitable for people who have a job offer in Colombia.
M-5 visa
This visa is suitable for individuals who want to study in Colombia.
Temporary residency
Temporary residency is granted to those individuals who want to stay in Colombia for more than one year. The following are the different types of temporary residency visas available in Colombia:
TP-1 visa
This visa is suitable for people who are retired or have a pension income that they receive from their home country.
TP-2 visa
This visa is suitable for individuals who want to invest in a business in Colombia. The investment must be at least 100 times the minimum wage in Colombia.
TP-3 visa
This visa is suitable for people who are married to a Colombian citizen or have a Colombian child.
TP-4 visa
This visa is suitable for people who have a job offer in Colombia.
TP-5 visa
This visa is suitable for individuals who want to study in Colombia.
Permanent residency
Permanent residency is granted to those individuals who have been living in Colombia for at least five years. The permanent residency visa is suitable for people who want to settle down in Colombia permanently.
Process for Applying for Residency in Colombia
The process for applying for residency in Colombia involves the following steps:
Choose the right visa category: Choose the visa category that is suitable for your situation.
Gather the required documents: Gather all the required documents for your visa category.
Submit your application: Submit your visa application to the nearest Colombian embassy or consulate.
Pay the visa fee: Pay the visa fee at the embassy or consulate.
Attend the interview: Attend the interview at the embassy or consulate.
Wait for the visa approval: Wait for the visa approval. The approval process can take anywhere from a few days to a few months.
Travel to Colombia: Once you receive your visa approval, you can travel to Colombia.
Documents required for residency in Colombia
The following are the required documents for the different types of visas available in Colombia:
- Passport with at least six months of validity
- Visa application form
- Two recent passport-sized photos
- Criminal record certificate issued by the authorities in your home country
- Health certificate issued by a registered medical practitioner
- Proof of financial stability
Registration in Colombia
Upon arrival in Colombia, foreign nationals are not required to register with a particular government department or organization. However, it is important to make sure that you have the necessary documents and information to support your application for residency, including your passport and proof of income.
Reliable, Up-to-Date Information on Residence in Colombia
For reliable, up-to-date information on residence in Colombia, it is recommended that you visit the official website of the Colombian government, as well as the websites of organizations that specialize in assisting foreign nationals with obtaining residency in the country. Some useful links include: