Colombia Visa Options for Expats
Many people who visit the beautiful country of Colombia fall in love with it and want to live there either part-time or permanently. Of course, this is a big decision to make so several visits to the various cities and departments (states) are a very good idea. Being so close to the USA getting to Colombia is easy. MedellÃn and Bogota are only three hours’ flight time from Miami.
If you hold a passport from the USA, United Kingdom, EU, Canada, Australia or New Zealand you can enter Colombia without a visa. You will be authorised to stay up to 90 days but this can be extended an additional 90 days, if required.
Please note that within 48 hours prior to entering Colombia, you will need to go online and complete the CheckMig form.
If you are a national of the following countries, you can also visit for 90 days:
Certain rules still apply to those exempt from a tourist visa. These are:
- A passport that is valid for at least 6 months and has at least one free visa page available
- Proof of a return ticket or onward flight ticket
Always double-check before you plan a trip as visa conditions can change from time to time.
Colombia is a thriving country and there is a lot of appeal for ex-pats. As set out above, many foreign nationals do not need a visa for a short visit and for those that do, the process is fairly simple. If you want to stay longer or become a permanent resident there are a few pathways you can take but the easiest is the purchase of a property. Bear in mind though that the M Real Estate Visa only allows you to be out of Colombia for a total of 6 months per year.
We’ve established that visiting Colombia as a tourist is straightforward for many nationalities, so now let’s look at the pathway to longer-term or permanent options.
Please remember that immigration and visa rules are always changing in Colombia, as in all other countries. For that reason, some of our information may not be completely up to date. We suggest you also check the Colombian Immigration website and then to move forward, speak with a Colombian lawyer, versed in Immigration.
Are Visas Difficult to Obtain?
Colombia welcomes foreign visitors and has been progressively making it easier to obtain a longer-term visa. However, the Residency Visa that came with the purchase of property above a certain value has been removed and replaced with the Migrant Visa - Real Estate. It now takes 5 years of holding the M Visa – Real Estate to qualify for a Residency Visa. Although it is becoming more straightforward the assistance of an immigration lawyer is recommended as many cultural differences can catch the foreigner out!
Types of Visas for Colombia
The next step is to understand the various visa options. Obtaining the correct visa is important.
There are three main options:
- V/T Visa – Visitor/Tourist Visa
- M Visa - Colombia Migrant Visa
- R Visa – Colombian Resident Visa
Although these are the three main types available, there are also several subcategories for each.
Study or work visas are slightly more complex so you will have to do your research if that is your intention.
What To Do When You Arrive With a Visa
You need to go to the local immigration authorities (Migración Colombia) within 15 days of arrival to register your visit. If your visit is for longer than 90 days, you will be issued a Foreigners ID Card.
Visitor Visas - V
Student Visa
A subcategory of the V visa is a student visa. The main thing that you will need for this visa is proof of enrolment with an accredited institution.
Service Provider Visa
If you have a confirmed contract with a Colombian company, you can apply for a V visa. Note that the company needs to have an income of at least 1116 000 000 COP.
Migrant Visas – M
M or migrant visas are issued under the following circumstances:
- Those with verified work in Colombia (work visa) – The company must have an income of more than 1116 000 000 COP.
- Foreigners who have been accepted into a recognized academic program or educational institution.
- Spouses and parents of Colombian residents/citizens (marriage visa)
- Business owner/business partner (investment of 100 x minimum wage into the business)
- Colombia refugee visa -these are given to foreigners who are seeking refuge in Colombia
- Real Estate M visa. Requires the purchase of one or more properties with a value 350 times the Colombian minimum wage.
These visas are a good idea if you intend to stay longer than 90 days.
Subcategories are M work visas, investor visas, and retirement visas. The retirement visa will require that you have the financial ability to cover retirement costs, accommodation, food, and related costs.
More On the Colombian Investor Visa
The requirement here is that your investment is more than 350 times the Colombian minimum wage. Note that this threshold is subject to change. It will give you access to a migrant visa, a property owner visa, and ultimately a residency visa. The process takes some time but with the right guidance from an attorney, a visa agent, or someone experienced in the local process it is not a major challenge.
Such an investment, if it meets the threshold, will allow you to obtain a resident visa. More on that later.
Digital Nomad Visa
Due mainly to the low cost of living, the many amenities, the pleasant climate, and the many things to see and do, Colombia has become a popular destination for remote workers or digital nomads as they are now known. Colombia welcomes these people and has created visas and rules that make the process relatively simple.
You will need to show proof of earnings that equate to more than 3 months of the minimum wage in Colombia. This is currently 3.5 million Colombian Pesos, roughly $850 U.S. This should allow you to live in relative comfort in Colombia. The easy option for accommodation is to use a service like AirBNB but you will be paying a premium. It’s great for a month or so while you get the feel of the place but there are cheaper options although not easily found due the Colombian landlords being cautious about renting to tourists. A good real estate agent should be able to help you with this situation.
This visa does not allow you to work locally in Colombia. The idea is that you are earning all of your income internationally. You will also need to do a comprehensive health checkup.
The Digital Nomad visa will give you great freedom and it should be a pleasurable and affordable experience.
R Visa - Resident Visa
If you plan to settle in or stay long-term in Colombia, you will eventually require a resident visa. As explained above, this will require an investment in property of at least 350 times the Colombian minimum wage which is currently around $100,000 US. As the Colombian minimum wage can increase annually, you will need to make sure the value of the property you buy is high enough to account for those increases over the five years to R Visa qualification.
You will still need to go through the legal red tape and submit documentation. The main things that you will need are:
- Proof of your property investment (correctly registered with the authorities)
- Obtain proof of the investment from the International Exchange Department (Banco de la República.)
Other R Visas
There are several other ways to qualify for an R visa.
- If you have resided in Colombia legally for more than 5 years
- If you are a parent of a Colombian national
Investor Visas
As mentioned, if you intend to buy a property or invest in Colombia, this is the best way to attain permanent residency and ultimately citizenship. The regulations have been relaxed and this is an attractive and affordable option.
While the process has been streamlined and simplified, it can still be a challenge for newcomers to the market. The M10 Visa or Real Estate Investor Visa has been designed to attract foreign investment and will give you the same property rights as a local citizen. After some time, you will be able to apply for permanent residency and have access to all of the benefits that come with that. They include healthcare as well as the education system.
If you are paying in a foreign currency such as USD, Euro or AUD, property investment in Colombia is affordable. Most investors who have done their homework have seen a good ROI (return on investment) in recent years. With the ongoing infrastructure development, political stability, and other initiatives, this is a trend that is likely to continue.
What is important is that you understand the local regulations and invest in the right areas. You also have to maintain the property. You will have to renew this visa after 3 years but after that, it should be smooth sailing if you have stuck to the guidelines.
- Contracting an Attorney
The visa process can be complex and lengthy. If you plan to invest, it would be a wise idea to consult with a local attorney in Colombia. They understand the system, the process, and the legalities. An experienced attorney will help to translate the complex documents and legalities as well as make the process faster and simpler. If you plan to invest in property in Colombia, it is a great idea to get a professional local to guide you. Social media and personal referrals are the best way to find a trustworthy competent attorney to assist you.
- Visa Service Companies
An alternative is to consult a local or international visa service company. Take care when selecting the right one as some are a bit shady. Rather get a referral from someone who has been through the process. As an international visitor or investor, it can be quite a complex process. A professional will cost a bit of money but is worth the investment to aid you through the legalities, documents, and other issues.
Visa Processing Time
The fortunate aspect is that you can apply for your visa online but understand that it will take some time. Plan ahead of time to avoid delays, it might take up to one month or even longer. Ensure you have all the necessary documents in the correct format.
Visa Costs
The cost will vary according to your nationality and the type of visa you require. Here is a breakdown of current visa costs. Note that they are subject to change. Fortunately, the costs are relatively fair. Other factors also change. For the latest details, check out the official Colombian government site. Another option is to visit your local Colombian Consulate in your area.
Conclusion
Acquiring a visa for Colombia is relatively easy. The first step is to understand the visa that you need. If you do not have experience and a good understanding of the process, it is best to go through an attorney or a visa agent. Their local experience and understanding will help to guide you in the right direction and worth every cent. If you intend to purchase property as an investment or for personal use, this wi Tourist Visa Requirements if a Visa is Required
Should you not fall into any of the above countries you will need a visa, a T, or a tourist/visitor visa. Fortunately, the process can generally be done online, the application is simple. This is the process to apply for an online visa. Here is what you will need:
- A passport valid for a minimum 6 months and with at least one blank visa page
- A copy of the passport’s main page with all your information
- If applicable, previous Colombian visas and the last stamps for Colombian entry and departure
- Proof of financial resources (6 months' bank statements)
- A passport-size photograph (preferably 2) of your full face (white background and 3 cm by 4 cm), in JPG format and not larger than 300KB
- Proof of a return or onward ticket and documents and details of future destinations
- Documentation proving the purpose of your visit
Note that the cost will vary depending on where you live.