Apply For a Colombian Visa
Colombian Visa Options - Immigrate To Colombia
Moving to Colombia can be an exciting adventure, but understanding the visa process can be challenging—especially when the official information is in Spanish. This page explains the three main visa types available for expats, outlines their requirements, and even provides step-by-step instructions for applying via the Migración Colombia website. Whether you're planning a temporary stay or a long-term move, this guide has you covered.
Learn How To Apply For a Colombian Visa
This page is intended to simplify the visa process for future expats by breaking down complex information into clear, manageable steps. We hope it makes planning your move smoother and helps you take the next step toward making Bogotá your new home. Happy planning and welcome to Colombia!
The Three Main Colombian Visa Categories
Colombia offers three primary types of visas for foreigners:
Differences Between Colombian Visa Types
| Visa Type | Validity Period | Typical Cost | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Migrant | 1-3 years (depending on sub-category) | Approximately $250 - $500 USD | Proof of employment, enrollment (for students), investment details, or family reunification documents |
| Resident | 5 years (renewable thereafter) | Approximately $350 - $700 USD | Demonstrated long-term stay (usually 5+ years), financial stability, and/or family ties |
| Visitor | Up to 180 days (90 days initially and can apply for extension for another 90 days) | Often free or minimal fees | Valid passport, return ticket, proof of sufficient funds, and sometimes a tourist card application |
Note: The cost ranges and validity periods may change based on specific circumstances and updates in policy. Always refer to the latest information on the official Migración Colombia website.
Learn More About The Colombian Visa Categories
Migrant Visa (M) - Your Pathway to Living in Colombia
Colombia’s Migrant Visa category provides a flexible, accessible route for those seeking temporary residency with the intention to integrate into Colombian life. Whether you want to work, invest, retire, or join a family member, the Migrant Visa is often the key first step toward establishing your life in this vibrant country. Designed to streamline the immigration process, this visa category offers several sub-routes tailored to various personal and professional objectives.
For professionals and employees who have secured a job offer or employment contract from a Colombian employer.
Tailored for retirees who meet the financial criteria, allowing you to enjoy Colombia’s affordable living, pleasant climate, and rich culture.
Ideal for individuals investing significant capital in Colombia—whether through business ventures or real estate—to stimulate local economic growth.
For individuals legally married to a Colombian citizen, facilitating family reunification and integration into local society.
Designed for those in a long-term, stable relationship with a Colombian national, even if not formally married, ensuring access to residency rights.
Geared toward entrepreneurs, business owners, and partners who are actively involved in managing or establishing a business within Colombia.
Key Insights
- Flexible Routes: These subcategories cover a wide range of situations, ensuring that whether your goal is to work, invest, or enjoy your retirement in Colombia, there is a tailored pathway available.
- Step Toward Permanence: Often, the Migrant Visa is a temporary solution that can lead to long-term residency or citizenship if you continue to meet the necessary requirements.
Resident Visa (R) - Live Permanently in Colombia
For expats who have already established themselves in Colombia, the Resident Visa offers a stable, long-term option for those ready to make the country their permanent home. Transitioning from a temporary (Migrant) Visa to a Resident Visa provides lasting security and unlocks additional rights—such as unrestricted work opportunities, easier business operations, and the potential pathway to citizenship. The Resident Visa is specifically designed for individuals who have maintained continuous legal residency in Colombia for five or more years.
Whether you’re looking to invest further in your new life, deepen your cultural ties, or simply enjoy the peace of mind that comes with long-term residency, the Resident Visa is the ideal next step in your journey.
Continuous legal residency in Colombia for 5 years depending on the type of Migrant Visa held
Grants permanent residence in Colombia
Key Insights
- Permanent Residence: Transitioning to a Resident Visa not only secures a long-term stay but also signifies your evolution from a temporary expat to a valued member of the Colombian community. This status can make it easier to access local services and eventually qualify for citizenship through naturalization.
- Step Toward Colombian Citizenship: After 5 years legal residence on a Resident Visa you can apply for Colombian Citizenship.
Visitor Visa (M) - Visit Colombia
For many expats and travelers, the Visitor Visa is the ideal option for experiencing Colombia on a short-term basis. Whether your purpose is tourism, academic studies, business meetings, remote work as a digital nomad, or even a working holiday adventure, the Visitor Visa offers the flexibility you need. With a validity period of up to 180 days (and sometimes extendable), this visa category provides ample opportunity to explore, learn, and even work temporarily while enjoying all that Colombia has to offer.
Below, we break down the Visitor Visa into its main subcategories and outline the purpose and key requirements for each.
For leisure travel, sightseeing, and cultural experiences. Valid for 90 days and can be extended for another 90 days.
For attending short-term academic courses, language programs, or exchange studies.
For short-term business activities such as meetings, conferences, or temporary assignments.
For remote workers planning to live and work in Colombia temporarily while continuing employment remotely.
For young travelers combining holiday experiences with short-term work opportunities in Colombia.
Key Insights
- Visa On Arrival: Many nationalities can enter Colombia as visitors without a visa for a limited period. However, if you plan to stay longer or wish to undertake activities like remote work, a Visitor Visa tailored to your purpose is required. Check your country’s specific entry requirements before traveling!
- Apply In Colombia: Many of the extended Visitor Visa categories can be applied for while on a Tourist Visa. For example if you are of a nationality that permits visa on arrival, you can apply for a Digital Nomad visa while in Colombia on a Tourist Visa.
Did you know?
Fun Facts About Visas and Immigration in Colombia
visit colombia
A Growing Gateway
Did you know that Colombia has witnessed a significant increase in international arrivals in recent years? In pre-pandemic years, the country welcomed over 4.5 million tourists annually—a testament to its vibrant culture and scenic beauty. This steady influx also supports a dynamic visa ecosystem for those wishing to stay longer.
fast processing
Streamlined Migrant Admissions
Colombia’s efforts to modernize its immigration processes have resulted in thousands of migrant visas being granted each year. Whether you’re coming for work, study, or reunification with loved ones, many find that the process, though detailed, becomes much easier once you know where to start.
become a dual citizen
Embracing Dual Citizenship
Colombia recognizes dual citizenship. This means that once you become a Colombian citizen, you can often retain your previous nationality—provided your home country allows dual citizenship. This flexible policy has helped many expats feel secure about making Colombia their new home without having to give up ties to their heritage.
many immigration pathways
A Diverse Range of Paths
From Worker and Business Visas to Digital Nomad and Working Holiday options, Colombia’s visa system is designed to address a variety of modern lifestyles. These diverse pathways reflect Colombia’s commitment to attracting talent, investment, and cultural exchange from all corners of the globe.
from visitor to new home
Immigration as a Stepping Stone
Many expats begin their journey with a Visitor or Migrant Visa and, after establishing themselves in Colombia, transition to a Resident Visa. This phased approach not only eases the integration process but also opens the door to long-term benefits including enhanced work rights and, eventually, the possibility of full citizenship.
your journey
Starts Here
Navigating the visa landscape in Colombia may seem daunting at first, but it opens up a world of opportunity—whether you’re coming to experience its rich culture as a visitor, build a career through work or investment, or settle down for the long haul as a resident.
Your adventure in Colombia is just beginning—embrace the opportunity, and welcome to your new home!
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