Residence permit of Colombia

A residence permit in Colombia provides foreigners with the opportunity to legally reside in the country for a period of 5 years with the possibility of extension. Permission can be obtained by those who wish to work, study, engage in entrepreneurial activity or reunite with their family. In addition, the status allows you to move freely around the country and access services available to local citizens.

Citizens of foreign countries have the opportunity to obtain a permit if certain conditions are met. In particular, foreigners can apply on the basis of an employment contract, studies, investments or starting a family with a Colombian/Colombian woman. One of the key advantages of obtaining a residence permit is the prospect of obtaining permanent residence or citizenship, as well as visa-free entry to South American states included in regional agreements.

People with a permit have access to high-quality medical services, relatively low cost of living and a high level of security in a number of regions.

Types of residence permit in Colombia

Colombia has several types of residence permits based on different types of visa permits. The «V» visa (temporary stay) is usually used for tourists and business trips for short periods. The «M» visa (for migrants) allows you to work and obtain a residence permit. The «RE» (resident) visa facilitates long-term stay and work. It is usually issued after five years of temporary residence in category «M».

There are several types of residence permits in the country that allow foreigners to legally reside and subsequently apply for a passport:

• For digital nomads. Foreign remote workers have the right to obtain a visa (V), and then change it to a short-term residence permit. However, this path is the longest: after 5 years you can get a category (RE) permit, and after another 5 years you can apply for citizenship.
• For the investment. It is issued to those who make significant investments in the economy – buying real estate or investing in business. The permit is valid for 3 years, and after 5 years it allows you to obtain a resident visa.
• For financially independent individuals. It is suitable for pensioners, as well as people with passive income. To get it, you need to demonstrate a stable income. The permit is issued for 3 years, after which it is extended and converted into a resident visa.
• For family members of citizens of the country. A «family» visa is granted for 3 years. After 2 years of residence, you can apply for residency, and then citizenship.
• Working. It is issued to foreigners who have received a work visa under an employment contract with a Colombian employer. The document can be extended, and after 5 years of residence, you can apply for citizenship.

Residence permit for the purchase of real estate

Foreign citizens who wish to obtain a residence permit in Colombia can use the real estate investment program. To do this, you need to invest at least $200,000. At the same time, there are no strict restrictions on the type of real estate: you can choose both residential and commercial properties. Collective investments are also possible – the main thing is that each foreign investor should have a share of at least $97,000.

Having invested in real estate, a foreigner can immediately obtain a permanent residence permit, which grants him the right to long-term residence and business in the country.

Important

After 5 years, an investor can apply for Colombian citizenship, paving the way for full integration into Latin American life.

Necessary justifications

The minimum amount of investment. A foreign citizen must invest at least $200,000 in Colombian real estate.

• Investment stability. The investor must provide evidence that the funds have been invested for a long time, without the intention of a quick withdrawal of capital.
• Documents of ownership. It is necessary to confirm the legal purity of the transaction and the existence of all rights to the property.
• Economic benefits for the country. Proof that the investment will contribute to the development of the local economy or the maintenance of the construction sector.

List of documents

• A foreign passport with a valid period of six months or more.
• A purchase and sale agreement confirming the fact of investment.
• Documents for real estate that determine ownership.
• A bank statement confirming the availability of the necessary capital for investment.
• Medical insurance.

Student residence permits

This type of permit is issued to students and students who wish to study at local accredited universities. The validity period of such a visa is 1 year and it can be issued on the basis of enrollment in an educational institution.

Exchange students also receive a one-year visa, but in this case an extension is not provided. It is important to note that this residence permit allows students to stay in the country legally and, if they have the appropriate permission, work (part-time).

Necessary justifications

• A document on admission to a Colombian university.
• Parental consent (for minors).
• Information about the financial viability of the student to cover tuition and living expenses.
• Plans for continuing education (if applicable).

List of documents

• A foreign passport.
• Application for a student visa.
• Confirmation of enrollment in an educational institution.
• Financial documents confirming the availability of finances for education and accommodation.
• Medical certificate of health status.

Residence permit for financially independent (freelance, digital nomad)

In 2022, a new program designed for digital nomads and freelancers was launched. It offers a convenient way to move to the country, although it is a long way to get a passport.

First, the foreigner receives a type (V) visa, which is issued for up to 2 years. After arriving in Colombia, it is necessary to exchange it for a short–term residence permit, and then, after the expiration of the period, it is possible to obtain a «medium-term» permit for one of the visa categories (M). After 5 years of residence in the country, it becomes possible to apply for a visa (RE), and after the same period - for a passport.

Necessary justifications

• A remote work agreement with a foreign employer.
• Availability of medical insurance.
• Proof of earnings, which must be at least three times the minimum monthly salary in Colombia. In 2024, it is 1,300,000 COP ($340), which requires an income of at least $1,020 per month.

Important

A visa of this type does not grant the right to official employment.

List of documents

• A foreign passport valid for at least 6 months.
• Application for a Visitor (V) type visa.
• A work contract confirming the deleted status.
• Medical insurance.
• Financial documents showing the level of income not lower than required.

Residence permit by marriage

The method of obtaining the status is available to foreign citizens who have entered into an official marriage with a Colombian citizen. The procedure may become the basis for simplifying the naturalization residency program.

A residence permit of this type is issued for 3 years. An important condition is the need to provide evidence of cohabitation for at least 2 years.

Necessary justifications

• An official marriage or partnership. The applicant must present a marriage certificate concluded with a Colombian citizen.
• Proof of cohabitation. It will be required to prove that the spouses run a joint household and live together on the territory of the country.
• Minimum length of stay. To apply for a residence permit, you must have been married for at least 2 years.
• Stable relationships. Proof will be required that the marriage is real and not fictitious. The fact can be verified by the local migration service.

List of documents

• International passport.
• A marriage certificate, legalized or apostilled.
• Documents about cohabitation, such as utility bills, rental agreement, etc.
• Medical insurance policy.
• A certificate of non-conviction to confirm the applicant's clean legal history.

Family reunion

The method allows foreign citizens to join their relatives who are citizens or residents of Colombia. This type of permit is suitable for spouses, children, parents and other close relatives of citizens or permanent residents of the country.

A residence permit for family reunification can also be the basis for joining the simplified naturalization program.

Necessary justifications

• A family connection. It is necessary to confirm official family ties with a citizen or resident of Colombia (spouse, children, parents, dependents).
• Financial support. The applicant must prove that a relative in Colombia is able to financially support his residence.
• Stable relationships. In the case of spouses or partners, proof of long-term non-fictitious cohabitation is required.
• The relative's place of residence. It is necessary to provide proof of permanent residence of a relative in Colombia.

List of documents

• A foreign passport.
• Documents confirming the relationship (birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc.).
• A certificate of income or financial support from a relative in Colombia.
• Medical insurance.
• A certificate of non-conviction to confirm the absence of criminal cases from the applicant.

Work permit

To get a work visa, you need to find an employer who is ready to issue all the necessary documents. An employee can obtain a permit, which is then exchanged for a residence permit for a period of 3 years. The right can be extended, and after 5 years of residence in Colombia, it is possible to apply for a permanent residence permit.

In addition, an employee can move his family, including spouses and children, which makes this option attractive for migrants.

Necessary justifications

• The existence of an employment contract with the employer.
• Qualifications and work experience in the relevant field.
• The presence of a work visa issued before entering the country.
• The right to accompany the family (spouse, children).

List of documents

• International passport.
• Application for a work visa.
• An employment contract with a Colombian employer.
• Documents confirming qualifications (diplomas, certificates).
• Medical certificate of health status.

Residence permit for business and sole proprietor

Colombia offers a variety of visa options for investors, including an M-6 type investment visa. It allows foreigners to invest in both new and existing business projects. The minimum investment amount is $33,000.

After receiving this visa, investors can apply for a permanent residence permit after 5 years.

Necessary justifications

• Investments in a new or existing business in the amount of at least $33,000.
• Proof of a business development plan in Colombia.
• Participation in business management or active involvement in its activities.

List of documents

• International passport.
• Application for an M-6 type investment visa.
• Documents confirming the availability of the necessary capital for investments.
• A business plan describing the goals and strategies of the business.
• Proof of business registration in Colombia (if applicable).

Extension of a residence permit

To do this, contact the National Migration Service of Colombia. The process can take from several weeks to a month, depending on the workload of the institution and the correctness of the submitted documents.

The amount of the fee paid depends on the type of residence permit. The average amount is about $100-$200. It is important to take care of the extension in advance to avoid penalties for delay.

Required documents:

• A foreign passport valid for the entire extension period.
• A completed extension application form.
• Proof of legal residence in Colombia (for example, registration certificates).
• Confirmation of financial viability or employment.
• A copy of the previous residence permit.

Attention

Contacting the migration authorities and observing all necessary conditions will help to avoid delays and ensure the successful extension of legal stay in Colombia.