Colombian for Foreigners
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Whether you plan to live, work, invest, or retire in Colombia, our team provides structured immigration guidance across all visa categories. We manage your process end-to-end, ensuring legal accuracy, regulatory compliance, and a controlled, efficient application from start to finish.
Choose a visa type to see requirements and our services:
We handle your immigration process with legal and accounting support so you can focus on your trip, work or investment in Colombia.
Short-term stays:
Tourism, medical visits or short business trips.
Colombia’s Type V VISITOR VISA allows foreign nationals to enter the country for up to two years to engage in short-term
This visa allows holders to work, study, or invest without restriction, and it does not expire as long as renewal and immigration rules are followed.
– Qualification and eligibility assessment.
– Document preparation and apostille guidance.
– Support for long-term integrationd an naturalization.
For those planning to settle or start a business in Colombia.
Colombia’s Type M Migrant Visa is designed for foreigners with professional, economic, or family ties to the country. It’s ideal for those looking to live, work, invest, retire, or build a long-term life in Colombia.
This visa allows stays of up to three years and serves as a step toward permanent residency. It provides greater legal stability and integration for expats who meet the requirements.
We assist with:
– Eligibility assessment and application.
– Proof of income or family ties.
– Legal guidance for long-term migration.
Pathways to residency and
permanent ties.
Colombia’s Type R Resident Visa is ideal for foreigners who meet legal criteria and wish to live permanently in the country. It offers indefinite residence and is the most direct path to Colombian citizenship.
This visa allows holders to work, study, or invest without restriction, and it does not expire as long as renewal and immigration rules are followed.
– Qualification and eligibility assessment.
– Document preparation and apostille guidance.
– Support for long-term integrationd an naturalization.
Visa Service Directory
Find specific requirements for your stay in Colombia.
VISITOR VISA
Visitor Visas for Colombia
The Colombian Visitor Visa (Type V) allows foreign nationals to enter Colombia for authorized short-term activities, without acquiring residency or immigration status.
Visa Scope
This visa category applies to temporary stays such as tourism, remote work, exploratory business visits, academic exchanges, volunteering, events, media projects, and medical procedures.
Immigration Status
Visitor Visas do not generate residence rights, do not accumulate time toward permanent residency, and are not valid for citizenship eligibility.
Basic Requirements
Applicants must generally provide a valid passport, documentation supporting the purpose of stay, proof of financial solvency, and international health insurance valid in Colombia.
Typical activities covered by the Visitor Visa:
Tourism and leisure
Short-term stays for travel and cultural experiences.
Business visits
Commercial meetings, negotiations, fairs, and market exploration.
Academic programs
Short-term studies, exchanges, and educational activities.
Remote work / digital nomads
Location-independent work with proper documentation.
Volunteer or humanitarian missions
Nonprofit projects and community service initiatives.
Medical procedures
Planned treatments and non-emergency healthcare.
MIGRANT VISA
Migrant Visas in Colombia
The Colombian Migrant Visa (Type M) is intended for foreign nationals who plan to reside in Colombia on a medium- to long-term basis, supported by qualifying ties such as family, employment, investment, or other recognized grounds.
Depending on the category, Type M visas may be issued for up to three years and often function as the practical bridge to a future Resident Visa, provided the holder meets the legal time and continuity requirements.
Visa Purpose
Type M is designed for established connections to Colombia—such as economic participation, professional engagement, family links, or eligibility under specific regional agreements.
Residence Path
Migrant status can count as lawful residence time, which is why many applicants use it as the structured route toward a Resident Visa once the required period is completed.
Documentation
Requirements depend on the chosen category, but typically include a valid passport, evidence supporting eligibility, financial or income support, background checks, and—when applicable—apostilled documents and certified translations.
Common long-term profiles that may qualify for a Migrant Visa include:
Business or investment presence
For entrepreneurs and investors who formalize economic activity in Colombia—through a company, qualifying investment, or other recognized mechanisms.
Family-based residence
For applicants whose eligibility is grounded in a Colombian family relationship, including spouse/partner routes and parent-of-Colombian pathways.
Employment or independent income
For foreign nationals with formal Colombian employment or independent work arrangements supported by verifiable clients, contracts, and income evidence.
Retirement residence
For retirees with a stable pension or recurring income who intend to establish residence in Colombia under the retirement category.
Regional integration eligibility
For nationals of Mercosur or Andean Community member states who may access preferential pathways under applicable regional agreements.
RESIDENT VISA
Resident Visas for Colombia
The Colombian Resident Visa (Type R) is the definitive step for those seeking permanent settlement. It grants an indefinite status, allowing you to live, work, and invest freely, with a direct path to citizenship.
Open Work Rights
Unlike most visas, the Resident Visa authorizes any lawful occupation, including employment or business, without needing a sponsor.
Indefinite Status
The status is permanent. You only need to renew the visa label (sticker) every 5 years, similar to renewing an ID card.
Citizenship Path
It is the primary gateway to Colombian nationality. Typically, residents can apply for citizenship after holding this visa for 5 years (or 2 if married to a national).
Primary Eligibility Pathways (Type R):
Accumulated Time
For holders of eligible Migrant (M) visas who have lived continuously in Colombia (usually 5 years, or 2 years for Marriage/Parent visas).
Former Nationals
For individuals who were Colombian by birth or adoption but renounced their nationality in the past.
Venezuelans (ETPV)
Special pathway for Venezuelan nationals holding the PPT (Permiso por Protección Temporal) who meet specific residency criteria.
Special Peace Visa
For former FARC members accredited by the High Commissioner for Peace, supporting reincorporation into society.
Need Help Choosing the Right Health Insurance
for Your Colombian Visa?
- Clear guidance on health insurance coverage required by Colombian immigration authorities.
- Comparison of international health insurance options with worldwide or regional coverage.
- Visa-compliant insurance solutions to reduce the risk of application delays or rejections.
Talk to a
Health Insurance Specialist
WE ALSO OFFER
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
Essential services required to complete your visa application process.
More Essential Services
Everything you need for your legal and expat life in Colombia
FBI Background Check from U.S.
FBI Check, Apostille & Translations
FBI Background Check
Fingerprinting
Salvoconducto Extension
Salvoconducto for Irregularity
U.S. Passport Renewal
Tourism Stamp Extension
Special Migratory Cert.
Migratory Mov. Correction
Migratory Mov. Certificate
Colombian Doc. Legalization
Washington D.C. Apostille
U.S. Apostille
Official Translations
Standard Paperwork Review
Basic Paperwork Review
Accountant Certificate
Real Property Record
National/Intl. Courier
Civil Marriage Celebration
Marriage Cert. Update (Med)
Foreign Marriage Registration
Prenuptial Agreement
Common-Law Marriage
Common-Law Cert. Update
What Our Clients Say
Moving to Colombia means trusting someone with the part of your life that can’t be improvised.
At USP Consultancy we tell you honestly what applies to your case, including when the answer isn’t the one you were hoping for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear, legally accurate answers regarding the Colombian immigration system, including temporary stays, residency pathways, corporate investments, and overall visa compliance.
What is the fundamental difference between a Visitor (V) and a Migrant (M) Visa?
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Can I legally work or conduct business in Colombia with a visa?
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Is it possible to obtain a visa by investing in real estate or starting a business?
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Can I include my family members in my visa application?
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How long does the visa application and evaluation process take?
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FAQ Center
Find quick answers to common questions about visas, requirements, and procedures.
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