How can I get clear fingerprints if I have sweaty hands?

If you naturally have sweaty hands, simply inform our specialist at the beginning of your appointment so they can guide you through the capture process. For optimal results, we highly recommend keeping your hands well-hydrated with moisturizer days before your appointment, but making sure they are as dry as possible on the exact day of your session (avoid applying any creams or lotions right before coming in).

What if I don’t remember or don’t have a Social Security Number (SSN)? Is it absolutely mandatory?

Yes, it is mandatory for U.S. citizens and permanent residents to secure fast-track processing (it is not required for other nationalities). If you are a U.S. citizen or resident but cannot provide your SSN, the electronic system cannot be used; your background check will take up to 15 business days to process, which will delay the overall timeline of your process.

I am a U.S. Permanent Resident with both American and foreign passports. Which passport should I bring to the fingerprinting appointment?

You must bring your U.S. Passport. Federal criminal databases require your American identification credentials to run the high-priority electronic background check.

If my FBI background check exceeds 1 page, how and when do I pay the additional translation fee?

The moment we receive your official digital report from the FBI, our team will review its page count. If it exceeds the standard single page, your assigned specialist will contact you to notify you and send a secure payment link. As soon as the extra fee is processed, we will proceed with your certified translations immediately.

What is the best way to take fingerprints for an FBI background check?

Digitally via an advanced biometric scanner. Unlike traditional ink-and-paper rollings (which are highly prone to smudging, formatting errors, and shipping delays), digital live-scanning captures your ridge patterns with precision. This specialized electronic method minimizes the risk of rejection.

Can I get my fingerprints in Cali?

Yes, expatgroup.co offers digital fingerprinting services using advanced FBI-certified scanners in Cali.

Can I schedule a fingerprinting appointment online in Cali?

Yes, online appointment scheduling is available for digital fingerprinting in Cali.

What is the cost of a Salvoconducto in Migración Colombia?

The cost of the salvoconducto is 88.000 COP (24 USD approximately) in 2026.

How do I pay a fine to Migración Colombia?

To resolve an irregular immigration status, you must first request an appointment to begin the administrative process. Once you attend this appointment, an immigration officer will inform you of the exact amount to be paid. After the payment is confirmed, you will be able to obtain a Salvoconducto to either continue with your visa process or leave the country legally.

What are the most severe (egregious) infractions according to Colombian migration law?

Egregious infractions include failing to comply with deportation orders, returning to the country before a prohibition period, promoting illegal entry with false promises, being sentenced to prison without expulsion, or being fraudulently documented as a Colombian national. These can lead to expulsion and heavy fines.

How can I get a Salvoconducto?

To process a Salvoconducto, you must fill out the "Single Procedures Form" (FUT) online, schedule an appointment with Migración Colombia, present original documents, and, if authorized, complete enrollment procedures and pay the associated fee.

How do “extenuating circumstances” affect immigration fines in Colombia?

Extenuating circumstances are factors that can reduce the amount of an immigration fine, potentially up to 50%. These circumstances are evaluated by Migración Colombia under Resolution 360 of 2015 and affect the final economic penalty.

What is a Salvoconducto, and when do I need one?

A Salvoconducto is a temporary document issued by Migración Colombia to regularize the stay of foreigners in an irregular status. You may need it to legally exit the country or to maintain legal residency while applying for a Colombian visa.

What does “irregular status” mean in Colombia?

Irregular status refers to a foreigner who has entered the country illegally, remained beyond their authorized time, used false documentation, or had their permit canceled due to fraudulent acts or social coexistence issues.

What happens if I overstay my authorized time in Colombia?

If you remain in Colombia longer than authorized (typically 90 days for tourists without an extension), you will automatically enter an irregular status and incur an economic penalty when leaving the country or attempting to obtain a visa.

How can I check if I have a fine with Migración Colombia?

You can check the status of any administrative sanctioning process by visiting a Migration Service Facilitator Center in Colombia. If you are leaving the country, the immigration agent will inform you of any pending processes and the amount due.

What are the common fines imposed by Migración Colombia for foreigners?

Migración Colombia imposes fines ranging from minor infractions (e.g., failure to report a change of address) to egregious violations (e.g., fraudulent documentation). Penalties can range from half to seven times the legal monthly minimum wage.

What is the investment requirement for a Business Owner Visa in 2026?

The threshold for a Business Owner visa (M) is 100 SMMLV, which amounts to $175.090.500 COP (approximately $46,690 USD).

What is the minimum investment for a Real Estate Investment Visa in 2026?

To qualify for a Real Estate Investment visa (M), you must invest at least 350 SMMLV, totaling $612.816.750 COP (approximately $163,418 USD).

How much income do I need for a Retirement Visa in 2026?

The Retirement visa (M) requires a minimum monthly income of 3 SMMLV, which equals $5.252.715 COP (approximately $1,400 USD).

How much income do I need for a Digital Nomad Visa in 2026?

The Digital Nomad visa (V) requires a minimum monthly income of 3 SMMLV, which equals $5.252.715 COP (approximately $1,400 USD).

Does the transportation subsidy count toward my visa income requirement?

No. While the total monthly compensation for workers includes a $249.095 COP transport subsidy, this amount is strictly excluded from all visa and immigration calculations.

What is the official minimum wage in Colombia for 2026?

The Minimum Monthly Legal Wage (SMMLV) for 2026 is $1.750.905 COP (approximately $467 USD). This represents a 23% increase compared to the previous year.

Where is the Marriage Certificate update in Bogotá performed?

Our marriage certificate update service is performed exclusively at the Notaría Primera of Bogotá for marriages that were celebrated in Colombian Consulates abroad or at the same notary.

What is the cost and processing time?

The Marriage Certificate Update service in Bogotá costs $100 USD. Once payment is made, the update process with the Notaría Primera de Bogotá takes approximately 5 days.

What documents do I need to update my Marriage Certificate?

You will need scanned valid identification documents (ID cards or passports) for both spouses, and if applicable, clear and precise information about the exact data that needs to be modified.

When should I update my Marriage Certificate in Bogotá?

It's essential to update your marriage certificate if you need a certified copy issued less than 90 days ago to comply with document validity required by authorities, if you will use the document internationally (for apostille or official translation), or if you need to correct errors in names or dates registered in the original certificate.

What is a Marriage Certificate?

A Marriage Certificate is the legal document that certifies the conjugal union of two people, recording key information such as the date and place of the marriage, and the details of the spouses. It is the official proof of your civil status.

Where is the Marriage Certificate update in Medellín performed?

Our marriage certificate update service is performed exclusively at the Notaría Quinta of Medellín for marriages that were registered there.

What is the cost and processing time for the Marriage Certificate Update in Medellín?

The Marriage Certificate Update service in Medellín costs $40 USD. Once payment is made, the update process with the corresponding notary takes approximately between 5 to 8 days.

What documents do I need to update my Marriage Certificate in Medellín with expatgroup.co?

You will need scanned, valid identification documents (ID cards or passports) for both spouses, and, if applicable, clear and precise information about the exact data that needs to be modified.

When should I update my Marriage Certificate in Medellín?

It's essential to update your marriage certificate if you need a certified copy issued less than 90 days ago to comply with document validity required by authorities, if you will use the document internationally (for apostille or official translation), or if you need to correct errors in names or dates registered in the original certificate issued by a notary in Medellín.

What is a Marriage Certificate?

A Marriage Certificate is the official record that legally validates the union of two people, containing fundamental details such as the date, place of celebration, and identification of the contracting parties. It is the legal proof that your marriage has been recognized.

What is the cost and processing time to update the UMH Certificate?

The cost to update the Common-Law Marriage Certificate is $40 USD. Once payment is made, the update process takes between 2 and 3 business days.

Who can use expatgroup.co’s Common-Law Marriage Certificate Update service?

This service is exclusively available for users who have processed their Common-Law Marriage with expatgroup.co.

When should I update my Common-Law Marriage Certificate?

You should update your certificate if the issue date is older than 90 days, especially if you plan to use it for visa applications. It's also essential if there are changes in your information or typographical errors in the original document.

What is a Common-Law Marriage Certificate (UMH)?

The Common-Law Marriage Certificate is a legal document that recognizes the existence of a stable and monogamous relationship between two people, without requiring a formal marriage. This certificate grants rights and duties similar to those of marriage in Colombia.

What if my documents are not in Spanish?

If your original documents are not in Spanish, an official translation will be required. Expatgroup.co can provide this service for translations from English to Spanish.

What is the estimated time to complete the process?

The total time for completion may vary, but our process is designed to be efficient. After you submit your marriage certificate for review, you will receive confirmation within 2-3 days. Once the physical documents are submitted and payment is made, the notary process will be handled promptly in approximately 2-4 weeks.

What is the cost of the Foreign Marriage Registration service with expatgroup.co?

The initial fee for the notarial registration service is $150. Additionally, a $150 fee applies for the apostille of documents. Official translations from English to Spanish are charged at a rate of $150 per page.

What documents are necessary for the process?

The initial fee for the notary registration service is $150 USD. Additionally, apostille handling costs $150 USD, and official translations from English to Spanish are $15 USD per page.

What is Foreign Marriage Registration in Colombia?

Foreign Marriage Registration is the legal process that allows a marriage celebrated outside of Colombia to be officially recognized and have legal validity within Colombian territory. This registration is essential for various immigration and legal procedures.

Can I request the apostille and official translation of the FBI criminal record with expatgroup.co?

Yes, we offer the complete process of obtaining an FBI Criminal Record, along with the apostille from the Department of State in Washington, D.C., and an official translation into Spanish. If you purchase the package, once you obtain your FBI certificate, we will handle these procedures to ensure your document has international validity and is comprehensible in Colombia.

What happens if my fingerprints are rejected?

Our service utilizes an FBI-certified digital scanner that significantly reduces the risk of rejection, thanks to its high accuracy and real-time quality checks. If there are any issues with illegible fingerprints due to age, wounds, or skin conditions that affect the quality of the fingerprint, you will need to undergo the fingerprinting process again.

How long does it take to get the FBI Criminal Background Certificate?

The turnaround time for obtaining the FBI Criminal History Certificate is generally between 3-5 days for american citizens and residents, and 10 and 15 business days for other nationalities.

Will my biometric data be safe?

Yes, your security and privacy are our priority. Fingerprints are deleted from our system once they have been submitted to the FBI and have served their purpose, ensuring that your biometric information is not stored unnecessarily.

What should I bring to my fingerprinting appointment in Bogotá?

On the day of your appointment, please bring an original identification document (such as a cédula, passport, driver’s license, student card, or other valid identification) to gain access to the building and proceed with the fingerprinting process. It is also recommended to have clean and moisturized hands to ensure the quality of the prints.

How long does the fingerprinting process take in your Bogota office?

The fingerprinting procedure using our FBI-certified scanner takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes in the office and is a fast and efficient process. It is a fast and efficient process.

What is the FD-258 form, and why is it so important?

The FD-258 form is the standard fingerprint card used by the FBI and other U.S. agencies, which is crucial for various procedures, including obtaining FBI criminal records, immigration processes, visa applications, naturalization of foreign spouses, and professional certifications.

Can I reapply for the Digital Nomad Visa if my application is “UNADMITTED” (Inadmitida)?

Yes, an "Inadmitida" status (meaning your application was unadmitted) generally allows you to reapply immediately. However, it's crucial to thoroughly re-evaluate your application and documentation to improve your next submission.

What does “Discretionary Power” mean in the context of visa inadmissibility?

It's the legal authority of the Colombian government to approve or reject a visa even if all stated requirements are met. It often results in applications being unadmitted based on subjective interpretations of your profile, work link "officiality," or perceived "interest to the country."

Article May 26, 2020

Colombia Migration Guidelines for Foreigners During the Pandemic

News

expatgroup.co

Editorial Team

Today, Juan Francisco Espinosa Palacios, Director of Migration in Colombia, solved some of the questions that foreigners have in the country in the context of the current pandemic.

During the live broadcast this morning through the official social networks of Migration, the Director of the entity spoke about the following central issues:

Suspension or freezing of terms.
Virtualization of procedures.
Fines, penalties, and administrative and economic sanctions for irregular migration.
Renewal of visas.

It is important to clarify that this information is also associated with Resolution 0918 of 2020, issued by Migration Colombia in March, which is valid until the end of the State of Health Emergency. In this sense, although initially, the deadline was 30 May, the measures of Migration Colombia will also be extended in consonance with the decisions of the Ministry of Health and the National Government.

We will now make a summary of the issues discussed and the conclusions for each of them:

Suspension or freezing of terms

The counting of time has been suspended for the following migration procedures that usually require physical presence for identity verification:

Foreigners’ Identity Card: either for the first time, renewal or duplication.
Registration of foreigners (visa).
Temporary permit to stay for change of permission.
Although the period of permanence in the national territory is initially 90 days, it has been extended for another 90 days to protect the foreigners from migratory irregularities or future sanctions.
Certificate of migratory movements.
Safeguards.

In other words, the previous procedures cannot be carried out at this time, but the counting of the days or periods to carry out each one of these procedures has been suspended to avoid affecting any foreigner, and these can be carried out normally as soon as the Migration system has been reactivated.

Virtualization of procedures

The pandemic is preventing all of us from doing our jobs normally. For this reason, Migration is working on flexible measures and the development of electronic attention processes to limit the physical presence in its offices when the country is reactivated. This is to speed up and facilitate the procedures of foreigners in Colombia while protecting their health. Besides, progress is being made in coordinating the delivery of foreign ID cards through home service, as there are 7500 cards to be delivered at this time.

Fines, penalties, and/or administrative and economic sanctions for irregular migration

No sanctioning procedures or fines will be initiated for exceeding the initial terms of legal stay in Colombia. Remember that the counting of time has been suspended for foreigners who are tourists, or for those who have pending the registration of their visas or the processing of their foreigner’s ID cards. Therefore, there will be no sanctions.

Renewal of visas

Migration Colombia works together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a permanent way, therefore, at present visa applications can be carried out normally. In the event of being required some support issued by Migration, it is possible to show the impossibility of complying with the requirement due to the suspension of migratory services because of the pandemic. In these cases, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will contact Migration to obtain the necessary support and to continue with the application.

If you have any questions about how to apply for a Colombian visa, speak right now with a specialist at this link.

Finally, the Director of Migration provides tranquility part for all foreigners. He clarifies that there will be a transition process when the Sanitary Emergency is lifted to normalize the situation and allow the foreigners to reactivate their migratory proceedings and management.

Juan Francisco Espinosa Palacios
Director of Migration Colombia
May 26, 2020