Expert Visa Solutions for foreigners — Whether you’re looking to live, work, invest, or retire in Colombia, our team of visa specialists is here to simplify your journey. We provide comprehensive guidance for all visa categories, ensuring a smooth, efficient process that aligns with Colombian immigration requirements.
The Colombia Visitor Visa (Type V) is designed for foreign nationals who wish to enter the country for up to two years to engage in specific short-term activities, without the intention of establishing permanent residency.
This visa permits a variety of temporary activities, including tourism, remote work, business exploration, academic and volunteering initiatives, journalistic and audiovisual projects, medical treatments, participation in events, and other purposes. It is popular for its flexibility and the opportunities it offers for a short stay in Colombia, all without the need for a complicated application process.
Visitor Visas don’t provide a pathway to residency or count toward the time required to apply for permanent residence or citizenship in Colombia. However, they remain a strategic entry point for individuals and professionals interested in short-term stays for personal, academic, commercial, or cooperative purposes.
One of the main advantages of this visa type is its flexibility. The documentation required for this visa may vary depending on the purpose of the visit but generally includes a valid passport, supporting documents related to the planned activity, proof of financial means, and international health insurance valid in Colombia.
For travelers discovering Colombia’s natural beauty, cities, and traditions.
For attending meetings, conferences, trade fairs, or participating in academic exchanges and short-term study programs.
For those engaged in nonprofit, aid, or community-based initiatives.
For foreign professionals contracted to deliver technical services or fulfill temporary work assignments.
For individuals seeking non-urgent medical procedures in Colombia.
For journalists, film crews, and other media professionals covering events or producing content in Colombia.
The Colombia Migrant Visa (Type M) is designed for foreign nationals who wish to establish medium- to long-term residency in Colombia. It is ideal for individuals with economic, family, or professional ties to the country.
This visa can have a validity for up to three years and also, and it’s suitable for those looking to live, work, invest, retire, or start a family in Colombia. It serves as a key step toward obtaining permanent residency in the future. Although the application process can be somewhat complex, expats who fulfill the requirements have a strong chance of approval.
The Migrant Visa allows holders to accumulate legal residence time, making it an ideal route toward applying for a Resident Visa after accumulating continuous years. It offers broader integration and legal stability for those seeking to live, work, or establish a long-term presence in Colombia.
Documentation for the Migrant Visa depends on the specific category. Generally, the application requires a valid passport, proof of economic or family relationship, income verification (such as pension or salary), and background checks. In some cases, you need to provide apostilled documents and official translations
For foreign entrepreneurs who start or invest in a Colombian company, or those purchasing real estate to establish economic presence in the country.
For spouses or permanent partners of Colombian nationals, parents of Colombian children (by birth or adoption), and other family-based residency pathways.
For foreign nationals hired by Colombian companies under formal contracts or working independently with verifiable clients and income..
For retirees receiving a stable monthly pension or annuity who wish to settle in Colombia for lifestyle, financial, or personal reasons.
For citizens of Mercosur or Andean Community countries who benefit from preferential visa pathways under international agreements.
The Colombia Resident Visa (Type R) is specifically designed for individuals who meet certain legal criteria and have developed a strong connection with the country, allowing them to settle permanently.
Unlike Visitor or Migrant Visas, this visa type permits an indefinite stay and is the most direct path to Colombian citizenship. Although the visa must be renewed through a visa transfer every five years, it does not expire as long as the holder complies with immigration requirements and does not spend more than two consecutive years outside the national territory.
The Resident Visa grants full, indefinite residence rights in Colombia. Holders may work, study, invest, and reside in the country without limitation. Additionally, it enables applicants to request Colombian citizenship after maintaining the visa for a certain period (usually five years) unless otherwise stipulated.
Documentation varies according to the reason for applying. Applicants must present valid identification, proof of their qualifying condition, translated and apostilled documents where required, and a clean criminal record. Some cases may also require proof of integration, residency continuity, or certifications from Colombian authorities.
For foreign nationals who have resided continuously in Colombia under a Migrant Visa for the legally required time period (generally five years, or two years in cases such as marriage to a Colombian national).
This visa is for individuals who previously held Colombian nationality but have since renounced it. It allows them to return and reestablish permanent residency in Colombia.
For Venezuelan citizens registered under the ETPV and have demonstrated regular stay and integration over the time stipulated by Colombian law.
For individuals who have participated in the Peace Process or were covered by the commitments made in the Colombian Peace Agreements, and who meet the specific criteria defined by the government.
While most visa applicants fall under standard categories such as Visitor, Migrant, or Resident, some unique cases require special procedures or accessory visas. In Colombia, specific processes related to visa status, like visa transfers or beneficiary visas, are essential for maintaining legal status but do not neatly fit into the primary categories.
Although these services are not standalone visa types, they are crucial for preserving immigration rights and ensuring smooth legal compliance in Colombia. Each case requires a case-specific evaluation, especially in family-based applications or administrative updates that involve coordination with Colombia’s immigration and civil registries.
This visa is issued to the spouse, permanent partner, parents, or children of a foreigner who holds a valid visa in Colombia. It reflects the same duration and conditions of the main visa but does not independently count toward residency or naturalization requirements. It is ideal for families relocating or dependents accompanying the principal applicant.
A legal process that enables individuals to reassign a valid visa to a new passport, typically after a passport renewal, loss, or change in personal data (such as name updates). This process is crucial to maintain uninterrupted immigration status and legal compliance when official documents are updated.
For spouses or permanent partners, for children under 25 years old or of any age if they have a disability, and for economically dependent parents.
All resident visa holders must complete a visa transfer every five (5) years, one month prior to the expiration date.
Residents with visas that were issued before the new resolution 5477 must complete the visa transfer by October 31, 2026.
For foreign nationals who need to transfer their valid visa to a new passport due to expiration, renewal, limited blank pages, loss or theft.
For cases where personal information has changed or the visa stamp is damaged or illegible and must be reissued.
The Colombian Cédula de Extranjería is the official identification card issued by Migración Colombia to holders of a visa valid for more than 90 days. It serves as proof of legal stay and is mandatory for carrying out various activities in the country.
This visa is issued to the spouse, permanent partner, parents, or children of a foreigner who holds a valid visa in Colombia. It reflects the same duration and conditions of the main visa but does not independently count toward residency or naturalization requirements. It is ideal for families relocating or dependents accompanying the principal applicant.
A legal process that enables individuals to reassign a valid visa to a new passport, typically after a passport renewal, loss, or change in personal data (such as name updates). This process is crucial to maintain uninterrupted immigration status and legal compliance when official documents are updated.
Foreign nationals who obtain a Colombian visa are legally required to register it to Migración Colombia. This process ensures that you’re immigration status is correctly recorded and that you’re eligible to submit the Cédula de Extranjería application
This visa is issued to the spouse, permanent partner, parents, or children of a foreigner who holds a valid visa in Colombia. It reflects the same duration and conditions of the main visa but does not independently count toward residency or naturalization requirements. It is ideal for families relocating or dependents accompanying the principal applicant.
A legal process that enables individuals to reassign a valid visa to a new passport, typically after a passport renewal, loss, or change in personal data (such as name updates). This process is crucial to maintain uninterrupted immigration status and legal compliance when official documents are updated.
At expatgroup.co, we are proud to be part of the story of many foreigners who have seen their aspirations fulfilled.
Each of our clients has a unique story, we have helped families build their dream homes, entrepreneurs launch their businesses, and professionals achieve new goals.
Don’t wait any longer to make your dreams of living or investing in Colombia a reality!
I am very happy with the help of expat group, they were very responsive with the many questions and were able to provide easily understandable answers.
I know that I could not have accomplished my visa renewal without their help.
I can honestly give them 10 stars for all that they do
I had an amazing experience working with Luisa Amaya and the team at Expatgroup to obtain my digital nomad visa in Colombia. Luisa was incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and patient throughout the entire process. She guided me step-by-step, ensuring everything was done correctly and on time. The team’s dedication and attention to detail made what could have been a stressful experience completely seamless. I highly recommend Expatgroup for anyone looking for expert assistance with visas in Colombia!
El servicio que me prestaron fue super profesional desde el primero momento, mi caso era un poco distinto y fueron pacientes con cada pregunta que tuve, ademas de ser super profesionales con sus respuestas y asesoria, la verdad me quitaron muchos dolores de cabeza con el proceso
Folks have been just a blessing to help me navigating all this without having a significant understanding of the language and a terrible habit of putting this kind of stuff off to a fault. Helped keep me informed and on schedule.
Thanks to Expatgroup I am getting all the support I need to begin working on time in my new job. This service is convenient for someone already in Medellín and in need of an FBI background check.
Last year I utilized Expat Group to renew my visa and everything went very smoothly. They are friendly, professional and efficient.
This year I’m utilizing their visa renewal services again. I recommend them 100%.
Expatgroup is a great service. They work diligently on your behalf to make sure that all your documents are in order before they submit them to the Migration Service of your behalf. If you have any questions they are willing to meet with you to provide the answers prior to you submitting your application request. I would highly recommend them to anyone who is applying for a visa to live in this wonderful country. Roddy
Sara Torres in the Visas Department was a joy to work with! She was very helpful and friendly and quickly responded to my many questions completely and with perfect English 😃. She made the nomad visa process as easy and seamless as possible. I highly recommend working with Expatgroup.co for all your visa needs!
I’m very pleased with the service from expatgroup. I want to thank Juan David and Karen for their guidance in completing my husband’s visa petition. They were professional, organized, and courteous, keeping me informed throughout the process. Their effective communication built trust and met my needs. I’m satisfied with their service and appreciate their great work!
Expatgroup helped me navigate the visa process in Colombia. They did a very good job because at times the process was challenging. But I felt in very good hands
Excellent choice to expedite nomad visa paperwork. Very organized and proactive. Recommend 100%
Expatgroup were great! Alejandra was very professional and thorough. For the price you gat peace of mind knowing that your visa application will be sumbitted correctly and will have the highest chance of getting approved.
With expert immigration specialists and lawyers, we ensure a smooth process backed by years of experience and professionalism.
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