Visas for Colombia

Depending on your nationality and the purpose of your stay, you may need to get a visa for Colombia, whether you wish to visit, work, study or reside in the country. Ensure you know which type of visa is required. Colombia offers many different categories of visas.

Citizens from particular countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and France, do not need a visa to enter Colombia as a tourist for up to 90 days. Consult your local Colombian embassy to determine whether you need a visa.

Visas are classified under three broad umbrella categories: Visitor (V), Migrant (M) or Resident (R). There are more than 30 subcategories under each umbrella category. It’s essential to understand the visa rules before applying for a Colombian visa.

Visitor visas for Colombia

Visitor visas for Colombia are available for foreigners travelling for tourism purposes or to do business, participate in academic exchange and studies, do an internship or volunteer. The visa also applies if you’re being transferred for work by an international company or travelling for a working holiday. Other categories of visitor visa include those for medical treatment and digital nomads.

The digital nomad visa allows you to work for a foreign company while living in Colombia. On this visa, which is valid for two years, you can be in the country for up to six months a year.

The rentista visa (also known as an annuity visa) is for those living on income from annuities, renting property, dividends or interest.

Doing Business in Colombia 

Useful links

• Colombian Foreign Affairs: List of Nationalities Exempt from Short-Stay Visas
• Colombian Government: Apply for a Colombia Visa Online
• Colombian Foreign Affairs: Classes or Categories of Visas in Colombia

Migrant visas for Colombia

The migrant visa is intended for foreigners visiting Colombia for short trips or staying in the country temporarily. The visa is available if you want to live in Colombia and establish yourself, but don’t meet the resident visa requirements.

Migrant visas include marriage, work, retirement and investment visas. If you’re a spouse of a Colombian national, employed full-time, a businessperson, investor, retiree or landlord, you could be eligible for this visa.

The migrant visa is typically valid for three years. This depends on the purpose of your visit.

Applying for a work visa in Colombia

Work visas in Colombia fall under the migrant visa category. Typically, your employer sponsors the application and must provide a formal employment contract detailing job responsibilities, salary and the duration of employment. Applicants need to submit their passports, proof of qualifications, a criminal background check, and evidence of the employer’s legal registration in Colombia.

The application is submitted online through the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. Processing times generally range from 15 to 30 business days. The employer plays a key role in gathering documentation and demonstrating that the position requires foreign expertise.

Working in Colombia

Useful links

• Colombian Government: Apply for a Colombia Visa Online
• Colombian Foreign Affairs: Temporary Worker’s Visa Information

Resident visas and permanent residency in Colombia

The resident visa is for expats who want to establish themselves permanently in Colombia. To be eligible for a resident visa, you need to hold a migrant visa for at least five continuous years. Some categories have shorter requirements: spouses of Colombian citizens may qualify after two years, and some other family-based visas only require three years of continuous residence.

Resident visas allow visa holders to take up any employment in Colombia and provide long-term legal residency status.

The resident visa application requires substantial documentation, including proof of continuous legal residence, a clean criminal record and evidence of financial stability. Applicants must also demonstrate they’ve maintained their qualifying status throughout their time in Colombia.

Processing times for resident visa applications typically range from five to 30 business days. Once approved, you must register your visa with Migración Colombia within 15 days and obtain your Cédula de Extranjería (foreigner ID card), which is essential for accessing services, opening bank accounts and conducting official business in Colombia.

Useful links

• Colombian Government: Apply for a Colombia Visa Online
• Colombian Foreign Affairs: Qualified Resident’s Visa Information
• Colombian Foreign Affairs: Classes or Categories of Visas in Colombia

Visa regulations are subject to change at short notice, so contact your respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.