Deep coverage19 verified routes across visit, study, work, investment, family and more.
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Select the passports you hold to see short-stay access and per-route eligibility for Colombia.
3 routes
Visit
Short stays: tourism, transit, business trips, medical, pilgrimage.
Tourist Visa
Colombia V Visitor Visa - Tourism
Visitor (V) visa for leisure, tourism, cultural and recreational activities for nationals who cannot enter Colombia visa-free or who wish to formalise a longer tourist stay. Issued for up to 1 year and authorising stays of up to 90 calendar days, extendable by Migracion Colombia for a further 90 days (180 days maximum within the same year). Most Western travellers do not need this visa and enter visa-free with a Permiso de Ingreso y Permanencia stamp; the V Turismo visa exists for nationalities subject to a visa requirement. It does not authorise work or paid activity and does not lead to residence. Colombian visa fees are set in US dollars (a study fee of roughly USD 52 at filing plus a visa/issuance fee on approval) but are collected in Colombian pesos at the day's exchange rate. Confirm whether your nationality requires this visa on the Cancilleria visa portal before applying.
Government fee
$82
Processing time
30 days
Max stay
90 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (6)
PassportValid for at least 180 days from application with two blank pages.
Online visa application formCompleted via the Cancilleria SITAC visa portal.
Passport photoRecent 3x4 cm colour photo, white background, no accessories.
Proof of economic solvencyBank statements from the last 3 months evidencing means to fund the stay.
Travel/health insuranceOptionalPolicy with coverage in Colombia against accident, illness, hospitalisation and repatriation for the stay.
Return or onward ticketOptionalEvidence of itinerary and intent to leave Colombia.
Business Visitor Visa
Colombia V Visitor Visa - Business
Visitor (V) visa for business management, market studies, direct-investment planning and procedures, incorporating a company, negotiating, signing contracts or acting as a commercial representative, without taking up local employment. Issued for up to 2 years and allowing stays of up to 180 calendar days (continuous or not) within each 365-day period from issuance, non-extendable. Applicants generally must show economic solvency: bank statements from the prior 3 months evidencing average monthly income of at least 3 SMMLV (about COP 5,252,715 in 2026), or a sponsoring Colombian/foreign company's solvency. It does not authorise an employment relationship in Colombia and does not by itself lead to residence. Fees are denominated in USD (study fee plus issuance fee) and charged in Colombian pesos.
Government fee
$82
Processing time
30 days
Max stay
180 days
Validity
730 days
Document checklist (6)
PassportValid for at least 180 days with two blank pages.
Online visa application formCompleted via the Cancilleria SITAC visa portal.
Passport photoRecent 3x4 cm colour photo, white background.
Letter describing the business activityWritten statement identifying the applicant and detailing the activity in Colombia (participants, duration, schedule, location).
Proof of economic solvencyPersonal bank statements for the last 3 months showing income of at least 3 SMMLV, or sponsoring company's bank statements.
Company documentsOptionalCertificate of existence/legal representation of the inviting or applicant's company, where applicable.
Medical Treatment Visa
Colombia V Visitor Visa - Medical Treatment
Visitor (V) visa for foreigners travelling to Colombia for medical or dental consultation or treatment, with an accompanying-person variant for a carer or family member. Issued for up to 1 year and authorising stays of up to 180 days. Requires confirmation from the Colombian healthcare provider of the planned treatment and dates, plus evidence of means to cover medical and living costs. It does not authorise work and does not lead to residence. Fees are set in USD (study fee plus issuance fee) and collected in Colombian pesos.
Government fee
$82
Processing time
30 days
Max stay
180 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (6)
PassportValid for at least 180 days with two blank pages.
Online visa application formCompleted via the Cancilleria SITAC visa portal with digital photo.
Medical provider letterConfirmation from the Colombian clinic/hospital of the treatment, schedule and estimated cost.
Proof of fundsBank statements or sponsor declaration covering treatment and living costs.
Health insuranceOptionalPolicy covering the treatment period in Colombia where applicable.
Relationship evidence (accompanying person)OptionalProof of family ties for an accompanying carer applying under the variant.
Not yet researched
Transit Visa
Pilgrimage Visa
1 route
Study & Training
Universities, language courses, internships and exchanges.
Student Visa
Colombia V Visitor Visa - Student
Visitor (V) visa for foreigners admitted to formal basic, secondary, undergraduate, postgraduate or other recognised study, or to an academic internship, at a Colombian educational institution. Issued for up to 2 years (renewable for the duration of the programme). Holders may study and, for university-level programmes, may be authorised to do limited related work as regulated. Absence from Colombia for more than 90 calendar days (except for virtual/distance programmes) automatically terminates the visa. Study time is a visitor category and does not by itself accumulate toward an R resident visa, though graduates may switch to an M work or business visa. The study fee is roughly USD 20-52 and the issuance fee about USD 51-82, charged in Colombian pesos.
Study: Authorised at the institution and programme stated in the visa.
Government fee
$82
Processing time
30 days
Validity
730 days
Document checklist (6)
PassportValid for at least 180 days with two blank pages.
Online visa application formCompleted via the Cancilleria SITAC visa portal with digital photo.
Admission or enrolment certificateFrom the educational institution stating the programme, level and duration.
Health insurance policyCoverage in Colombia against all risks (accident, illness, maternity, disability, hospitalisation, death, repatriation) for the stay.
Declaration of economic responsibilityHand-signed and fingerprinted statement (or apostilled abroad) covering travel and living costs in Colombia.
Proof of fundsOptionalBank statements or scholarship letter evidencing means to study and live in Colombia.
Not yet researched
Language Course Visa
Internship / Trainee Visa
Exchange Program Visa
6 routes
Work & Self-Employment
Digital nomad, freelance, skilled employment and company transfers.
Digital Nomad Visa
Colombia V Visitor Visa - Digital Nomads
Created by Resolution 5477 of 2022, the V Nomadas Digitales visa is for non-Colombian remote workers and digital entrepreneurs who provide telework or remote services through digital means exclusively for companies or clients domiciled outside Colombia, whether as employees, independent contractors, or to launch a digital-content or information-technology venture. Applicants must evidence monthly income over the last 3 months of at least 3 SMMLV (about COP 5,252,715 per month in 2026; figures are read individually, not averaged), and hold international health insurance covering Colombia for all risks (minimum coverage about USD 30,000). Issued for up to 2 years and granting a cedula de extranjeria. Visitor-visa time does not accumulate toward an R resident visa, so this is not a direct path to permanent residence. The study fee is roughly USD 52 and the issuance fee about USD 180, all charged in Colombian pesos.
Work: Remote work for foreign employers/clients only; no Colombian-domiciled employer.
Family: Spouse/partner and dependent children may apply as beneficiaries.
Government fee
$180
Processing time
30 days
Validity
730 days
Min. income / month
$5,252,715
Document checklist (6)
PassportValid for at least 180 days from application with two blank pages.
Online visa application formCompleted via the Cancilleria SITAC visa portal with digital photo.
Employer or client letterLetter from the foreign company stating the remote employment or service relationship, or proof of the digital/IT venture.
Proof of incomeBank statements or pay evidence for the last 3 months showing monthly income of at least 3 SMMLV.
International health insurancePolicy with coverage in Colombia against all risks (accident, illness, maternity, disability, hospitalisation, death, repatriation), minimum about USD 30,000, for the planned stay.
Motivation letterOptionalStatement of the activity, intended duration and remote-work arrangement in Colombia.
Freelancer Visa
Visa M - Trabajador independiente (independent profession)
Available
Under Resolution 5477/2022, freelancers can obtain a Migrant (M) visa for independent work by documenting their profession/experience and six months of bank statements averaging about 10x the Colombian minimum monthly wage; valid up to 3 years.
Colombia M Migrant Visa - Independent Professional
Migrant (M) visa for foreigners who will independently practise a regulated profession, art or trade in Colombia. Requires recognition or validation of the foreign qualification by the competent Colombian authority and, where the profession is regulated, the relevant professional licence/registration. Issued for up to 3 years and granting work permission for the authorised profession. Applicants must show means of subsistence. M time accumulates toward an R resident visa after 5 years. Fees are USD-denominated (study fee plus an M issuance fee of about USD 230) and charged in Colombian pesos.
Work: Authorised to practise the recognised profession/trade independently.
Study: Study permitted alongside professional activity.
Residency after 5 years
Family: Spouse/partner and dependent children may apply as beneficiaries.
Government fee
$230
Processing time
30 days
Validity
1,095 days
Document checklist (6)
PassportValid for at least 180 days with two blank pages.
Online visa application formCompleted via the Cancilleria SITAC visa portal with digital photo.
Qualification recognitionConvalidation/recognition of the foreign degree or licence by the competent Colombian authority.
Professional licenceRegistration card (tarjeta profesional) where the profession is regulated in Colombia.
Proof of means of subsistenceBank statements or contracts evidencing income to support the stay.
Health insuranceOptionalPolicy with coverage in Colombia for the stay.
Startup / Entrepreneur Visa
Visa M - Empresario (Business Owner)
Available
Foreigners who incorporate a Colombian company and invest at least 100 minimum monthly wages (~COP 175 million, ~USD 45,000) qualify for a Migrant business-owner visa granted 1-3 years, leading to resident status after 5 years.
Migrant (M) visa for foreigners with a Colombian employment relationship, sponsored by the employer. Issued for up to 3 years, with a work permit valid for the same period (restricted to the sponsoring employer and role). The employer provides a signed labour contract or contract-summary form and a motivation letter, and must evidence solvency, typically bank certifications for the last 4 months showing average monthly income of at least 100 SMMLV (about COP 175,090,500 in 2026), and justify the hire. The principal may include a spouse/permanent partner, children up to 25, and disabled dependent children as beneficiaries. Crucially, M visas accumulate time toward an R resident visa: after holding M visas continuously for 5 years, the holder may apply for the R por tiempo acumulado resident visa, the route to permanent residence and later naturalisation. Fees are USD-denominated (study fee plus an M issuance fee of about USD 230) and charged in Colombian pesos.
Work: Work permit tied to the sponsoring employer and role for the visa's duration.
Study: Study permitted alongside employment.
Residency after 5 years
Family: Spouse/partner, children up to 25 and disabled dependent children as beneficiaries.
Government fee
$230
Processing time
30 days
Validity
1,095 days
Document checklist (6)
PassportValid for at least 180 days with two blank pages.
Online visa application formCompleted via the Cancilleria SITAC visa portal with digital photo.
Labour contractSigned Colombian employment contract or official contract-summary format.
Employer motivation letterLetter detailing the role, the foreigner's suitability, why a Colombian is not hired and jobs the company generates.
Employer solvency proofBank certifications/statements for the last 4 months showing average monthly income of at least 100 SMMLV.
Professional/experience evidenceOptionalApostilled degree or experience certificates supporting the role.
Skilled Work Visa
Colombia V Visitor Visa - Service Provider / Work or Labour
Visitor (V) visa for foreigners hired in Colombia for a specific service, work or task (obra o labor) for a defined entity, profession or activity. Issued for up to 2 years; work authorisation is restricted to the specific role, employer and activity for which it was granted. The Colombian contractor must evidence solvency, typically bank certifications for the last 6 months showing average monthly income of at least 100 SMMLV (about COP 175,090,500 in 2026), and the applicant must document professional/technical suitability (apostilled degree or experience certificates) and hold health insurance covering Colombia. It is a visitor category and does not accumulate toward an R resident visa; foreigners on an ongoing employment relationship usually use the M Trabajador migrant visa instead. Fees are USD-denominated (study plus issuance) and charged in pesos.
Work: Restricted to the specific role, entity and activity granted.
Family: Dependent spouse/partner and children up to 25 may apply as beneficiaries.
Government fee
$82
Processing time
30 days
Validity
730 days
Document checklist (6)
PassportValid for at least 180 days with two blank pages.
Online visa application formCompleted via the Cancilleria SITAC visa portal with digital photo.
Service or work contractContract or formal engagement letter describing the obra/labor, duration and remuneration.
Contractor solvency proofBank certifications for the last 6 months showing average monthly income of at least 100 SMMLV.
Proof of suitabilityApostilled professional degree, or labour/experience certificates evidencing fitness for the role.
Health insurancePolicy with coverage in Colombia for the stay.
Not yet researched
Seasonal Work Visa
Intra-Company Transfer Visa
4 routes
Invest & Capital
Golden visas, real estate, citizenship by investment, passive income.
Golden Visa (Residence by Investment)
Colombia R Resident Visa - Direct Foreign Investment
Resident (R) visa granted directly, without first accumulating M-visa time, to foreigners who register direct foreign investment with the Banco de la Republica exceeding 650 SMMLV (about COP 1,138,088,250 in 2026). This is Colombia's closest equivalent to a fast-track investor/golden residence: it grants permanent-resident status and OPEN work authorisation for any lawful activity. The R visa has indefinite validity; the holder must keep the cedula de extranjeria current (renewed every 5 years) and may not be absent from Colombia for more than 2 continuous years without losing the status. After holding the R visa, the holder may apply for Colombian nationality by naturalisation (generally after 5 years of residence, reduced for spouses of Colombians and nationals of certain countries). The study fee is roughly USD 55 and the R issuance fee about USD 400, charged in Colombian pesos.
Work: Open work authorisation for any lawful activity.
Study: Study permitted.
Residency: R is permanent residence directly; naturalisation generally after 5 years of residence.
Family: Dependent spouse/partner and children may apply as beneficiaries.
Government fee
$400
Processing time
30 days
Min. investment
$1,138,090,500
Document checklist (6)
PassportValid for at least 180 days with two blank pages.
Online visa application formCompleted via the Cancilleria SITAC visa portal with digital photo.
Foreign-investment registrationBanco de la Republica extracts registering direct foreign investment over 650 SMMLV in the applicant's name.
Proof of economic solvencyBank statements supporting the investment and stay.
Criminal record certificateOptionalFrom countries of residence, apostilled and translated, where required.
Proof of paymentReceipts for the study and issuance fees.
Residence by Real Estate
Colombia M Migrant Visa - Real-Estate Investor
Migrant (M) investor visa for foreigners who buy and hold Colombian real estate in their own name worth at least 350 SMMLV (about COP 612,816,750 in 2026). Proven by the property's Certificado de Tradicion y Libertad in the applicant's exclusive name plus the Banco de la Republica foreign-investment registration. Issued for up to 3 years; validity is conditioned on maintaining ownership, and at each renewal the property's value must still meet the then-current 350-SMMLV threshold. The same M Inversionista subtype also covers direct foreign investment in a company registered above 650 SMMLV. M time accumulates toward an R resident visa after 5 years. The study fee is roughly USD 52 and the M issuance fee about USD 230, charged in Colombian pesos.
Work: M visa grants work permission for the same period as the visa.
Study: Study permitted alongside the investment.
Residency after 5 years
Family: Spouse/partner, children up to 25 and disabled dependent children as beneficiaries.
Government fee
$230
Processing time
30 days
Validity
1,095 days
Min. investment
$612,816,750
Document checklist (6)
PassportValid for at least 180 days with two blank pages.
Online visa application formCompleted via the Cancilleria SITAC visa portal with digital photo.
Certificate of Tradition and FreedomRecent certificate showing the property worth at least 350 SMMLV is held exclusively in the applicant's name.
Foreign-investment registrationBanco de la Republica extract registering the real-estate investment in the applicant's name.
Proof of economic solvencyBank statements from the 3 months prior to application supporting the stay.
Passport photoDigital 3x4 cm colour photo, white background, no accessories.
Non-Lucrative / Passive Income Visa
Colombia V Visitor Visa - Annuitant (Rentista)
Visitor (V) visa for foreigners who wish to stay in Colombia living on stable, periodic income from a legitimate source other than a Colombian salary (for example rents, dividends, royalties or annuities). The Cancilleria benchmark is monthly income of at least 10 SMMLV (about COP 17,509,050 per month in 2026). Issued for up to 2 years; it is a visitor category, so it does not grant open work authorisation and does not accumulate toward an R resident visa. Applicants who instead hold a foreign pension should use the M Pensionado migrant visa, which does build toward residence. Fees are set in USD (study fee plus issuance fee) and collected in Colombian pesos.
Family: Dependent spouse/partner and children may apply as beneficiaries.
Government fee
$82
Processing time
30 days
Validity
730 days
Min. income / month
$17,509,050
Document checklist (6)
PassportValid for at least 180 days with two blank pages.
Online visa application formCompleted via the Cancilleria SITAC visa portal with digital photo.
Proof of periodic incomeDocuments certifying stable monthly income of at least 10 SMMLV from a legitimate non-salary source.
Bank statementsStatements from the last 3-6 months supporting the declared income.
Health insurancePolicy with coverage in Colombia for the stay.
Criminal record certificateOptionalFrom the country of origin/residence where required, apostilled and translated.
Business Investor Visa
Colombia M Migrant Visa - Partner or Business Owner
Migrant (M) visa for foreigners who own or hold a stake in a Colombian commercial company and wish to reside in Colombia to run or oversee the business. Requires a paid-in capital participation of at least 100 SMMLV (about COP 175,090,500 in 2026), proven by incorporation, share purchase or registered foreign investment, plus evidence of the company's ongoing economic activity and solvency (bank statements for the last 3 months, tax return, social-security contributions, industry-and-commerce tax). Issued for up to 3 years; validity is conditioned on maintaining the qualifying participation. Renewals require proof the company remains active and solvent. M time accumulates toward an R resident visa after 5 years. Fees are USD-denominated (study fee plus an M issuance fee of about USD 230) and charged in Colombian pesos.
Work: Authorised to run/work in the company in which the qualifying investment is held.
Study: Study permitted alongside the business activity.
Residency after 5 years
Family: Spouse/partner, children up to 25 and disabled dependent children as beneficiaries.
Government fee
$230
Processing time
30 days
Validity
1,095 days
Min. investment
$175,090,500
Document checklist (6)
PassportValid for at least 180 days with two blank pages.
Online visa application formCompleted via the Cancilleria SITAC visa portal with digital photo.
Proof of capital participationIncorporation, share purchase or registered foreign-investment evidence of at least 100 SMMLV paid-in capital in the applicant's name.
Shareholding certificateFor stock companies, a public accountant's certificate of share composition stating the applicant's registered, paid capital/assets.
Company activity and solvencyBank statements (last 3 months), income tax return, social-security contributions and industry-and-commerce tax payments.
Certificate of existenceChamber of Commerce certificate of existence and legal representation of the company.
Not yet researched
Citizenship by Investment
2 routes
Retire & Lifestyle
Retirement visas and working holiday schemes.
Retirement Visa
Colombia M Migrant Visa - Pensioner
Migrant (M) visa for foreigners who receive a retirement or disability pension from a public or private entity, whether Colombian or foreign. The pension must be at least 3 SMMLV per month (about COP 5,252,715 in 2026), evidenced by an official pension certificate (apostilled and translated if not in Spanish). Issued for up to 3 years. It does not by itself grant open work permission and does not allow enrolment in the Colombian social-security system except under bilateral agreements. M time accumulates toward an R resident visa: after 5 years of continuous M Pensionado visas, the holder may apply for the R por tiempo acumulado resident visa and later naturalisation. The study fee is roughly USD 52 and the M issuance fee about USD 230, charged in Colombian pesos.
Study: Study permitted during the stay.
Residency after 5 years
Family: Spouse/partner and dependent children may apply as beneficiaries.
Government fee
$230
Processing time
30 days
Validity
1,095 days
Min. income / month
$5,252,715
Document checklist (6)
PassportValid for at least 180 days with two blank pages.
Online visa application formCompleted via the Cancilleria SITAC visa portal with digital photo.
Pension certificateOfficial statement showing a monthly pension of at least 3 SMMLV, apostilled and translated if not in Spanish.
Health insuranceInternational policy with coverage in Colombia valid for the visa's duration.
Criminal record certificateIssued within the last 6 months, apostilled and translated.
Proof of paymentReceipt for the visa study fee.
Working Holiday Visa
Colombia V Visitor Visa - Work and Holiday
Visitor (V) work-and-holiday visa available to young nationals of countries with a reciprocal agreement with Colombia, combining tourism with limited, incidental work to help fund the stay. Issued for up to 1 year and non-renewable. Applicants must be within the age range set by the relevant bilateral agreement (commonly 18-30) and show savings of at least 5 SMMLV (about COP 8,754,525 in 2026) or a return ticket plus funds. It does not lead to residence. Eligibility depends on an agreement being in force for the applicant's nationality; check the Cancilleria visa portal. Fees are set in USD (study plus issuance) and charged in Colombian pesos.
Work: Incidental work to support the holiday, as defined by the bilateral agreement.
Study: Short courses permitted on a secondary basis.
Government fee
$82
Processing time
30 days
Max stay
365 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (6)
PassportValid for at least 180 days with two blank pages.
Online visa application formCompleted via the Cancilleria SITAC visa portal with digital photo.
Proof of savings or return ticketSavings of at least 5 SMMLV, or a return ticket plus sufficient funds for the stay.
Health insurancePolicy with coverage in Colombia for the full stay.
Proof of eligibility under the agreementEvidence of nationality and age within the reciprocal work-and-holiday agreement range.
Criminal record certificateOptionalClean record from country of nationality/residence, apostilled where required.
1 route
Family & Origin
Reunification, spouse routes and ancestry-based repatriation.
Spouse / Partner Visa
Colombia M Migrant Visa - Spouse / Permanent Partner of a Colombian
Migrant (M) visa for the foreign spouse or permanent (common-law) partner of a Colombian national, intending genuine cohabitation in Colombia. Spouses provide a recent authentic copy of the Colombian civil marriage registration; permanent partners provide a public deed, judicial order or settlement act declaring a de-facto union formalised more than 1 year before the application, plus a migratory-movements certificate from Migracion Colombia. The Colombian partner signs a letter requesting the visa and confirming cohabitation. The first M Conyuge visa is commonly issued for up to 3 years and grants OPEN work authorisation (any lawful activity). For this family-based M subtype, residence accumulates faster: after 2 years of continuous M visas the holder may apply for the R resident visa. Fees are USD-denominated (study fee plus an M issuance fee of about USD 230) and charged in Colombian pesos.
Work: Open work authorisation for any lawful activity.
Study: Study permitted.
Residency after 2 years
Family: Dependent children of the couple may be included.
Government fee
$230
Processing time
30 days
Validity
1,095 days
Document checklist (6)
PassportValid for at least 180 days with two blank pages.
Online visa application formCompleted via the Cancilleria SITAC visa portal with digital photo.
Marriage or union evidenceRecent authentic copy of the Colombian civil marriage registration, or a deed/order/settlement declaring a de-facto union formalised over 1 year ago.
Colombian partner's request letterLetter signed by the Colombian spouse/partner confirming cohabitation, with phone, address, email and copy of their cedula.
Migratory-movements certificateMigracion Colombia certificate of both partners' migratory movements.
Copy of the Colombian partner's cedulaSimple copy of the Colombian national's citizenship card.
Not yet researched
Family Reunification Visa
Dependent Relative Visa
Ancestry / Repatriation
2 routes
Special Categories
Talent, religious, humanitarian, media, official and permanent residence.
Long-Term Residence Permit
Colombia M Migrant Visa - Mercosur Resident
Migrant (M) visa under the Mercosur Residence Agreement for nationals of Mercosur member and associate states (e.g. Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador) who wish to settle in Colombia on the basis of nationality alone, without needing an employer, investment or pension. Issued for up to 3 years and granting open work authorisation. Requires nationality of a participating state, a clean criminal record and basic supporting documents. M time accumulates toward an R resident visa after 5 years (2 years for family-based subtypes). Fees are USD-denominated (study fee plus an M issuance fee of about USD 230) and charged in Colombian pesos.
Work: Open work authorisation under the Mercosur agreement.
Study: Study permitted.
Residency after 5 years
Family: Dependent family members may apply as beneficiaries.
Government fee
$230
Processing time
30 days
Validity
1,095 days
Document checklist (5)
PassportValid for at least 180 days with two blank pages, evidencing Mercosur-state nationality.
Online visa application formCompleted via the Cancilleria SITAC visa portal with digital photo.
Birth certificate or nationality proofDocument evidencing nationality of a Mercosur member/associate state, apostilled.
Criminal record certificateFrom countries of residence over the last years, apostilled and translated.
Proof of address in ColombiaOptionalEvidence of intended residence, where requested.
Permanent Residence
Colombia R Resident Visa - Accumulated Time
The main permanent-residence route in Colombia: a Resident (R) visa for foreigners who have held qualifying M migrant visas continuously for the required period. The benchmark is 5 years of uninterrupted M-visa time for most subtypes, reduced to 2 years for family-based subtypes (spouse/permanent partner of a Colombian, and parent of a Colombian national). Time is continuous only when each visa is issued before the previous one expires; tourist days and safe-conducts do not count. The R visa grants permanent residence with OPEN work authorisation for any lawful activity, has indefinite validity, and is maintained via the cedula de extranjeria (renewed every 5 years); absence of more than 2 continuous years causes loss of status. R holders may apply for Colombian nationality by naturalisation after the residence period set by law. The study fee is about USD 55 and the R issuance fee about USD 400; apply at least 2 months before the current visa expires.
Work: Open work authorisation for any lawful activity.
Study: Study permitted.
Residency: This visa IS permanent residence; naturalisation follows per the nationality law.
Family: Family members generally hold their own visas; dependents may be included where eligible.
Government fee
$400
Processing time
30 days
Document checklist (7)
PassportValid for at least 180 days with two blank pages.
Online visa application formCompleted via the Cancilleria SITAC visa portal with digital photo.
Previous visasCopies of all prior M visas without interruption demonstrating the accumulated period.
Valid cedula de extranjeriaCurrent foreigner ID card.
Colombian income tax returnDeclaration of Colombian taxes where applicable.
Health-system affiliation (EPS)Proof of affiliation to the Colombian health system.
Proof that original-visa circumstances persistEvidence the conditions of the underlying M visa continue (employment, marriage, investment, etc.).
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