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Colombian Visa for Expats

Moving to Colombia and starting a new life?

Colombia Expats makes the process easy for you!

We are a company with extensive experience in obtaining Colombian visas, especially in the city of Medellin. We provide you with a personalized and efficient service, advising you on the type of visa you need, helping you to gather the documents and submitting your application to the Colombian Embassy. We accompany you every step of the way until you obtain your visa and can begin your adventure in this beautiful country. Whether you’re coming for work, retirement, study, or simply to explore, the first step is understanding Colombia’s visa system, we break down the types of visas available for foreigners and their requirements. Our goal is to make the process, so you can focus on enjoying your new life in Colombia.

Types of visas in Colombia 

Colombia offers three main categories of visas, each with various subcategories, to accommodate foreigners with different purposes for their visit or stay. The three primary visa types 

1

Permanent Resident visa (R)

This is the permanent residency visa for foreigners who wish to live in Colombia indefinitely. This visa is generally granted after holding an M visa for a specific period

  • resignation of nationality, 

  • Accumulated Time of stay in Colombia,

  • Applications of the Temporary Protection Statue for Venezuelan Migrants,

  • Special Peace Residents.

  • Held a Migrant Visa for 5 consecutive years

  • Made a qualifying investment

  • Parent of a Colombian citizen
     

Duration: Indefinite validity (with renewal every 5 years for ID purposes)

2

Visitor visa (V)

This is for individuals who want to visit Colombia for a short or temporary period, without the intention of establishing permanent residency. It can be valid for up to three years. Subcategories include:

  • Tourism and leisure

  • Business activities (e.g., meetings, market studies)

  • Digital Nomad (for remote workers)

  • Students (for short-term studies)

  • Medical treatment

  • Religious or volunteer work

  • Events or conventions

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Duration from a few months up to 2 years

3

Migrant visa (M)

This visa is for foreigners who intend to stay and establish long-term residence in Colombia. It's often a stepping stone to permanent residency. 

  • Work visa 

  • Marriage or common-law partnership with a Colombian national

  • Parents of a Colombian national

  • Investors 

  • Pensioners 

  • Business owners

  • Students 

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Duration: Typically valid for 1–3 years.​​

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Simplify Your Colombia Visa with Colombia Expats

  • Transparent guidance: Clear information tailored to your visa process.

  • free consultation with our visa expert

  • you only pay once your visa is approved

  • Ensure all documents are translated into Spanish and apostilled.

  • Apply at least 30 days before your current status expires.

  • Keep digital copies of all your submissions.

Mandatory Requirements for Colombian Visa

  • Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity.

  • Criminal background certificate

  • Scanned passport in PDF format.

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