Visa requirements

Colombia

General visa requirements for travelling to Colombia. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.

Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.

Work / Immigration visa (Digital Nomad Visa (Type V))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

e-Visa

Maximum stay
730 days
Processing time
2-6 weeks
Fee
$95 - $300 USD
Validity
Up to 2 years
Entry
Multiple entry

The Digital Nomad Visa is a Type V (Visitor) visa introduced in 2022 for remote workers. Applicants must be from visa-exempt countries and have minimum monthly income of 3 times Colombian minimum wage (approximately $1,100 USD/month or COP 4,270,500). Recent 2025 update: Ministry now requires applicants work in IT or be online influencers. Does NOT permit employment with Colombian companies or providing services to local clients.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Must be from a country exempt from needing a short-stay visa to enter Colombia (visa-free countries only).

    Eligible countries: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holy See, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea (Republic of), Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay

  • Purpose of visit

    Remote work for foreign companies or clients. As of mid-2025, applicant must work in information technology or be an online influencer. Cannot work for Colombian companies or provide services to local clients.

    Includes
    • Remote work in IT
    • online influencer
    • digital work for foreign clients
  • Financial

    Minimum monthly income of at least 3 times the Colombian minimum wage (approximately $1,100 USD/month or COP 4,270,500).

    Minimum funds: 3 times SMMLV (approximately $1,100 USD/month)

  • Employment

    Must provide proof of remote work or freelancing for at least 6 months through client contracts, reference letters, or employment verification.

    Required status: Remote worker or freelancer with 6+ months experience

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: Digital photo 3x4 cm, color, white background, recent

  • Bank statement

    Minimum balance: 3 times SMMLV per month (approximately $1,100 USD/month); Months required: 6

  • Employment letter

    Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.

    Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes

  • Travel insurance

    Coverage area: Colombia; Minimum coverage: All-risk coverage including accident, illness, hospitalization, death, and repatriation

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Online Visa Application Form - Digital Nomad Category; Form url: https://tramitesmre.cancilleria.gov.co/tramites/enlinea/solicitarVisa.xhtml

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Complete online visa application for Digital Nomad category on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

  2. Document gathering

    Gather required documents: valid passport, proof of remote work/freelancing for 6+ months, bank statements showing required income, employment contracts or client letters, and health insurance certificate.

  3. Fee payment

    Pay visa study and issuance fees totaling $95-$300 USD depending on nationality.

  4. Processing wait

    Wait for visa processing, typically 2-6 weeks.

  5. Visa collection

    Receive e-visa via email.

Sign in to apply

Work / Immigration visa (Work Visa - Migrant Type M (Employment))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

e-Visa

Maximum stay
1095 days
Processing time
10-30 business days
Fee
$282 - $402 USD
Validity
Up to 3 years
Entry
Multiple entry

The Migrant Visa (Type M) for work is for foreigners entering Colombia for employment with a Colombian entity. Valid for up to 3 years with multiple entries. Visa expires if absent from Colombia for more than 6 continuous months. After 5 years with M visa, can apply for permanent Resident Visa (Type R). Fee includes $52 study fee plus $230-$350 issuance fee. M visa must be issued BEFORE rendering services or joining local payroll.

Eligibility

  • Purpose of visit

    Foreign nationals entering Colombia for employment with a Colombian company through a labor contract or service agreement.

    Includes
    • Employment
    • labor contract
    • service agreement with Colombian entity
  • Employment

    Must have a valid employment contract or service agreement with a legally registered Colombian entity. The employer must demonstrate legal existence and financial solvency.

    Required status: Valid employment contract with Colombian company

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: Digital photo 3x4 cm, color, white background, recent

  • Employment letter

    Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.

    Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes

  • Travel insurance

    Coverage area: Colombia; Minimum coverage: All-risk coverage including accident, illness, hospitalization, death, and repatriation

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Online Visa Application Form - Migrant Work Category; Form url: https://tramitesmre.cancilleria.gov.co/tramites/enlinea/solicitarVisa.xhtml

  • Company registration

    Provide company registration evidence for the inviting, sponsoring or employing organisation.

    Accepted documents: Certificate from employer demonstrating legal existence and financial solvency in Colombia

  • Work contract

    Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.

    Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Complete the online Migrant visa application for work purposes on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

  2. Document gathering

    Gather required documents: valid passport, employment contract with Colombian company, employer's certificate of legal existence and financial solvency, letter specifying job activities and salary, and health insurance certificate.

  3. Fee payment

    Pay the visa study fee of $52 USD through the online portal.

  4. Processing wait

    Wait for visa processing. The Ministry typically processes work visas within 10-30 business days.

  5. Visa collection

    Receive e-visa via email. Must obtain the visa BEFORE starting work or joining Colombian payroll.

  6. Document submission

    Within 15 days of arrival in Colombia, register with Migración Colombia and apply for Cédula de Extranjería (Foreign ID).

Sign in to apply

Work / Immigration visa (Retirement/Pension Visa - Migrant Type M)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

e-Visa

Maximum stay
1095 days
Processing time
15-30 business days
Fee
$282 - $402 USD
Validity
Up to 3 years
Entry
Multiple entry

The M-Pensionado visa is for retirees with permanent pension income. 2026 requirement: minimum 3 SMMLV monthly pension (COP 5,252,715 or approximately $1,382 USD). Valid up to 3 years. After holding M visa for 5 years, can apply for permanent Resident Visa (Type R). Visa lost if absent from Colombia for more than 90 consecutive days.

Eligibility

  • Purpose of visit

    Retirement in Colombia with permanent pension income from foreign government or private pension fund.

    Includes
    • Retirement
    • permanent residence as pensioner
  • Financial

    Must demonstrate permanent monthly pension income of at least 3 times Colombian minimum wage (COP 5,252,715 or approximately $1,382 USD per month in 2026). Income must be from recognized pension source.

    Minimum funds: 3 times SMMLV (approximately $1,382 USD/month)

  • Criminal record

    Must provide apostilled criminal record certificate from country of current residence showing no serious criminal history.

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: Digital photo 3x4 cm, color, white background, recent

  • Travel insurance

    Coverage area: Colombia; Minimum coverage: All-risk coverage including accident, illness, maternity, disability, hospitalization, death, and repatriation

  • Police clearance

    Validity months: 6

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Online Visa Application Form - Pension/Retirement Category; Form url: https://tramitesmre.cancilleria.gov.co/tramites/enlinea/solicitarVisa.xhtml

  • Sponsor financial

    Minimum income: 3 times SMMLV (COP 5,252,715 or approximately $1,382 USD per month); Required documents: Official pension certification from government agency or private pension fund, notarized and apostilled

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Complete online Migrant visa application for Pension/Retirement category.

  2. Document gathering

    Gather required documents: valid passport, official pension certification (apostilled and notarized) showing permanent monthly income of 3+ SMMLV, criminal record certificate (apostilled), and health insurance certificate covering Colombia.

  3. Fee payment

    Pay visa study fee of $52 USD.

  4. Processing wait

    Wait for visa processing, typically 15-30 business days.

  5. Visa collection

    Receive e-visa via email.

Sign in to apply

Work / Immigration visa (Permanent Resident Visa (Type R))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

e-Visa

Processing time
20-40 business days
Fee
$52 USD study fee + issuance fee
Validity
Indefinite (must renew every 5 years or with passport change)
Entry
Multiple entry

The Resident Visa (Type R) is for permanent residency in Colombia. Available to: 1) Parent or child of Colombian national by birth/adoption (after 2 years M visa), 2) Spouse of Colombian (after 3 years M visa), 3) Foreign direct investor, 4) Any M visa holder after 5 years legal residence. No expiration date but must renew every 5 years or with passport change. Allows work, study, and social security benefits.

Eligibility

  • Purpose of visit

    Permanent residence in Colombia based on family ties, investment, or accumulated time with Migrant visa.

    Includes
    • Permanent residence
    • work
    • study
    • investment
  • Visa history

    Must have held Migrant (M) visa for required period: 5 years for general applicants, 3 years for spouses of Colombians, 2 years for parents of Colombian children.

    Required history: M visa for 2-5 years depending on category

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: Digital photo 3x4 cm, color, white background, recent

  • Police clearance

    Validity months: 6

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Online Visa Application Form - Resident Category; Form url: https://tramitesmre.cancilleria.gov.co/tramites/enlinea/solicitarVisa.xhtml

  • Previous visa copies

    Must include rejections: No; Years back: 5

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Complete online Resident visa application. Must have held qualifying M visa for required duration.

  2. Document gathering

    Gather required documents: valid passport, copy of foreign ID card (Cédula de Extranjería), criminal record certificate from country of origin (apostilled), proof of basis for R visa (family relationship, investment, or M visa history), and copies of previous visas.

  3. Fee payment

    Pay visa study fee of $52 USD.

  4. Processing wait

    Wait for visa processing, typically 20-40 business days.

  5. Visa collection

    Receive e-visa via email. This visa has no expiration date but must be renewed every 5 years or when passport changes.

Sign in to apply

Work / Immigration visa (Real Estate Investor Visa - Migrant Type M)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

e-Visa

Maximum stay
1095 days
Processing time
15-30 business days
Fee
$282 - $402 USD
Validity
1-3 years
Entry
Multiple entry

The M-Property Owners Visa (formerly TP7) is for foreigners who own real estate in Colombia valued at minimum 350 SMMLV. For 2026: minimum COP 612,816,750 (approximately $161,300 USD). Grants 1-3 years temporary residency. After holding M visa for 5 years, can apply for permanent Resident Visa (Type R). Must demonstrate current ownership via Certificado de Tradición y Libertad.

Eligibility

  • Purpose of visit

    Real estate investment and property ownership in Colombia for residence purposes.

    Includes
    • Real estate investment
    • property ownership
    • residence
  • Financial

    Must own real estate in Colombia with value of at least 350 SMMLV (COP 612,816,750 or approximately $161,300 USD in 2026). Property ownership must be documented with official Certificado de Tradición y Libertad.

    Minimum funds: 350 SMMLV real estate value (approximately $161,300 USD)

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: Digital photo 3x4 cm, color, white background, recent

  • Travel insurance

    Coverage area: Colombia; Minimum coverage: All-risk coverage including accident, illness, hospitalization, death, and repatriation

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Online Visa Application Form - Real Estate Investor Category; Form url: https://tramitesmre.cancilleria.gov.co/tramites/enlinea/solicitarVisa.xhtml

  • Company registration

    Provide company registration evidence for the inviting, sponsoring or employing organisation.

    Accepted documents: Certificado de Tradición y Libertad showing current ownership, ownership percentages, liens, and property history with foreign applicant as owner

  • Business plan

    Provide a business plan showing the activity, funding, market and expected costs.

    Minimum investment: 350 SMMLV (COP 612,816,750 or approximately $161,300 USD in 2026); Must include financials: No

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Complete online Migrant visa application for Real Estate Investor category.

  2. Document gathering

    Gather required documents: valid passport, Certificado de Tradición y Libertad showing property ownership of 350+ SMMLV value with applicant listed as owner, and health insurance certificate.

  3. Fee payment

    Pay visa study fee of $52 USD.

  4. Processing wait

    Wait for visa processing, typically 15-30 business days.

  5. Visa collection

    Receive e-visa via email.

Sign in to apply

Work / Immigration visa (Marriage/Spouse Visa - Migrant Type M)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

e-Visa

Maximum stay
1095 days
Processing time
15-30 business days
Fee
$282 - $402 USD
Validity
Up to 3 years
Entry
Multiple entry

The Spouse/Partner Visa is a Migrant (M) visa for foreign spouses or permanent partners of Colombian nationals. Valid up to 3 years and renewable. Visa cancelled if absent from Colombia for more than 180 consecutive days. After holding M spouse visa for 3 years, can apply for Marriage-Based Resident Visa (Type R). Marriage certificate must be issued within 3 months prior to application.

Eligibility

  • Purpose of visit

    Family reunification with Colombian spouse or permanent partner. Allows foreign spouse to reside in Colombia long-term.

    Includes
    • Marriage
    • family reunification
    • cohabitation with Colombian spouse/partner

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 2; Specifications: Two recent 3x3 cm identical photos, color, white background, full face

  • Travel insurance

    Coverage area: Colombia; Minimum coverage: All-risk coverage including accident, illness, maternity, disability, hospitalization, death, and repatriation for full stay duration

  • Invitation letter

    Host requirements: Letter from Colombian spouse/partner requesting visa issuance, including copy of their citizenship card

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Online Visa Application Form - Spouse/Partner of Colombian National; Form url: https://tramitesmre.cancilleria.gov.co/tramites/enlinea/solicitarVisa.xhtml

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Complete online Migrant visa application for Spouse/Partner of Colombian National category.

  2. Document gathering

    Gather required documents: valid passport with 2 blank pages, two 3x3cm photos, Colombian civil marriage certificate or de facto union certificate issued within last 3 months, copy of Colombian spouse's citizenship card, letter from Colombian spouse requesting visa, and health insurance certificate.

  3. Fee payment

    Pay visa study fee of $52 USD.

  4. Processing wait

    Wait for visa processing, typically 15-30 business days.

  5. Visa collection

    Receive e-visa via email.

Sign in to apply
This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa requirements can change frequently and may vary by nationality. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for assistance.