Immigration Law in Colombia.

Frequently asked questions

What clients ask us most.

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• 01

  What visa do I need to work legally in Colombia?

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  The right visa depends on each particular case, including the applicant's nationality, the type of activity they will carry out in Colombia, the duration of the engagement, the type of contract and the entity or person that will sponsor the application. In general terms, there are different immigration alternatives that may allow working in Colombia. For example, the M Worker visa may apply to foreigners engaged through an employment contract with a legal entity in Colombia. There is also the V Service, Work or Labor Provider visa, which may be an alternative for contractors or people who will carry out temporary activities under a services, work or labor contract. Additionally, depending on the applicant's nationality, options such as the Mercosur visa or the Andean visa may exist, which can grant an open work permit in Colombia, subject to meeting the applicable requirements. An incorrect choice may lead to requests for information, delays or even rejection of the application. We therefore recommend obtaining advice before starting the process, in order to identify the most suitable visa category and prepare the documentation correctly.
• 02

  How do you obtain a digital nomad visa in Colombia?

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  The digital nomad visa may apply to foreigners who wish to live temporarily in Colombia while working remotely for foreign companies, clients abroad or digital ventures with income coming from outside the country. In general, you must evidence minimum income, demonstrate the remote activity and hold a health policy with coverage in Colombia. This visa may be granted for up to 2 years, but it does not allow working for companies or persons domiciled in Colombia.
• 03

  What is the foreigner ID card (cédula de extranjería) and when is it required?

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  The cédula de extranjería is the identification document for foreigners in Colombia. It must be requested by holders or beneficiaries of visas valid for more than 3 months. The procedure must be carried out before Migración Colombia within the 15 calendar days following entry into the country or issuance of the visa, if it was granted in Colombia. Failing to process it on time can lead to immigration penalties and difficulties carrying out procedures in the country, such as opening bank accounts, signing contracts or registering in the health system.
• 04

  When can a foreigner apply for a resident visa in Colombia?

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  The Resident visa, or R-type visa, applies to foreigners who wish to settle permanently in Colombia and meet one of the grounds set out in the immigration rules. Among other cases, it may be requested for having been Colombian and having renounced the nationality, for having accumulated a certain time as a holder of a Migrant visa, under the Temporary Protection Statute for Venezuelan Migrants, or on special grounds set out in the regulations in force. The time required to apply for residency is not the same in all cases. For example, some M visas allow applying for residency after 2 or 3 years, while others, such as the M Worker visa, require 5 years of accumulated stay. The R visa grants an open work permit, allowing its principal holder to carry out any lawful activity in Colombia, without prejudice to meeting the specific requirements of regulated professions or activities.
• 05

  How long can I stay in Colombia without a visa?

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  It depends on the nationality and the permit granted upon entry. In general, foreigners who do not require a visa for short stays may receive an initial permit to stay for up to 90 days, which may be extended, provided that 180 calendar days — continuous or non-continuous — are not exceeded within the same year. Before traveling or requesting an extension, it is advisable to check whether the foreigner's nationality requires a visa and which is the appropriate immigration permit according to the purpose of the stay.
• 06

  Can my family obtain a visa as beneficiaries of my visa in Colombia?

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  Yes. In some cases, the principal holder of a Colombian visa may request visas for their beneficiaries, such as their spouse or permanent partner, children, parents or other relatives who are economically dependent on them, depending on the visa category and the applicable requirements. For this procedure, you normally must evidence the family or marital relationship, demonstrate economic dependence and submit a letter from the principal holder assuming responsibility for the beneficiary's travel, stay and health coverage. The visa granted as a beneficiary allows studying in Colombia but does not authorize work. If the beneficiary wishes to carry out a paid activity, they must check whether they need to apply for their own visa with a work permit.