Frequently Asked Questions about Visas for Colombia

Visas for Colombia

Colombia is an increasingly popular destination for foreigners and expats seeking residency for various reasons, from job opportunities to family reunification and studies. Below, we answer the most frequent questions we receive from our clients about visas for Colombia, providing accurate and up-to-date information based on official sources.

What type of visa can I apply for in Colombia?

In Colombia, foreigners can apply for different types of visas depending on their purpose of visit. The main categories are:

Visitor Visa (Type V):

For short stays for tourism, business, short-term studies, among others.

Migrant Visa (Type M):

For those planning to reside temporarily in Colombia, such as workers, students, spouses of Colombian citizens, etc.

Resident Visa (Type R):

For those seeking permanent residency in Colombia.

How powerful is a Colombian visa?

A Colombian visa allows foreigners to live and work legally in the country, and depending on the type of visa, it may facilitate travel to other countries in the region.

How many types of visas are there in Colombia?

In Colombia, the visas are mainly classified into three types:

• Visitor Visa (Type V): Visa Type V for Colombia: Fast & Reliable Process
• Migrant Visa (Type M): Type M Visa for Temporary Residence in Colombia
• Resident Visa (Type R): Type R Visa for Permanent Residency in Colombia

What is the Type R visa in Colombia?

The Type R visa is the Resident visa, which allows foreigners to reside permanently in Colombia. It is granted to those who have held a Type M visa for a certain period or meet other specific requirements such as significant investment in the country.

What is the Type M visa in Colombia?

The Type M visa is the Migrant visa. This visa is for foreigners who wish to reside temporarily in Colombia. It can be applied for reasons such as work, study, marriage to a Colombian citizen, among others.

What is the cost of a visa in Colombia?

The cost of a visa in Colombia varies depending on the type of visa and the applicant's nationality. Specific values are periodically updated on the website of the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

How long does it take to obtain a Colombian visa?

The processing time for a visa in Colombia can vary, but it generally takes between 5 to 30 business days from the submission of all necessary documents.

What type of visa do Colombians have?

Colombians do not need a visa to reside in their own country. However, if they reside abroad, they must follow the regulations of the country of residence.

What are the benefits for a foreigner marrying a Colombian citizen?

Marrying a Colombian citizen allows a foreigner to apply for a Migrant Visa (Type M) based on marriage, which offers benefits such as the possibility of residing and working in Colombia. Eventually, it can also lead to permanent residency and Colombian nationality.

How many years are needed to obtain Colombian nationality?

To obtain Colombian nationality through residency, a foreigner generally needs to have legally lived in Colombia for at least 5 consecutive years. This period can be reduced to 2 years if married to a Colombian citizen, has Colombian children, or is a Spanish citizen due to reciprocity agreements between Spain and Colombia.

What is the visa denial rate in Colombia?

The visa denial rate in Colombia varies, but official statistics can be consulted on the website of the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

How to obtain permanent residency in Colombia?

Permanent residency in Colombia can be obtained by applying for a Type R visa after meeting certain requirements such as having held a Type M visa for a certain time or making a significant investment in the country.

How to obtain Colombian nationality through marriage?

A foreigner married to a Colombian citizen can apply for Colombian nationality after legally residing in Colombia for at least 2 years.

How is a Resident Visa in Colombia lost?

A Resident Visa in Colombia can be lost if the holder resides outside the country for more than two consecutive years without a valid justification.

What is the Type V visa in Colombia?

The Type V visa is the Visitor visa. It is granted to foreigners who wish to enter Colombia for short stays, such as tourism, business, short-term studies, among others.

How to process a Mercosur visa in Colombia?

The Mercosur visa facilitates temporary residence in Colombia for citizens of Mercosur member countries. The process is carried out through the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs by presenting the required documents.

What is needed to apply for a visa for the first time in Colombia?

To apply for a visa for the first time in Colombia, you must meet the specific requirements for the type of visa applied for, submit the corresponding forms, and pay the applicable fees. Common documents include a valid passport, photos, and justification for the purpose of the visa.

What is the cost of a visa in Colombia in 2024?

The cost of a visa in Colombia for 2024 will be updated on the website of the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and varies according to the type of visa and the applicant's nationality. For detailed information, consult Costs and Fees for the Digital Nomad Visa in Colombia: Everything You Need to Know.

Which visa is the easiest to obtain in Colombia?

The Visitor Visa (Type V) is generally considered the easiest to obtain, especially for tourism or business.

How long is the waiting time for a visa appointment in Colombia?

The waiting time for a visa appointment may vary. It is recommended to consult the website of the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for up-to-date information on waiting times.

Who grants visas in Colombia?

Visas in Colombia are granted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

How can Colombian nationality be obtained?

Colombian nationality can be obtained by birth, adoption, or naturalization. Naturalization requires meeting certain residency requirements and other criteria established by law.

Which countries require a visa for Colombia?

Colombia requires a visa from citizens of certain countries. The updated list of countries requiring a visa to enter Colombia can be found on the website of the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

What is the Type M visa in Colombia?

The Type M visa is a Migrant visa, used by foreigners who plan to reside temporarily in Colombia for reasons such as work, studies, marriage, among others.

How to obtain a Colombian visa through marriage?

To obtain a Colombian visa through marriage, you must submit the marriage certificate, proof of the relationship, and other documents required by the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

How long does a marriage visa last?

A marriage visa in Colombia is generally granted for a period of 3 years, with the possibility of renewal.

How much does it cost to get married civilly in Colombia in 2024?

The cost of getting married civilly in Colombia may vary depending on the region and other factors. It is recommended to consult with local authorities for the most accurate information.

How long must I live in Colombia to obtain residency?

To obtain permanent residency in Colombia, a foreigner generally needs to have held a Type M visa for at least 5 consecutive years.

When does a foreigner marrying a Colombian citizen acquire nationality?

Marrying a Colombian citizen does not automatically grant nationality, but it allows the foreigner to apply for a Type M visa based on marriage, and after 2 years of residency, they can apply for Colombian nationality.

Who is entitled to Colombian nationality?

Those entitled to Colombian nationality are people born in Colombia, children of Colombian parents born abroad, and foreigners who meet the naturalization requirements.

What happens if your visa is denied 3 times?

If a visa is denied 3 times, the applicant should review the reasons for the denial, correct any errors or deficiencies in the application, and can try to apply again or appeal the decision. For more information, consult What happens if my visa application is denied in Colombia?.

Why are visas not approved?

Visas may be rejected for various reasons such as incomplete documentation, criminal records, lack of justification for the purpose of the trip, among others. For more information, consult What happens if my visa application is denied in Colombia?.

What are the benefits of a Type R visa in Colombia?

The Type R visa offers benefits such as permanent residency, the possibility of working and studying in Colombia without restrictions, and eventually the possibility of applying for Colombian nationality.

What does the R mean in a visa?

The R in a Colombian visa refers to the Resident Visa.

How long does a Type R visa last in Colombia?

The Type R visa is a permanent residency visa and does not have an expiration date, although it can be lost if the holder resides outside Colombia for more than two consecutive years.

How much does a permanent visa cost in Colombia?

The cost of a permanent visa (Type R) varies and can be consulted on the website of the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the most up-to-date information. For details on costs, see Costs and Fees for the Digital Nomad Visa in Colombia: Everything You Need to Know.

What is the Mercosur visa and what is it for?

The Mercosur visa allows citizens of Mercosur member countries to reside and work temporarily in Colombia under more favorable conditions.

How to obtain a residency visa in Colombia?

To obtain a residency visa in Colombia, you must meet the specific requirements for the type of visa applied for (e.g., Type R visa) and submit the necessary documentation to the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

How much money is needed to obtain a visa in Colombia?

The specific cost of the visa depends on the type of visa and the applicant's nationality. The Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides an updated list of fees. For details on costs, see Costs and Fees for the Digital Nomad Visa in Colombia: Everything You Need to Know.

What percentage of visas are approved in Colombia?

The percentage of visa approvals in Colombia varies depending on the type of visa and other factors. Specific statistics can be consulted on the website of the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The denial rate article What happens if my visa application is denied in Colombia? provides related information.

Which visa is the most difficult to obtain?

The most difficult visas to obtain are usually those that require demonstrating significant investments, high professional qualifications, or a clean criminal record. Information on the easiest visa is available in What is the Easiest Visa to Obtain in Colombia?.

Which visa is processed the fastest?

Visitor Visas (Type V) for tourism or business are usually the ones processed most quickly. More information can be found in What is the Easiest Visa to Obtain in Colombia?.

How to apply for a Migrant visa in Colombia?

To apply for a Migrant visa (Type M), you must submit the corresponding application to the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the necessary documents justifying the purpose of temporary residence in the country.

Conclusions

Obtaining a visa for Colombia involves understanding the different types of visas available and meeting the specific requirements of each. Accurate and up-to-date information is found on the website of the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is the best resource for applicants. If you need expert advice, consider contacting Immigration Lawyers Colombia.

Bibliography

• Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Colombian Ministry of Foreign Relations

If you require more information about visas for Colombia and wish to obtain one, contact us!