RES Visa or Special Resident for Peace Visa

The RES Visa or Special Resident for Peace Visa is intended for "foreign citizens who were members of the FARC-EP and, after completing the disarmament process and transition to legality, wish to establish their domicile in Colombia and settle in the country indefinitely."

This type of visa was created by Decree Law 831 of 2017 as part of "the implementation and regulatory development of the Final Agreement to End the Conflict and Build a Stable and Lasting Peace."

It has indefinite validity, grants an open work permit, and allows its holder to engage in any lawful activity in the country.

Holders of this visa may extend its benefits to their spouse or permanent partner, parents, and children under 25 who are financially dependent or disabled adults, who can then apply for a dependent visa.

General Requirements for All Visa Types

• Complete the electronic visa application form.
• Submit a valid passport, travel document, or Laissez-Passer in good condition with available space for visas.
• Provide a copy of the main page of the passport, travel document, or Laissez-Passer showing the holder’s personal/biographical data.
• Foreigners applying from a country other than their nationality (including Colombia) must submit proof of legal stay in that country, as per its immigration laws.

Important Notes:

• Documents (except identity and travel documents) must have been issued no more than 3 months before the application.
• Documents issued abroad must be legalized or apostilled.
• Documents in a language other than Spanish must include an official, legalized/apostilled translation.
• The Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs may request criminal background information.

Specific Requirements for the RES Visa

• It can only be requested and processed through the Internal Working Group on Visas and Immigration in Bogotá.
• A certificate issued by the Office of the High Commissioner for Peace, confirming the applicant’s former membership in the FARC-EP and completion of the disarmament and transition to legality process, based on an accepted and good-faith list provided by the organization.

RES Visa Costs

Two payments are required:

1. At the time of application (processing fee):

   • Free if applying from Europe or Cuba.
   • €16 if applying from Colombia or elsewhere in the world.
   • €23 for Ecuadorian nationals applying from Europe or Cuba.
   • $30 USD for Ecuadorian nationals applying from Colombia or elsewhere.
   • Free for Spanish nationals.

2. Upon visa approval (issuance fee):

   • Free if applying from Europe or Cuba.
   • €246 if applying from Colombia or elsewhere in the world.
   • Free for Peruvian nationals settling in the Amazon and Putumayo river basins, as well as Ecuadorian, Spanish, Japanese, or Korean nationals.