Visa V for Foreign Government Officials or Commercial Representatives

Foreign nationals coming to Colombia as government officials or commercial representatives of foreign governments, on missions that do not require accreditation with the Colombian State, may apply for this visa. It is valid for 2 years and grants work authorization exclusively for official or representative duties with the sponsoring government, while also permitting business activities, market research, investment planning, and company formation procedures.

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General Requirements

Requirements vary depending on whether the application is submitted individually or with institutional support:

Personal Application or Supported by an Individual

A written statement must include:

• Complete identification of the applicant and/or supporting individual
• Brief explanation of the relationship between the foreign national and supporting individual (if applicable)
• Detailed description of the activities to be performed in Colombia
• Declaration of financial responsibility for travel and stay expenses
• Proof of financial liquidity (bank statements from the last 6 months)

Institutional Application

A written statement from the legal representative of the sponsoring entity must include:

• Full identification and contact details of the entity
• Complete identification of the foreign applicant
• Detailed explanation of the activities to be performed in Colombia
• Explanation of the relationship with the applicant and their special qualifications/expertise (if applicable)
• Declaration of financial responsibility for travel and stay expenses
• Proof of financial liquidity (bank statements from the last 6 months), unless the entity is a public institution
• Certificate of Existence and Legal Representation (or equivalent) if the sponsoring entity is a foreign private organization

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Important Notes:

• Documents (except ID/travel documents) must be issued within the last 3 months.
• Foreign-issued documents require legalization or apostille.
• Non-Spanish documents must include an official, legalized/apostilled translation.
• The Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs may request criminal background information.

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Specific Requirements

• Proof of status as a foreign government official or commercial representative.

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Visa Costs

1. Application Processing Fee:

• €40 if applying from Europe or Cuba
• €52 if applying from Colombia or elsewhere
• €23 for Ecuadorian nationals applying from Europe/Cuba
• $30 USD for Ecuadorian nationals applying from Colombia/elsewhere
• Free for Spanish nationals

2. Visa Issuance Fee (Upon Approval):

• €188 if applying from Europe or Cuba
• $245 if applying from Colombia or elsewhere
• Free for:
  • Peruvian nationals settling in the Amazon/Putumayo river basins
  • Ecuadorian, Spanish, Japanese, or Korean nationals

This visa facilitates official and commercial activities for foreign government representatives while ensuring compliance with Colombian immigration regulations. Applicants should begin the process well in advance of their intended travel dates.