In this article, we will specifically focus on type M visas in Colombia and provide detailed information on what you need to take the next step in your immigration process.

At Servicio Legal, a recognized law office in Medellin, we are committed to providing you with the legal advice and support you need.

What are Type M Visas?

Type M visas are designed for foreigners wishing to establish themselves in Colombia and have a validity of up to three years.

It includes a valid work permit for the same period, with the obligation to comply with Colombian labor regulations.

The employer undertakes to cover the return expenses of the foreigner and their family in case of contract termination, visa cancellation, deportation, or expulsion.

The visa automatically terminates if the holder is absent from the country for more than 180 consecutive days within a 365-day period from the issuance.

Next, we will discuss details, features, and specific requirements of type M visas.

Type M Visas

Spouse

Intended for foreigners married to Colombians.

Requires documents such as a marriage certificate, a letter of application, and certificates.
Valid for up to three years.
Comes with a work permit.
Accumulates time towards the Resident Visa.
Beneficiaries may include spouses, children under 25, and those with disabilities, provided they are economically dependent on the holder.

For the Permanent Partner of a Colombian National

A visa for foreigners in a de facto union with Colombians.

Requires documents supporting the union.
Valid for up to one year.
Grants a work permit.
Accumulates time towards the Resident Visa.
Beneficiaries can be spouses, children under 25, or those with disabilities, provided they are economically dependent on the holder.

For Mother, Father, or Child of a Colombian National by Adoption

Designed for foreigners who are parents or children of a citizen adopted as Colombian.

Accumulates time towards the Resident Visa after two years.
Requires verification of the nature letter or resolution of registration of Colombian nationality by adoption.
For those under 25 who are children of Colombians by adoption, economic dependence is required.
Birth certificate proving the degree of consanguinity.
Valid for up to three years.
Visas can be requested for spouses, permanent partners, and children under 25 or with disabilities.

Parents or Mothers of a Colombian National by Birth

For foreigners who are parents of Colombian citizens.

Accumulates time towards the Resident Visa after two years.
Requires the Colombian birth certificate of the child to prove nationality.
Valid for up to three years.
Work permit.
Allows the application for visas for spouses, ermanente partners, and children under 25 or with disabilities, provided they are economically dependent.

Visas and Immigration Authority conducts verifications and may reject the application if there are inconsistencies in the documentation.

Mercosur Migrant

Granted to nationals of Mercosur Member States.

Equivalent to the Temporary Resident Visa.
Allows accumulating time towards the Resident Visa after two years.
Valid for two years.
Grants an open work permit.
Allows the holder to apply for visas for spouses, permanent partners, and children under 25 or with disabilities.

The authenticity of documents can be verified through certification in the country of origin or by a consular official accredited in Colombia.

Andean Migrant

For nationals of States Parties to the Andean Immigration Statute.

Requires migration documents and a written statement.
Valid for up to two years.
Includes a work permit and benefits for dependent family members.

Refugees

For foreigners recognized as refugees by the Colombian State.

Accumulates time towards the resident visa after 5 years.
Requires an administrative act and a letter of application.
Valid for up to three years.
Work permit and compliance with labor regulations.

Worker

Extended to foreigners with a labor contract with a legal entity.

Accumulates time towards the Resident Visa after five years.
Requires a contract format and a letter of motivation.
Valid for up to three years.
Work permit.
Benefits for dependent family members.

Partner or Owner

For foreigners who have created a company or have a stake in the capital of a functioning commercial society.

Accumulates time towards the Resident Visa after five years as the holder.
Requires a letter of application and business documents.
Valid for up to three years.
Grants a work permit.
Benefits for dependent family members.

Independent Professional

Intended for foreigners who want to practice a regulated profession or, exceptionally, an unregulated activity, provided it is of interest to the country.

Accumulates time towards the Resident Visa after five years as the holder.
Requires a statement letter, title validation, and a bank certification.
Valid for up to three years.
Work permit.
Benefits for dependent family members.

Pensioner M Visa

For foreigners with consistent monthly income from a pension granted by a State or private pension fund.

Accumulates time towards the Resident Visa after 5 years as the holder.
Requires: pension certification, criminal records, psychophysical fitness certificate, and health coverage in Colombia.
The visa is valid for up to three years.
The holder can apply for visas for spouses, permanent partners, children under 25, or children with disabilities.

Does not authorize working in the country or joining the Colombian Social Security System unless there are bilateral or multilateral agreements.

Promotion of Internationalization

In Colombia, it is aimed at foreigners with specific educational backgrounds aligned with the country’s internationalization priorities.

Valid for up to three years.
Work permit.
Benefits for dependent family members.
Accumulates time towards the Resident Visa after 5 years.
Valid for up to three years.
Visas can be requested for spouses, permanent partners, children under 25, or children with disabilities.

Investor

Designed for foreigners who have made Foreign Direct Investment or acquired properties in the country.

Accumulates time to apply for the Resident Visa after a minimum of 5 years.
Requires documents supporting the investment.
Valid for up to three years.
Work permit and compliance with requirements.

Stateless

Designed for foreigners recognized as stateless individuals by the Colombian State.

Accumulates time towards the Resident Visa after 2 years.
Requirements: official recognition document of statelessness and demonstration of migratory regularity with a valid pass from Migration Colombia.
Valid for up to three years.
Allows the application for visas for spouses, permanent partners, children under 25, or children with disabilities.

Obtaining a type M visa in Colombia is the first step toward new opportunities and experiences. At Servicio Legal, we are ready to make this process easier and ensure you have the legal guidance you need.

Why Choose Servicio Legal?

Our team of lawyers has extensive experience in immigration law and will provide the necessary support to ensure the success of your application.

Feel free to visit our website, request a consultation, and discover how we can be your ally on your journey to a new stage in Colombia.

Welcome to Servicio Legal, where your migration dreams come true!

Everything You Need to Know about Type M Visas in Colombia: Specialized Legal Assistance at Servicio Legal