Immigration Lawyers in Colombia

## Resolution 5477 of 2022 Resolution 5477 of 2022, issued by Colombia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, marked a turning point in the country’s immigration policies, reorganizing visa categories to better meet the needs of foreigners. This article highlights the 10 most requested visas in Colombia, providing key details to help applicants choose the one that best suits their needs. ## The 10 Most Requested Visas in Colombia Below are the most sought-after visas under the current regulations: ### 1. Tourist Visa (Type V) The Tourist Visa allows foreigners to enter Colombia for tourism purposes, such as exploring iconic destinations, visiting family, or attending cultural events. Duration: Up to 90 days, with the possibility of extending for another 90 days. Main Requirements: • Valid passport. • Proof of financial solvency (bank statements). • Round-trip flight tickets. ### ### 2. Business Visa (Type V) Ideal for those who wish to carry out temporary business activities such as meetings, negotiations, or attending trade fairs. Duration: Up to 2 years, with multiple entries allowed. Permitted Activities: • Signing commercial contracts. • Opening bank accounts. • Supervising investment projects. Main Requirements: • Invitation letter from a Colombian company. • Proof of financial solvency. ### 3. Digital Nomad Visa (Type V) Designed for foreigners working remotely for overseas companies or managing digital businesses from Colombia. Duration: Up to 2 years. Main Requirements: • Letter certifying employment or business ownership. • International health insurance. • Proof of monthly income equivalent to 3 Colombian minimum wages (approximately $900 USD in 2024). ### 4. Partner-Owner Visa (Type M) Granted to foreigners who are shareholders or owners of companies registered in Colombia. Duration: 3 years. Main Requirements: • Chamber of Commerce certificate. • Proof of minimum investment equivalent to 100 minimum wages ($30,000 USD approximately). ### 5. Investor Visa (Type M) For foreigners making significant investments in Colombia, whether in real estate, businesses, or local funds. Duration: 3 years. Main Requirements: • Investment certificate issued by the Banco de la República. • Minimum investment equivalent to 350 minimum wages ($100,000 USD approximately).  ### 6. Retiree Visa (Type M) Aimed at retirees who wish to reside in Colombia and have a stable pension. Duration: 3 years. Main Requirements: • Pension certification showing income equivalent to 3 minimum wages in Colombia ($900 USD). ### 7. Mercosur Visa (Type M) Available to citizens of Mercosur member countries, facilitating residency in Colombia to promote regional integration. Duration: Up to 2 years. Main Requirements: • Citizenship of a member country (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, among others). • Clean criminal record. ### 8. Spouse or Marital Union Visa (Type M) Granted to foreigners married to or in a domestic partnership with Colombian citizens. Duration: 3 years. Main Requirements: • Marriage certificate or domestic partnership declaration. • Police clearance certificate. ### 9. Andean Community Visa (Type M) Designed for citizens of Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru, facilitating residency in Colombia through regional agreements. Duration: Up to 2 years. Main Requirements: • Valid ID from a member country. • Proof of economic activity or reason for residency. ### 10. Residency Visa by Accumulated Time (Type R) For foreigners who have resided in Colombia for a certain period under other visa categories. Duration: Indefinite. Main Requirements: • Certification of accumulated residency time (5 years with a Type M visa or 2 years with a Mercosur visa). ## The Importance of Legal Assistance Navigating Colombia’s immigration system can be complex without prior experience. Having the support of specialized lawyers ensures: • Complete Documentation: Avoid rejections due to errors. • Personalized Advice: Selection of the visa best suited to your needs. • Legal Compliance: Guarantees a regular stay in Colombia. Colombia offers incredible opportunities for tourists, investors, and professionals through its diverse visa options. Understanding the characteristics of each visa and seeking expert advice is essential to ensuring the success of your application. ### Ready to Apply for Your Visa? [Contact us at Servicio Legal. Our experts are ready to assist you at every step of the process.](https://serviciolegal.com.co/en/contact-us)

Colombia is a key destination for foreigners seeking to live, work, or invest. With updates from Resolution 5477 (2022) and adjustments from Resolution 9316 (2024), it is crucial to understand the types of visas available in 2025. ## Visa Classification in Colombia under Resolution 5477 of 2022 The Colombian visa system is divided into three main categories: ### 1. Visitor Visa (Type V) For temporary stays of up to 2 years, depending on the activity: • **Tourism:** Up to 180 days. • **Business:** Meetings, fairs, or advisory services. • **Short-term studies:** Courses shorter than 180 days. • **Medical treatment:** With a certified medical statement. • **Academic, scientific, or cultural events:** For invited participants. [Related: Learn more about Visitor Visa in Colombia](https://serviciolegal.com.co/en/services/inmigration-law/get-your-type-v-visa-in-colombia) ### 2. Migrant Visa (Type M) Designed for temporary residences. Main subcategories: • **Spouse of a Colombian citizen:** Requires marriage or civil union certificate. • **Parent of a Colombian citizen:** Requires the child's birth certificate. • **Worker:** With a labor contract or service agreement. • **Student:** For academic programs exceeding 180 days. • **Investor:** Requires an investment exceeding 100 SMMLV (Minimum Monthly Legal Wages). [Related: Migrant Visa: Updated Requirements](https://serviciolegal.com.co/en/services/inmigration-law/type-m-visa-for-temporary-residency-in-colombia) ### 3. Resident Visa (Type R) Granted for indefinite residency to those who: • **Accumulate 5 continuous years with a Migrant Visa (Type M).** • **Make investments exceeding 650 SMMLV.** • **Are parents of Colombian nationals.** • **Return after renouncing Colombian nationality.** [Related: Resident Visa: Requirements and Renewal](https://serviciolegal.com.co/en/services/inmigration-law/type-r-visa-for-permanent-residency-in-colombia) ## General Visa Application Process in Colombia (2025) ### Step 1: Access the Visa Portal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. ### Step 2: Complete the form and upload all required documents in PDF format. ### Step 3: Pay the consular fees (online or in person). ### Step 4: Wait for notification via email (Processing time: 5 to 10 business days).  ## Recent Changes in Visa Policies (2025) • **Extension for Resident Visa Transfers:** Deadline extended to October 31, 2026, under Resolution 9316 (2024). • **Visa Requirement for British Citizens:** Implemented in May 2024 as a reciprocity measure. (Source: El País) • **Increase in Consular Fees:** Adjusted under the 2025 fee decree. ## Conclusion Understanding the types of visas in Colombia helps you choose the right option based on your goals. With the support of Servicio Legal, you can complete your visa application smoothly and avoid common mistakes. Sources (Cibergrafía): • Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Types of Visas • Resolution 5477 of 2022 – Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs • Resolution 9316 of 2024 – Extension for Resident Visa Transfers • El País – Visa Requirement for British Citizens

Applying for a visa in Colombia is easier when you know the updated requirements and steps for 2025. This detailed guide covers the process for Visitor, Migrant, and Resident visas. ## General Requirements to Apply for a Colombian Visa The general requirements apply to all visa types: - **Online form:** Completed on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal. - **Valid passport:** With at least 6 months of validity and 2 blank pages. - **Recent photo:** 3x4 cm size, white background. - **Consular fee payment:** According to the updated 2025 fees. ## Specific Requirements by Visa Type **Visitor Visa (V):** • Invitation letter or travel itinerary. • Proof of financial means (bank statements). • Flight ticket reservation. **Migrant Visa (M):** • Employment contract or admission letter (depending on the subcategory). • Investment certificate (for investors). • Civil registry (for spouses or parents of Colombians). **Resident Visa ( R):** • Certificate of migration movements (for those meeting the required stay time). • Certification from the Bank of the Republic (for investors). • Colombian child’s civil registry (for parents of Colombians).  ## Process to Apply for a Colombian Visa (Step by Step – 2025) **Step 1:** Access the Visa Portal. **Step 2: ** Complete the form and attach the documents. **Step 3:** Pay the fee according to the visa type. **Step 4:** Wait for the response (between 5 to 10 business days). **Step 5:** If approved, receive the electronic or physical visa. ## Recent Changes in the Application Process (2025) - **New validity for electronic visas:** Now valid for up to 5 years depending on the category. - **Mandatory biometric review:** For first-time Resident Visa (R) applications. - **Fee updates:** Adjustment of consular fees for 2025. ## Conclusion Applying for a Colombian visa in 2025 is easier when you know the process and requirements. With the support of Servicio Legal, you’ll receive expert guidance to ensure your application is successful. **Sources:** • Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Visa Applications • Resolution 5477 of 2022 – Visa Categories • Resolution 9316 of 2024 – Updated Requirements

# Resident Visa in Colombia 2025: Complete Guide to Obtaining Permanent Residency If you are a foreigner and want to establish yourself permanently in Colombia, obtaining the **Resident Visa ( R )** is a crucial step. This visa allows you to **live indefinitely in the country and access key rights**, such as employment and social security. In this guide, we explain **who can apply, the requirements, the step-by-step process, and tips to avoid mistakes**. Additionally, we answer the most frequently asked questions and show you how to **speed up your application approval**. ## What is the Resident Visa in Colombia? The **Resident Visa (Type R)** is a migration document that grants **permanent residency in Colombia** to foreigners who meet certain requirements. Unlike other temporary visas, the **Resident Visa has no expiration date**, although it is essential to renew it if your passport changes or in case of prolonged absences from the country. ## Who Can Apply for the Resident Visa in 2025? According to current migration regulations, the **Colombian Resident Visa** can be requested by the following people: ### 1️Foreigners with a **Migrant Visa (M)** who have legally resided in Colombia for 5 years - **Exception:** Citizens of **Mercosur** countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, etc.) can apply after **2 years** of residence with an M-type visa. ### 2️**Children of Colombian citizens born abroad** - Applies to foreigners born outside Colombia who have at least **one Colombian parent**. ### 3️**Parents of a Colombian citizen by birth** - If your child was born in Colombia and at least one parent is Colombian. ### 4️**People who renounced Colombian nationality** - If you were previously a Colombian citizen and renounced your nationality, you can apply for a Resident Visa to live in the country again. > **Important:** Foreigners married to Colombians **cannot apply for the Resident Visa** immediately. They must first obtain the **Spouse Visa (M)** and reside in Colombia for **3 years** before they can apply for the Resident Visa. ## Requirements for the Resident Visa in Colombia ### **Mandatory General Documents:** - Valid passport and a copy of the data page. - Copy of the foreigner’s ID card (if applicable). - **Criminal record certificate** from the country of origin. - Proof of eligibility (according to the categories explained above). - Proof of payment of the visa study fee. ### **Additional Requirements by Category:** - **Foreigners with an M Visa (5 years of residence):** Certification of residence time issued by Migración Colombia. - **Children of Colombian citizens born abroad:** Birth certificate. - **Parents of Colombians by birth:** Child’s birth certificate and proof of Colombian nationality. - **Former Colombians who renounced nationality:** Document certifying renunciation. > **Tip:** Make sure all documents are legible and **properly apostilled or legalized** if they come from abroad.  ## Step-by-Step Application Process ### **1️Register in the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs System** Go to the [official visa platform](https://www.cancilleria.gov.co) and create an account. ### **2️Complete the Application Form** Fill out the form with your personal information and upload the required documents. ### **3️Pay the Fees** - **Visa study fee:** Approximately **$52 USD**. - **Visa issuance fee:** Approximately **$321 USD**. *(Fees may vary; check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for updates).* ### **4️Track Your Application** The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will notify you via email about your application status. ### **5️Approval and Issuance** If your visa is approved, you will receive the digital document and can proceed to apply for your **foreigner’s ID card (Cédula de Extranjería)** at Migración Colombia. > **Estimated Processing Time:** Between **5 and 30 business days**, depending on the workload of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. ## Main Reasons for Rejection and How to Avoid Them **Common mistakes that may cause your visa to be denied:** - Incomplete or illegible documentation. - Criminal record certificates not apostilled or legalized. - Irregular stay in the country before applying. - Errors in the application form. **Key Tip:** Before submitting your application, **double-check that all documents are correct and up to date**. ## What to Do After Obtaining the Resident Visa? **Register with Migración Colombia** within **15 days** after approval. **Apply for the Foreigner’s ID (Cédula de Extranjería)** as a resident. **Avoid absences from the country longer than 2 consecutive years**, as this may result in the cancellation of your visa. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### **How much does the Resident Visa cost in Colombia in 2025?** The costs vary, but the visa study fee is **approximately $52 USD**, and issuance is **$321 USD**. ### **Can I work in Colombia with this visa?** Yes. As a resident, you can **work, study, and access social security benefits**. ### **When can I apply for Colombian nationality?** After **5 years of residence with the Resident Visa**, you can start the **naturalization process**. ## Conclusion: How to Ensure a Successful Application? To obtain the **Resident Visa in Colombia** without complications, follow these **three key steps**: 1️**Verify the requirements and documents according to your case.** 2️**Submit your application in advance to avoid last-minute issues.** 3️**Avoid common mistakes that may delay your approval.** **Need help with your process?** At [Servicio Legal](https://serviciolegal.com.co/en/services/inmigration-law), we have expert immigration lawyers who can **guide you through a successful application**. **Contact us now!**