Type M Visa for Temporary Residence in Colombia

Visa Type M Member or Owner. The entrepreneur or owner-partner visa Type M is designed for those foreigners who are in one of the following scenarios: foreigners who are establishing their own business in Colombia, or who are investing in a Colombian business or company that is already previously constituted, in order to allow the entry and stay in Colombia so that the foreigner can create, conduct and supervise his company, or in which he is participating as an investor. By virtue of the above, in order to apply for the entrepreneur or owner-partner visa type M, it is necessary that the foreigner aspiring to this type of visa constitutes a company in Colombia or invests in a company, and, at the same time, it is necessary that such company remains active, generating goods and services, paying taxes. Additionally, Resolution 6045 of 2017 Article 48 states that the foreigner must acquire capital in commercial company for an amount not less than one hundred (100) legal monthly minimum wages in force. With respect to the time of granting, the type M visa will be valid for three years, and the time of stay authorized in the national territory to the holder of the type M visa will be equal to the time of validity of the same. ## What are the requirements for the Type M Partner/Owner Visa? The general instructions or considerations to keep in mind when submitting a visa application are as follows: 1. Have a valid passport or travel document, in good condition and with free space for visas. 2. Fill out the electronic visa application form. 3. All documents required, other than identity or travel documents, must have a date of issue no more than three months prior to the registration of the application. 4. All documents coming from abroad must have an apostille or legalization and an official translation into Spanish when not in this language. The official translation must be legalized or apostilled as the case may be. 5. If bank statements are required, they may be submitted without apostille or legalization and without translation into Spanish, if their content can be clearly established by the visa officer. 6. In the case of requiring the presentation of a judicial record, when the application for this visa is presented before a Colombian consulate based in the foreigner’s country of origin, the certification of judicial or criminal record in accordance with the procedures established in that country will suffice. When the application is submitted to the Internal Visa and Immigration Working Group, the judicial or criminal record certified by the consulate of the country of origin accredited in Colombia or apostilled or legalized, as the case may be, may be submitted. ## General requirements Visa type M member or owner Regarding the requirements common to all visa applications, the following are found, taken from resolution 6045 of 2017 article 36: 1. Fill out the visa application form electronically. 2. Present a valid passport, travel document or Laissez Passer issued by an Authority, International Organization or State recognized by the Colombian Government, in good condition and with free space for visas. 3. Provide a copy of the main page of the passport, travel document or valid Laissez Passer where the holder’s personal or biographical data are recorded. 4. Foreigners who apply for a visa while in the national territory or in the territory of a State other than that of their nationality, must provide a copy of the document that, in accordance with the immigration regulations of the country in which they are staying, certifies their legal, regular or authorized stay. ## Specific requirements Now, according to resolution 6045 of 2017 article 48, when the migrant visa is requested for meeting the conditions of numeral 6 of article 17, which reads: _Having constituted or acquired participation in the capital stock of a commercial company in the minimum amounts established in the chapter on requirements_, the foreigner must acquire capital in a commercial company for an amount not less than one hundred (100) legal monthly minimum wages in force and must contribute: 1. Letter of request in which the company name, domicile and Tax Identification Number (TIN) of the commercial company incorporated or in which it invests are accurately stated. 2. In the case of joint stock companies, the participation in the company shall be accredited with a certificate of shareholding subscribed by a public accountant, indicating the amount of capital or registered and paid assets owned by the foreigner applying for the visa, which may not be less than the equivalent of one hundred (100) legal monthly minimum wages in force. Likewise, Resolution 6045 of 2017 states that the visa authority may require the presentation of the original partnership agreement, incorporation document or financial information of the company when the documentation provided is insufficient, presents inconsistencies or requires clarification. ## What must be the value of the assets or the minimum stake in the company to apply? From the reading of resolution 6045 of 2017 article 48, it is clear that the value of the assets or the minimum participation in the company to apply corresponds to an amount not less than one hundred (100) legal monthly minimum wages in force. In Colombia, 100% ownership of foreign companies is allowed, and in the case of a simplified joint stock company (S.A.S.) it can be composed of only one (1) shareholder, either a natural person or a legal entity, that is, a person or a company can own the company. As soon as the company has been formed and has invested an amount equivalent to at least 100 minimum wages in such company, it may apply for a business owner visa. ## Must the required capital be deposited in the company’s bank account? It is important to keep in mind that the investment in the company must be registered with the Central Bank of Colombia.  ## How is such participation, assets or paid-in capital demonstrated? As mentioned above, in the case of joint stock companies, the participation in the company shall be evidenced with a certificate of shareholding subscribed by a public accountant, indicating the amount of capital or registered and paid assets owned by the foreigner applying for the visa. ## Can several partners apply for the visa with the capital required for the company? Each foreign partner applying for an M visa must have paid up the capital required for the company. That is, a value greater than $84,000,000 COP paid by the foreign partner applying for the visa. ## Checklist of requirements * Original valid passport. Or valid travel document, in good condition and with free space for visas. * Photocopy of the main page of the passport. Or a valid travel document or Laissez Passer where the holder’s personal or biographical data is recorded. * Photocopy of the document that certifies the legal, regular or authorized stay in the country where the interested party is located. \*This document applies in cases where the applicant is in a country other than that of his/her nationality . * Photo size 3x4cm in JPG format, with a maximum weight of 300 KB. * Certificate of shareholding subscribed by a public accountant indicating the amount of capital or registered and paid assets owned by the foreigner applying for the visa. \*The visa authority may require the presentation of the original company contract, incorporation document or financial information of the company when the documentation provided is insufficient, presents inconsistencies or requires clarification. ## When is payment made? The first step is to pay the visa application fee within 15 calendar days after filling out the electronic visa application form or registering the application, and at a later time, the visa issuance fee must be paid if the application is approved. ## How much does it cost? The visa study in Colombia for a partner or company owner costs US$52\. While, if the visa study in Europe and Cuba is advanced, it has a cost of 40 euros (€). The cost of the visa issuance fee once the application is approved is US$230 in Colombia. In the case of Europe and Cuba, the cost is 177 euros (€). \*Bear in mind that, regarding the payment of the study fee, Article 74 of Resolution 6045 of 2017 states that this payment is non-refundable and does not commit to the granting of the visa.  ## What forms of payment are available? Online payment. PSE, Servibanca, Banco GNB Sudameris, Payment at consulates, Payment with VISA Credit Card and MasterCard. At the requesting entity. In Bogota: Banco GNB Sudameris Oficina Sede Norte: Avenida 19 N° 98 – 03 Edificio Torre 100 Piso 1, payment can be made in cash and in Colombian pesos. Payment can also be made at any SERVIBANCA ATM in the country. At a bank. Banco GNB Sudameris. ## Duration of the procedure First of all, you must take into account that you have a period of 15 calendar days to pay the visa application fee. Once the visa application has been registered and paid for, the visa authority has up to five (5) working days to issue an opinion. If the application is approved, the visa authority will proceed to issue and send the e-visa within the following three (3) days. \*The visa authority will have up to five (5) days to issue a visa concept. However, when in order to adopt the decision it is necessary to request the applicant, the term may be extended for up to thirty (30) calendar days counted from the date of payment of the application. \*It should also be noted that due to Covid-19 and until the sanitary emergency declared by the Ministry of Health remains in force, Article 5 of Resolution 1296 of 2020 applies, and visa stamping is suspended for validity periods equal to or greater than 3 months, and in this case the visa issuing office must be approached so that it can be stamped in the passport. With a visa granted abroad, you may enter the Colombian territory with an electronic visa and within thirty (30) days after your arrival to the national territory you must go to the visa office in Bogota to carry out the visa stamping. Upon expiration of this period, the holder must request the transfer of the visa. ## Online application All visa applications must be pre-registered by the user in the online visa application form. The required documents must be uploaded in PDF format with a maximum weight of 5 MB. It is suggested in individual files according to the established box. ## How long must the passport be valid for? The passport or travel document must only be valid at the time of visa issuance. ## Can I apply from abroad (online or at a consulate or embassy)? This type of procedure is semi-presential. All visa applications must initially be registered by the user in the online visa application form. However, the applicant may be required to appear before the visa authority to make the decision. Likewise, it is possible to carry out the procedure from abroad at the corresponding consulates. ## Differences depending on the country In the case of Ecuador, the cost varies, if the visa study is carried out in Colombia, the cost is US$30\. If done in Europe and Cuba, it is 23 euros (€). In the case of Spain, the visa study in Colombia, as well as in Europe and Cuba, is free of charge.

### Social Security in Health Care for Foreigners in Colombia #### General Social Security Health System ##### Regimes: The General Social Security Health System in Colombia was created in 1993 by Law 100\. It is comprised of two regimes: the contributory regime, which covers salaried workers, pensioners and self-employed workers with income equal to or greater than 1 SMMLV, and the subsidized regime, which covers all persons without the capacity to pay. There is also a special regime for workers of the Armed Forces, the National Police, ECOPETROL, teachers and public universities. #### #### EPS in Colombia Affiliation to this system is mandatory and is done through the Health Promoting Entities, known as EPS, which may be public or private. EPSs contract with IPSs (institutions providing services), which are the providers of care and may or may not be integrated with the EPSs. The system contemplates freedom of choice as one of the guiding principles of the health system, as a characteristic of the system and as a foundation of public service. #### Right to choose the EPS Thus, members have the power to choose between different EPSs to manage the provision of health services. This right has also been reinforced through constitutional rulings such as T-760 of 2008\. However, once a person is affiliated to a certain EPS there is a minimum period of permanence of 1 year, after which it is possible to choose another entity to change. #### List of EPS in Colombia The Ministry of Labor presents a list of all the EPSs located in each of the country’s departments on its website: <https://www.mintrabajo.gov.co/lista-de-eps>  #### Affiliation of Foreigners to the EPS in Colombia Now then, the affiliation for foreigners with type M visa is made with the registration to a health promoting entity (EPS) and the presentation of the foreigner’s identification card or in the case of children under 7 years of age, the presentation of the passport. #### #### Contributive Regime If you have a visa or work permit and you are an employee or self-employed worker with the ability to pay, you must apply to the contributory regime. #### Subsidized Regime In order to join the subsidized regime, the SISBEN socioeconomic classification survey must be carried out and classified in levels I and II. <https://www.sisben.gov.co/Paginas/landing.aspx> Subsequently, the EPS must be chosen and registered by filling out the single form of Affiliation and New Developments to the General System of Social Security in Health. On the other hand, it is important to take into account that in order to affiliate the family nucleus, the respective identification documents and those that prove the relationship must be presented. Once the affiliation has been made, the benefit plan, which is the set of health care services to which all members of the system are entitled, begins to be enjoyed. This benefit plan seeks the integral protection of families, maternity and general illness, in the phases of health promotion and development, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for all pathologies. Now, to know in detail all the benefits of the POS it is possible to consult the following guide created by the Ministry of Health: <https://www.minsalud.gov.co/sites/rid/Lists/BibliotecaDigital/RIDE/VP/RBC/todo-lo-que-usted-debe-saber-sobre-el-plan-de-beneficios.pdf> In conclusion, the [affiliation to the EPS as a Foreigner](https://serviciolegal.com.co/social-security-for-foreigners-in-colombia/?lang=en) with Visa Type M is mandatory. It is a procedure that is carried out in a simple way since it only requires the foreigner’s identification card. Once you are affiliated, you have different benefits such as quality medical care, financial protection in terms of reduced costs to access the health system, access to preventive programs and legal protection in case of medical malpractice. #### #### Cybergraphy [ https://www.scielosp.org/pdf/spm/2011.v53suppl2/s144-s155/es#:\~:text=El%20sistema%20de%20salud%20colombiano%20,el%20r%C3%A9gimen%20subsidiado%20(RS) ](https://www.scielosp.org/pdf/spm/2011.v53suppl2/s144-s155/es#:~:text=El%20sistema%20de%20salud%20colombiano,el%20r%C3%A9gimen%20subsidiado%20%28RS%29). <https://www.minsalud.gov.co/sites/rid/Lists/BibliotecaDigital/RIDE/DE/DIJ/diagnostico-libre-escogencia-eps-SGSSS.pdf> <https://www.mintrabajo.gov.co/lista-de-eps> <https://www.sisben.gov.co/Paginas/landing.aspx>

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

Any person who receives a retirement pension or an income on a regular and periodic basis in another country and is interested in entering our country must apply for a pensioner’s or annuitant’s visa in Colombia. If this is your case, you will have to apply for the type M visa, which has a duration of three years. ## General requirements There are documents required for all visas. These are: * Valid passport or travel document. It must be in good condition and with free space for visa. * Copy of the main page of the passport or travel document. The purpose of this is to have the biographical data of the person. * If you are in Colombia, you will have to prove that you are in regular migratory status in the country and show the last entry stamp, exit stamp or safe-conduct, depending on your case. * If you are outside the Colombian territory and intend to apply for the visa abroad, you will have to attach a copy of the document that proves your regular stay in that country. * Recent document type photograph, 3×4 cm, in color, with white background and front view. It must be in JPG format and weigh no more than 300 KB. **To keep in mind:** * The documents must be dated less than 3 months before the application is filed. This applies to all documents except identity and travel documents. * Foreign documents must have an apostille or legalization. * The documents must have an official translation into Spanish when they are not in Spanish. The translation must be apostilled or legalized. * The Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs may request judicial background information. ## Specific requirements Additionally, in order to obtain a pensioner or annuitant visa in Colombia, a certificate is required depending on each case. If you want a pensioner visa, you must attach a support or certificate of the monthly pension payment you will receive. Such support shall be issued by the competent entity or diplomatic or consular mission of the country where the foreigner obtained the pension accredited in Colombia. If you have an income, you must attach a certificate issued by a public entity or private company, which is recognized by the respective Government, detailing the income paid or sent in your name. This documentation must be apostilled or legalized and translated into Spanish when it is not in this language. ## If I am a pensioner, what is the minimum amount to apply? To apply for this visa, the monthly pension payment must be for a minimum of 3 minimum monthly legal wages in force in Colombia. ## In the case of annuitants, what is the value that I must prove for this visa? For annuitants, the amount to be demonstrated must be equal to or greater than 10 legal monthly minimum wages in force in Colombia. ## Checklist of requirements The documents you must have for submission of the application are: | Original passport | | | ------------------------------------- | | | Copy of the main page of the passport | | | Document showing the regular stay | | | Photography | | | Monthly payment certificate | | ## Pensioner or annuitant visa application fees in Colombia These procedures have two rates. **First** of all, a payment must be made at the moment the application is made, this is the study cost and may vary depending on the place where the procedure is carried out. If the application is made from Europe and Cuba the cost is €40.00 and if it is from Colombia and the rest of the world the cost will be US$52.00. If you are an Ecuadorian national, the cost is €23.00 if you apply in Europe and Cuba and US$30.00 in the rest of the world. For Spanish nationals there is no cost for the study of the application. **Second**, when the application is approved, a fee equivalent to the cost of issuing the visa must be paid. If the visa is paid in Europe and Cuba the cost is €177.00 and if it is in Colombia and the rest of the world it is US$230.00. For nationals of the Republic of Peru who settle in the Amazon and Putumayo river basins, Ecuadorians, Spaniards, Japanese and Koreans, the visa is free of charge. ## Methods of payment There are different methods for the payment of visas in Colombia: 1. In public attention offices, which can be located in Bogotá and abroad in the Colombian consulates. 2. On the chancellery’s web page with PSE or VISA and MasterCard credit cards. 3. SERVIBANCA ATM located in Colombia. 4. Branches of Banco GNB Sudameris. ## Duration of the process for pensioner or annuitant visa in Colombia In order to know the duration of these processes, it is important to know its two moments: when the application is made and when the e-visa is issued. Initially, the application is filed and after making the payment, the visa authority has a term of up to 5 working days to issue a concept. However, this time may be up to 30 calendar days when additional information is required. Finally, after payment of the visa issuance, the authority has up to 3 working days to issue and send the e-visa. ## Online application To complete the online process, you must enter [www.cancilleria.gov.co](https://www.cancilleria.gov.co/). Next, you will have to identify the “procedures and services” and “visa” options and finally enter “online visa application”. It is advisable to read the previous indications and then fill in the personal data as they appear in the passport. The “application registration number” box will be filled in with the application number that was sent to the e-mail, when it was a previously registered application. If this is a first time application, this part is left blank. At the end of the form, the system will assign a number that you will receive in your e-mail. Next, you must choose one of the options shown in the drop-down menu in each box, for example: type of visa, type of application, etc. It is important that no box is left blank. Afterwards, you must continue to complete all the requested information with truthful information and avoiding typing errors. A recent document type photograph, in color, with white background and front view, in JPG format and weighing a maximum of 300 KB, must be attached below. After this, the supporting documents are uploaded in order, as listed. Remember that the documents required are those required for the type of application and must be in PDF format. Finally, you must select the office where you will apply for the visa study and choose the means of payment. It is essential to check the e-mail address, since there you will receive the application number and all the notifications concerning the procedure. ## How long must the passport be valid to apply for this visa? The passport must be valid for at least 6 months prior to the registration of the application. ## Is it possible to apply from abroad? The application process for the pensioner or annuitant visa in Colombia can be done online through the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Also, you can go to a Colombian consulate. ## Is it the same for foreigners from all countries? The requirements to apply for a pensioner or annuitant visa in Colombia are the same. On the other hand, the costs of the procedure do vary. ## Does this visa allow me to work in Colombia? Given the conditions under which this visa is granted, it is not allowed to work within the Colombian territory during the validity of the visa. At Servicio Legal, we have lawyers with expertise in [ **Immigration Law** ](https://serviciolegal.com.co/immigration-law/?lang=en)We offer you the legal advice you need to apply for a pensioner visa in Colombia. ### [Contact us, our lawyers are ready to help you.](https://serviciolegal.com.co/contact/?lang=en)