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.

## Colombian General Social Security System in Health The Colombian General Social Security System in Health ([Social security for foreigners in Colombia](https://serviciolegal.com.co/en/blog/social-security-for-foreigners-in-colombia)) was created in 1993 by Law 100. ### Regimes It is composed of two regimes: the contributory regime, which affiliates salaried workers, pensioners, and independent workers with income equal to or greater than 1 SMMLV (minimum monthly legal salary), and the subsidized regime, which affiliates all individuals without the capacity to pay. There is also a special regime for workers in the Military Forces, the National Police, ECOPETROL, the teaching profession, and public universities. ## The EPS in Colombia Affiliation with this system is mandatory and is done through Health Promoting Entities, known as EPS, which can be public or private. The EPS contract with IPS (health service providers) who are the providers of care, and may or may not be integrated with the EPS. ([Medical Insurance in Colombia. Colombian Visa Requirements](https://serviciolegal.com.co/en/blog/medical-insurance-in-colombia-colombian-visa-requirements) | [Health Insurance for Foreigners in Colombia](https://serviciolegal.com.co/en/services/insurance/health-insurance-for-foreigners-in-colombia-complete-coverage)) The system includes 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 Affiliates have the right to choose from different EPS to manage the provision of health services. This right has also been constitutionally reinforced in tutela rulings, such as T-760 of 2008. However, once a person affiliates with a particular EPS there is a minimum one-year stay period; afterward, it is possible to choose another entity to switch to. ## List of EPS in Colombia The Ministry of Labor on its website presents a list of all EPS located in each department of the country: [List of EPS](https://www.mintrabajo.gov.co/lista-de-eps) ### Affiliation of Foreigners to the EPS in Colombia Affiliation for foreigners with a [Type M visa](https://serviciolegal.com.co/en/blog/visa-type-m-partner-or-business-owner-in-colombia) or a [Type M Visa for Temporary Residence in Colombia](https://serviciolegal.com.co/en/services/inmigration-law/type-m-visa-for-temporary-residence-in-colombia) is achieved through registration with a Health Promoting Entity (EPS) and presentation of the [foreign identity card (cédula de extranjería)](https://serviciolegal.com.co/en/blog/processing-of-alien-registration-cards-in-colombia) or, in the case of children under 7 years of age, presentation of the passport. ## Contributory Regime If you have a visa or work permit and are an employee, self-employed worker with the capacity to pay, affiliation must be made to the contributory regime. ## Subsidized Regime To affiliate with the subsidized regime, you must complete the SISBEN socioeconomic classification survey and classify at level I or II. [SISBEN Website](https://www.sisben.gov.co/Paginas/landing.html) Subsequently, you must choose the EPS and register by filling out the single Affiliation and News form for the General Social Security System in Health. For the affiliation of the family unit, the respective identification documents and those accrediting kinship must be presented. Once affiliation is completed, you begin to enjoy the Benefit Plan, which is the set of services for health care to which every affiliate to the system has right. This benefit plan seeks the integral protection of families, maternity, and general illness care, in the phases of promotion and health promotion and prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation for all pathologies. To learn in detail about all the benefits of the POS (Plan Obligatorio de Salud), consult the following guide created by the Ministry of Health: [Everything You Need to Know About the Benefit Plan - POS](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, affiliation with the EPS as a foreigner with a [Type M Visa](https://serviciolegal.com.co/en/blog/migration-colombia-what-you-should-know-about-visa-types) is mandatory. It is a simple process that only requires the foreign identity card. Once affiliated, you have benefits such as quality medical care, financial protection (cost reduction), access to preventive programs, and legal protection in case of medical negligence. For any additional questions or inquiries, please contact our support team at [Servicio Legal](https://serviciolegal.com.co/en/contact-us). You can also consult with [lawyers specializing in immigration law](https://serviciolegal.com.co/en/services/inmigration-law/immigration-lawyers-colombia) or [Immigration Lawyers, Alien Law, or Foreigners Law](https://serviciolegal.com.co/en/blog/immigration-lawyers-alien-law-or-foreigners-law) for personalized advice. ## Bibliography [Article on the Colombian health system](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) [Diagnosis of the Free Choice of Health Promoting Entity in the SGSSS](https://www.minsalud.gov.co/sites/rid/Lists/BibliotecaDigital/RIDE/DE/DIJ/diagnostico-libre-escogencia-eps-SGSSS.pdf) [List of EPS](https://www.mintrabajo.gov.co/lista-de-eps) [SISBEN Website](https://www.sisben.gov.co/Paginas/landing.html)

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/type-v-visa-for-colombia-fast-and-reliable-process) ### 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-residence-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

Have you ever wondered what happens after the visa application process is complete? Here we tell you about it. Upon expiration of the deadline for the visa authority to respond to the application, the visa authority will issue a decision: 1. Authorizing the expedition. 2. Requesting information. 3. Inadmitting the request. 4. Denying the granting of the visa. It is worth mentioning that whatever the decision of the authority, it will be made known, in a timely manner, through the media in which the application was submitted. ## What do these answers consist of? **1\. Authorization of visa issuance:** This occurs when the visa authority verifies the requirements, finds that everything necessary has been complied with and proceeds to authorize the issuance of the visa. Finally, the applicant must pay the issuance fee for the subsequent sending of the e-visa within 3 days after payment. **2\. Request for information:** The visa authority will contact the interested party in the following cases: * When a visa application has incomplete or illegible documents. * If there is ambiguous information. * Additional information or documentation is required. * An interview is required. In these events, the term to adopt the decision may be extended for up to 30 calendar days counted from the date of filing of the request. It is important to provide the required information because, if it is not provided within the period granted for this purpose, the tacit withdrawal will operate, which, in other words, is the inaction that produces the automatic withdrawal of the application and implies the termination of the process without the visa authority’s pronouncement. **3\. Inadmission or non-approval of the application:** This is the decision by means of which the authority decides not to authorize the issuance of the visa as a consequence of any of the following situations: * The interested party did not comply with a request on time. * The application does not comply with the requirements due to inconsistency between the activity that the interested party intends to carry out and the type of visa requested. * Disposition of the authority in use of discretionary power. It is recalled that inadmissibility is the end of the procedure. **4\. Refusal to grant a visa:** The visa authority, using its discretion, may refuse to issue a visa and terminate the visa process. ##  ## What can I do if my visa was denied? If your visa application was denied, you will not be able to register a new application until 6 months after the denial. ## In the event of a refusal, can I file a claim? In visa applications **[no appeals against the visa authority’s](https://www.cancilleria.gov.co/sites/default/files/Normograma/docs/resolucion%5Fminrelaciones%5F6045%5F2017.htm#top)** of the visa authority. ## What should I do if my application was denied and I am in Colombia? If you are in Colombia and your visa application was denied, you do not have to be in the country irregularly. For this, you can request the issuance of a safe-conduct to leave the country. In this regard, it is recalled that the safe-conduct is a temporary document issued by the Special Administrative Unit of Migration Colombia to foreigners who require it. Likewise, it should be noted that the exit safe-conduct established for cases in which the visa is denied will have a duration of up to 30 calendar days. If you are interested in applying for this laissez-passer and want to know how to do it, you can review the article “Application for a migratory laissez-passer in Colombia” published in our web page. ## Why might a visa application be denied in Colombia? In accordance with current regulations, the visa authority will not grant a visa to anyone who deploys: * Disrespectful or threatening behavior. * Manifest insults with foul language or derogatory language towards the Institution, the Colombian State or its patriotic symbols. * Or commits other acts that violate fundamental rights or human dignity. ## Can I have access to the concept issued by the visa authority? Both the file that makes up the application for a visa and its study, as well as the concept on which its granting, inadmissibility or denial is based, are of a confidential nature. In this sense, copies of the stored image may only be disclosed or issued, with prior written authorization granted by the General Secretariat of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to: * The headline. * The proxy. * The competent authority.