Type M Visa for Temporary Residency in Colombia

What is the Type M Visa in Colombia?

The Type M Visa allows foreigners to reside in Colombia for an extended period without needing immediate permanent residency. This visa is ideal for individuals in specific situations, such as:

• Spouse or permanent partner of a Colombian citizen: For those who are married to or in a civil partnership with a Colombian.
• Parent of a Colombian citizen: Perfect for parents of Colombian minors who need to live in the country.
• Mercosur or Andean Migrant: For citizens of member countries of these communities, facilitating mobility.
• Investor in Colombia: Designed for people who want to invest in the country, whether by starting a business or investing in a local company.
• Independent professional: Ideal for those who offer professional services independently and want to operate in Colombia.
• Student: For foreigners who wish to study at universities or technical institutes in Colombia.
• Pensioner: For those who receive a pension from abroad and wish to live in Colombia. Visa validity: The Type M Visa is valid for up to 3 years, depending on the applicant's specific activity and situation.

Requirements for Applying for the Type M Visa

To apply for the Type M Visa in Colombia, you must meet certain general requirements. Some categories may require additional documentation, so it’s a good idea to check the specifics for your situation:

• Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity.
• Marriage certificate or proof of civil partnership (for spouses).
• Birth certificate of the Colombian child (for parents of Colombian minors).
• Documents proving direct investment in Colombia (for investors).
• Proof of income or employment letter (for independent professionals and pensioners).
• Admission letter from the educational institution (for students).
• Recent photo with a white background.
• Financial support letter detailing how you will finance your stay in Colombia. Important note: If some documents are in another language, they must be officially translated into Spanish. Additionally, the Foreign Ministry may request additional information in certain cases.

Costs and Fees for the Type M Visa in Colombia

The process to obtain the Type M Visa includes both Servicio Legal SAS service fees and consular fees:

• Servicio Legal SAS service fees: COP $2,700,000, which cover personalized assistance and full management of the process.
• Study fee: USD $55.
• Issuance fee: USD $270.
• Approximate total cost: From COP $2,700,000 + USD $55 + USD $270, subject to the exchange rate and the applicant's nationality.

Processing Time for the Type M Visa

The average processing time for the Type M Visa is approximately 30 calendar days, from the time the application is submitted until the response from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia.

Benefits of the Type M Visa

This visa not only allows temporary residency in Colombia, but it also opens up many opportunities and benefits:

• Temporary residency: Allows you to live in Colombia for up to 3 years, with the option to renew.
• Work authorization: In some subcategories, you can engage in legal work activities.
• Family stability: Ideal for foreigners who wish to live with their Colombian family members.
• Investor-friendly: It allows you to invest in the country and take advantage of its emerging economy. • Access to education and professional development: Perfect for students interested in pursuing academic programs in Colombia.

Permitted Activities with the Type M Visa

The Type M Visa allows a variety of activities depending on the applicant’s specific category. Permitted activities include:

• Working independently in activities related to the visa category.
• Starting and managing a business for those in the investor category.
• Studying at recognized educational institutions in Colombia, in the case of a student visa.
• Living with Colombian family members, for spouses, permanent partners, and parents of Colombian minors.