Resident Visa in Colombia 2025: Complete Guide to Obtaining Permanent Residency
# 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!**
