Type R Visa for Permanent Residency in Colombia

What is the Type R Visa in Colombia?

The Type R Visa (Resident) is a permanent residence permit for foreigners who wish to establish themselves permanently in Colombia. This visa is particularly suitable for:

• Foreigners who renounced Colombian nationality: Those who were Colombian by birth or adoption and wish to regain their resident status in the country.
• People with accumulated residence time: Those who have held a Type M Visa for at least 5 consecutive years and wish to change their status to permanent resident.

Visa validity: The Type R Visa has an initial validity of 5 years. Before it expires, the holder must apply for a transfer to maintain residency indefinitely.

Requirements to Apply for the Type R Visa

To apply for the Type R Visa in Colombia, it is necessary to meet the following requirements:

• Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity.
• Copy of the certificate of renunciation of Colombian nationality, if applicable.
• Temporary Protection Permit (PPT) for Venezuelan citizens, as an alternative to the passport.
• Naturalization certificate, if applicable.
• Letter explaining sources of income: Detailing how the stay in Colombia will be financed.
• Recent photograph with a white background.
• Proof of regular stay in Colombia, such as records of entries and exits. Important: The visa authority may request additional information. All documents in languages other than Spanish must be officially translated by a certified translator.

Costs and Fees for the Type R Visa in Colombia

The process for obtaining the Type R Visa includes fees and consular charges:

• Service fees by Servicio Legal SAS: COP $2,700,000, covering personalized advice and the management of the entire process.
• Study fee: USD $55.
• Issuance fee: USD $400.
• Approximate total cost: From COP $2,700,000 + USD $55 + USD $400, depending on applicable consular fees and the exchange rate.

Duration of the Type R Visa Process

The process of obtaining the Type R Visa takes approximately 30 calendar days, from the submission of the application to approval by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia.

Benefits of the Type R Visa

The Type R Visa offers multiple benefits to those who wish to establish permanent residence in Colombia:

• Permanent residence: The right to reside indefinitely in Colombia.
• Permission to work and start a business: Opportunities to engage in work or business activities.
• Access to Colombian nationality: Possibility of applying for citizenship after 2 years of continuous residence.
• Inclusion of beneficiaries: Allows the inclusion of family members as visa beneficiaries, facilitating joint residence.

Activities Allowed with the Type R Visa

With the Type R Visa, holders can:

• Legally work in any economic activity in Colombia.
• Start a business or invest in local projects.
• Access health and education services in the country.
• Enjoy the same rights as a Colombian resident, such as purchasing property and achieving financial stability.