Business Investment Visa
Migrant (M-6) category visa for foreigners investing in Colombian businesses. Requires investment of 100 SMMLV (COP 175,090,500 or ~$40,000 USD in 2026) in a new or existing Colombian company. More accessible threshold than real estate visa. Must register company and investment properly with Colombian authorities. Valid for 3 years, renewable while investment maintained. Path to permanent residency after 5 years. Allows active participation in business operations. Good option for entrepreneurs wanting to establish presence in Colombia.
Key Requirements:
- •Business investment of 100 SMMLV (~$40,000 USD in 2026)
- •Company registration documents (Camara de Comercio)
- •Foreign investment registration
- +4 more requirements
Digital Nomad Visa
Visitor (V) category visa for remote workers employed by foreign companies or freelancing for international clients. Allows legal stay up to 2 years while working remotely. Requires proof of 3 SMMLV monthly income (COP 5,252,715 or ~$1,200 USD as of 2026) from foreign sources. Cannot work for Colombian companies or serve local clients. Ideal for location-independent professionals wanting to experience Colombian life legally. Applicants must be from visa-exempt countries and show 6+ months of remote work history. Health insurance valid in Colombia required. Process takes 2-4 weeks typically.
Key Requirements:
- •Passport from visa-exempt country
- •Proof of remote employment or freelance contracts (6+ months)
- •Income of 3 SMMLV monthly (~$1,200 USD in 2026)
- +3 more requirements
Marriage Visa (Conyuge)
Migrant (M) category visa for spouses or permanent partners of Colombian citizens. One of the fastest paths to permanent residency - eligible for R visa after just 3 years instead of 5. Requires legal marriage certificate or proof of cohabitation (union marital de hecho). Both civil and religious marriages recognized. Must demonstrate genuine relationship through documentation. Allows full work rights in Colombia. Common path for foreigners who meet Colombian partners.
Key Requirements:
- •Marriage certificate (apostilled) or union marital de hecho
- •Colombian spouse's cedula
- •Valid passport with 2+ blank pages
- +3 more requirements
Real Estate Investment Visa
Migrant (M-10) category visa for foreigners investing in Colombian real estate. Requires property investment of 350 SMMLV (COP 612,816,750 or ~$150,000 USD as of January 2026 - a 24% increase from 2025). Valid for 3 years, renewable as long as investment is maintained. IMPORTANT: Property value must meet threshold at renewal time, not just initial purchase - inflation can make previous investments ineligible. Must register investment with Banco de la Republica. Path to permanent residency after 5 years, citizenship after 10 years total. Requires 180 days annual presence.
Key Requirements:
- •Property investment of 350 SMMLV (~$150,000 USD in 2026)
- •Certificado de libertad y tradicion (property title)
- •Banco de la Republica foreign investment registration
- +3 more requirements
Rentista Visa
Migrant (M) category visa for foreigners with passive income from investments, rental properties, or other stable sources. Requires proven monthly income of 10 SMMLV (COP 17,509,050 or ~$4,000 USD in 2026). Income must be stable and verifiable - dividends, rental income, investment returns. Higher threshold than retirement visa but doesn't require formal pension. Valid for 3 years. Path to permanent residency after 5 years. Good option for FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) community members.
Key Requirements:
- •Passive income of 10 SMMLV monthly (~$4,000 USD in 2026)
- •Bank statements showing income history
- •Investment account statements
- +3 more requirements
Resident Visa
Permanent Resident (R) visa for foreigners who have held M category visas for required period. Most M visa holders eligible after 5 continuous years; marriage visa holders after 3 years. Grants indefinite residency in Colombia. Still requires cedula renewal every 5 years but visa doesn't expire. After 5 more years (10 total), eligible for Colombian citizenship. Must maintain residence in Colombia and not be absent more than 2 continuous years. Full work rights and access to all services.
Key Requirements:
- •5 years on M visa (3 years for marriage visa)
- •Current valid M visa
- •Proof of financial means
- +4 more requirements
Retirement Visa (Pensionado)
Migrant (M-11) category visa for foreign nationals receiving lifetime pension income. One of Colombia's most accessible retirement visas with no age requirement. Requires monthly pension of 3 SMMLV (COP 5,252,715 or ~$1,200 USD in 2026). Valid for up to 3 years, renewable. Must remain in Colombia 180+ days annually or visa may be cancelled. After 5 years on M visa, eligible for permanent Resident (R) visa. Pension income up to 1,000 UVT (~$12,100/month) is tax-exempt in Colombia. Can include spouse and minor children as beneficiaries.
Key Requirements:
- •Lifetime pension of 3+ SMMLV monthly (~$1,200 USD)
- •Valid passport with 2+ blank pages
- •Pension certification (apostilled and translated)
- +3 more requirements
Student Visa
Visitor (V) category visa for foreigners enrolled in Colombian educational institutions. Covers university degrees, language courses, and other formal education programs. Institution must be registered with Colombian Ministry of Education. Valid for duration of studies, up to 2 years at a time. Limited work authorization (20 hours/week during semester). Good option for those wanting to learn Spanish or pursue Colombian degrees. Can transition to work visa after graduation with job offer.
Key Requirements:
- •Acceptance letter from Colombian institution
- •Proof of financial means for stay
- •Valid passport with 2+ blank pages
- +3 more requirements
Tourist Entry (Visa Exempt)
Citizens of 100+ countries can enter Colombia without a visa for tourism. Initial stay of 90 days, extendable to 180 days per calendar year. NO work permitted under any circumstances - even remote work is technically not allowed without proper visa. Popular first step for those exploring Colombia before committing to longer visa. Extensions available at Migracion Colombia offices. Overstaying results in fines and potential entry bans. Many expats use this to test cities before applying for proper visa.
Key Requirements:
- •Passport valid 6+ months
- •Return or onward ticket
- •Proof of accommodation
- +2 more requirements
Work Visa (Empleado)
Migrant (M) category visa for foreigners employed by Colombian companies. Requires job offer from Colombian employer who sponsors the visa. Employer must demonstrate why a foreigner is needed for the position. Valid for up to 3 years, tied to employment. Changing employers requires new visa application. Income should be at least 10 SMMLV monthly for professionals (~$4,000 USD in 2026). Path to permanent residency after 5 years of continuous employment. Employer handles much of the paperwork.
Key Requirements:
- •Job offer from Colombian employer
- •Employment contract
- •Employer sponsorship letter
- +4 more requirements