Colombian Visa Advice
Before you request us or any other law firm in Colombia to assist with a visa extension, application, renewal, etc., there are 2 important things we think you should be aware of:
1) The Cancilleria (Colombian Visa authority) has a very helpful website in English where you can familiarize yourself with the Colombian visa process before we begin.
http://www.cancilleria.gov.co/en/procedures_services/visas.
2) Most services offering visa assistance to foreigners in Colombia are not provided by lawyers at all. We have seen many clients come to us with a range of misinformation and fees charged by "foreign visa specialists" who have the potential to affect your standing with Migración Colombia if not executed properly.
1) The Cancilleria (Colombian Visa authority) has a very helpful website in English where you can familiarize yourself with the Colombian visa process before we begin.
http://www.cancilleria.gov.co/en/procedures_services/visas.
2) Most services offering visa assistance to foreigners in Colombia are not provided by lawyers at all. We have seen many clients come to us with a range of misinformation and fees charged by "foreign visa specialists" who have the potential to affect your standing with Migración Colombia if not executed properly.
Which is the right Colombian visa for you?
There are 17 different types of Visas available in Colombia, divided into 3 main categories:
Visitor visa ”V”
Migrant vsia “M”
Resident visa “R”
• You might be eligible for one according to your investment
or individual status.
APPLICANT CATEGORIES & REQUIREMENTS •
Retiree (M)
1. Certification that recognizes monthly payment of pension for no less than three (3) minimum monthly legal salaries in force issued by competent entity, or diplomatic or consular mission of the country where the foreigner obtained the pension accredited in Colombia.
2. Certification issued by a public/private entity, recognized by the respective government, specifying the income paid or paid in the name of the foreign visa applicant, whose amount may not be less than the equivalent of ten (10) monthly minimum legal wages
• 1 MONTHLY MINIMUM LEGAL SALARY = COP $ 781.242 or USD $280 Exchange Rate $1 USD = COP$2.800
(March 2018).
Independent Migrant Visa (M)
1. Application letter followed by at least 3 certificates of experience in the corresponding trade or profession, and
2. Personal bank statements for the 6 months prior to the request. The applicant for this visa must prove average income of at least ten (10) minimum legal monthly salaries in force, which is equivalent to USD $2790 or COP $ 7.812.420.
Partner or Sole Proprietor of a Colombian Company (M)
Enough information enabling the verification of the existence and legal representation of the company as set forth in the first paragraph of article two of this Resolution, the applicant must provide the accurate mercantile registration number, name, main place of business and tax identification number (TIN) of the
company evidencing that the foreigner is a partner or owner of a duly incorporated and registered company, stating a registered paid-in capital or asset owned by the foreign visa applicant of no less than one hundred (100) monthly minimum legal salaries in force. If it is a stock company, he/she must attacha certificate concerning the capital structure signed by the fiscal auditor stating the value of the stock owned by the foreign applicant, which
cannot be less than one hundred (100) monthly minimum legal salaries in force, which are equivalent to USD $27.900 or COP $ 78.124.200.
Real Estate Owner (M)
a. Communication issued by the International Exchange Department of the Banco de la República (Central Bank) evidencing the record of the direct foreign investment for the purchase of real estate under the name of the foreign visa applicant, for an amount exceeding three hundred and fifty (350) monthly minimum legal salaries in force, pursuant to the provisions of the general regime for foreign investment and exchange, or its additions or amendments, as well as other Colombian concordant regulations in force. * USD $97.655 or COP $ 273.434.700.
b. In addition to the foregoing, submit a certificate of ownership and liens issued by the corresponding Title Registration Office, issued less than one (1) month prior, evidencing that the applicant is the owner of a real estate property in the national territory for a value corresponding to the investment recorded, which should not be less than the amount referred to in this numeral
RE - Resident Visa (usually via property investment)
For The Resident Visa Application process we will need the Following information:
1. Requirements for Capital Investment - Communication issued by the Exchange Department of the Banco de la República evidencing the record of the foreign direct investment under the applicant’s name for an amount exceeding six hundred and fifty (650) monthly minimum legal salaries in force.
2. Scanned Copies of the first page of the passport where the personal information of each holder appears.
3. A copy of the page of the Passport that has the last entry to or exit from Colombia stamp, as the case may be.
4. Dully signed Power of Attorney
* USD $181.360 or COP $ 507.807.300.
The foreigner with a RE visa is authorized to exercise any legal activity in the country, including those that are developed in accordance to a work contract. This visa will be granted and in no way contradicting the legal requirements established for the exercise of these activities in the national territory. In this case the duration of the RE visa will be indefinite, but the stamp should be renewed every 5 years. The allowed stay of the foreigner under the RE visa will be for the total amount of its duration. The foreigner who, having an RE visa, leaves the country for more than 2 continuous years will lose the right to it.
BENEFICIARY RE VISA:
1. Civil Registration Act of marriage or birth, as appropriate, or equivalent document in accordance with the laws of the issuing country demonstrates the link or relationship
2. Letter by which the visa holder is responsible for the beneficiary remaining in and leaving the country, and economic dependence manifest. In the case of minors, the application shall be signed at least one of their parents or legal representative, and
3. Photocopy of valid visa holder.
ALL VISAS REQUIRE THE FOLLOWING FROM THE APPLICANTS:
1. 3 x 4 Visa Picture in a white Background
2. Answers to the following questions:
• Do you have another nationality?
• Last Address (address and state) where you live.
• Intended Address in Colombia.
• Profession ( College Degree/Major).
• Occupation / activity ( Your Job or last job where you retired
from).
• Have you had your Colombian Visa Cancelled previously?
• Have you Had a Colombian visa before?
• Have you been Denied or rejected a visa application?
• Do you have Relatives living in Colombia?
Every visa case is different and it is impossible for us to give good advice without consulting with our clients first. Visa matters in Colombia like any country are sensitive however and you need to respect the laws and implications of choosing one visa over another and certain obligations that your visa choice may implicate short or long term. Contact our visa specialist Dora Restrepo at anytime for a no charge and no obligation consultation, juliana@medellinlegal.com
Visitor visa ”V”
Migrant vsia “M”
Resident visa “R”
• You might be eligible for one according to your investment
or individual status.
APPLICANT CATEGORIES & REQUIREMENTS •
Retiree (M)
1. Certification that recognizes monthly payment of pension for no less than three (3) minimum monthly legal salaries in force issued by competent entity, or diplomatic or consular mission of the country where the foreigner obtained the pension accredited in Colombia.
2. Certification issued by a public/private entity, recognized by the respective government, specifying the income paid or paid in the name of the foreign visa applicant, whose amount may not be less than the equivalent of ten (10) monthly minimum legal wages
• 1 MONTHLY MINIMUM LEGAL SALARY = COP $ 781.242 or USD $280 Exchange Rate $1 USD = COP$2.800
(March 2018).
Independent Migrant Visa (M)
1. Application letter followed by at least 3 certificates of experience in the corresponding trade or profession, and
2. Personal bank statements for the 6 months prior to the request. The applicant for this visa must prove average income of at least ten (10) minimum legal monthly salaries in force, which is equivalent to USD $2790 or COP $ 7.812.420.
Partner or Sole Proprietor of a Colombian Company (M)
Enough information enabling the verification of the existence and legal representation of the company as set forth in the first paragraph of article two of this Resolution, the applicant must provide the accurate mercantile registration number, name, main place of business and tax identification number (TIN) of the
company evidencing that the foreigner is a partner or owner of a duly incorporated and registered company, stating a registered paid-in capital or asset owned by the foreign visa applicant of no less than one hundred (100) monthly minimum legal salaries in force. If it is a stock company, he/she must attacha certificate concerning the capital structure signed by the fiscal auditor stating the value of the stock owned by the foreign applicant, which
cannot be less than one hundred (100) monthly minimum legal salaries in force, which are equivalent to USD $27.900 or COP $ 78.124.200.
Real Estate Owner (M)
a. Communication issued by the International Exchange Department of the Banco de la República (Central Bank) evidencing the record of the direct foreign investment for the purchase of real estate under the name of the foreign visa applicant, for an amount exceeding three hundred and fifty (350) monthly minimum legal salaries in force, pursuant to the provisions of the general regime for foreign investment and exchange, or its additions or amendments, as well as other Colombian concordant regulations in force. * USD $97.655 or COP $ 273.434.700.
b. In addition to the foregoing, submit a certificate of ownership and liens issued by the corresponding Title Registration Office, issued less than one (1) month prior, evidencing that the applicant is the owner of a real estate property in the national territory for a value corresponding to the investment recorded, which should not be less than the amount referred to in this numeral
RE - Resident Visa (usually via property investment)
For The Resident Visa Application process we will need the Following information:
1. Requirements for Capital Investment - Communication issued by the Exchange Department of the Banco de la República evidencing the record of the foreign direct investment under the applicant’s name for an amount exceeding six hundred and fifty (650) monthly minimum legal salaries in force.
2. Scanned Copies of the first page of the passport where the personal information of each holder appears.
3. A copy of the page of the Passport that has the last entry to or exit from Colombia stamp, as the case may be.
4. Dully signed Power of Attorney
* USD $181.360 or COP $ 507.807.300.
The foreigner with a RE visa is authorized to exercise any legal activity in the country, including those that are developed in accordance to a work contract. This visa will be granted and in no way contradicting the legal requirements established for the exercise of these activities in the national territory. In this case the duration of the RE visa will be indefinite, but the stamp should be renewed every 5 years. The allowed stay of the foreigner under the RE visa will be for the total amount of its duration. The foreigner who, having an RE visa, leaves the country for more than 2 continuous years will lose the right to it.
BENEFICIARY RE VISA:
1. Civil Registration Act of marriage or birth, as appropriate, or equivalent document in accordance with the laws of the issuing country demonstrates the link or relationship
2. Letter by which the visa holder is responsible for the beneficiary remaining in and leaving the country, and economic dependence manifest. In the case of minors, the application shall be signed at least one of their parents or legal representative, and
3. Photocopy of valid visa holder.
ALL VISAS REQUIRE THE FOLLOWING FROM THE APPLICANTS:
1. 3 x 4 Visa Picture in a white Background
2. Answers to the following questions:
• Do you have another nationality?
• Last Address (address and state) where you live.
• Intended Address in Colombia.
• Profession ( College Degree/Major).
• Occupation / activity ( Your Job or last job where you retired
from).
• Have you had your Colombian Visa Cancelled previously?
• Have you Had a Colombian visa before?
• Have you been Denied or rejected a visa application?
• Do you have Relatives living in Colombia?
Every visa case is different and it is impossible for us to give good advice without consulting with our clients first. Visa matters in Colombia like any country are sensitive however and you need to respect the laws and implications of choosing one visa over another and certain obligations that your visa choice may implicate short or long term. Contact our visa specialist Dora Restrepo at anytime for a no charge and no obligation consultation, juliana@medellinlegal.com
How long does it take to get my Colombian visa?
The answer always is - it depends. Some visas require more documentation and preparation than others.
The majority of time spent on the visa application process is related to arranging your supporting paperwork. Once successfully submitted, visa applications are typically approved within only 1-2 days. At that point you are free to visit your local Colombian consulate or the Cancilleria in Bogota to receive the visa in your passport.
The majority of time spent on the visa application process is related to arranging your supporting paperwork. Once successfully submitted, visa applications are typically approved within only 1-2 days. At that point you are free to visit your local Colombian consulate or the Cancilleria in Bogota to receive the visa in your passport.
How much does a Colombian visa cost to obtain?
A visa application in Colombia, generally speaking will come with the following costs:
1) Between $0 (in the case of student visas) to $255 USD in Cancilleria (government) fees (in most cases)
2) For pensioners - an extra (up to) $250 USD in apostile, legalization and translation fees
3) Cost of either a flight/messenger to Bogota/Colombian Embassy/Consulate, depending on where you reside
4) Receipt of cedula in all cases, apprx $50-60 USD in government fees, blood tests, passport photos, etc., if applicable
5) Legal/professional/notary fees
Professional fees at MLP handle the entire visa process (including receipt of cedula and banking assistance when needed) will range depending on the complexity and time required to handle your case. We will be able to provide a fixed price fee quotation upon understanding your needs.
Additionally our visa/cedula service goes well above and beyond the minimum and includes the following:
- coordination of all processes of the above right up until you receive your visa in your passport, always guaranteed or your 100% of your fees are refunded
- coordination and personal accompaniment to Migración Colombia offices to receive your cedula (in one trip, transport included), we will not make you attempt to do this by yourself
- assistance in Bancolombia (or bank of your choice) to ensure successful opening of bank account(s) if applicable/needed
Save yourself the hassle and the time, let us know how we can help samuel@medellinlegal.com
1) Between $0 (in the case of student visas) to $255 USD in Cancilleria (government) fees (in most cases)
2) For pensioners - an extra (up to) $250 USD in apostile, legalization and translation fees
3) Cost of either a flight/messenger to Bogota/Colombian Embassy/Consulate, depending on where you reside
4) Receipt of cedula in all cases, apprx $50-60 USD in government fees, blood tests, passport photos, etc., if applicable
5) Legal/professional/notary fees
Professional fees at MLP handle the entire visa process (including receipt of cedula and banking assistance when needed) will range depending on the complexity and time required to handle your case. We will be able to provide a fixed price fee quotation upon understanding your needs.
Additionally our visa/cedula service goes well above and beyond the minimum and includes the following:
- coordination of all processes of the above right up until you receive your visa in your passport, always guaranteed or your 100% of your fees are refunded
- coordination and personal accompaniment to Migración Colombia offices to receive your cedula (in one trip, transport included), we will not make you attempt to do this by yourself
- assistance in Bancolombia (or bank of your choice) to ensure successful opening of bank account(s) if applicable/needed
Save yourself the hassle and the time, let us know how we can help samuel@medellinlegal.com