Colombia (CO)
Colombia offers expats an extraordinary combination of year-round spring climate (especially in Medellín), very affordable living, rich culture, improving safety, and one of Latin America's most welcoming visa systems.
Visa & Immigration
Entry and residence options for Colombia.
✈️ Visa-Free Access
Colombia offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry for 90 days to citizens of: all EU/Schengen countries, USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, most Latin American countries, and many others — over 100 nationalities total. The 90-day period can be extended once for another 90 days (máximo 180 days per year). After 180 days in one calendar year, a formal visa is required. Check the full list at cancilleria.gov.co.
All visa applications since 2022 are submitted online at visas.cancilleria.gov.co (the new Visa Online portal). Upload documents, pay by credit card, and receive the visa electronically — no physical visa sticker in passport. You receive a PDF visa to print and carry. On arrival in Colombia, you register your entry and the migratory officer stamps your passport (permiso de ingreso). Key rule: total days in Colombia across all visa-free and short-stay visa periods cannot exceed 180 days per calendar year. After 180 days, you must have a formal M or R visa. Overstaying: fines from COP $550,000 to COP $27,800,000 depending on duration; deportation and re-entry ban possible. The Cédula de Extranjería (CE) is issued by Migración Colombia and must be obtained within 30 days of M or R visa issuance — appointments via migracioncolombia.gov.co.
Visitor Visa — Tourism / Business
Nationals not exempt from visa, or those exceeding 180-day visa-free entitlement. Short-stay tourism or business travel.
5–10 business days at consulate; 3–10 days online
- ✓Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- ✓Round-trip airline ticket (or proof of onward travel)
- ✓Proof of sufficient funds (USD $40/day or credit card)
- ✓Accommodation booking or invitation letter
- ✓Travel insurance covering Colombia
Migrante Visa — Worker
Foreign nationals with a Colombian employment contract from a legally registered Colombian company
10–30 business days
- ✓Passport (1+ year validity)
- ✓Employment contract signed by employer and employee (notarised)
- ✓Employer's RUT and Cámara de Comercio certificate
- ✓Proof employer paid social security for last 6 months
- ✓Criminal background check (apostilled + translated)
- ✓Recent bank statements showing employer solvency
Migrante Visa — Rentista o Pensionado
Retirees and persons with passive income (pension, investment income, annuities) meeting minimum monthly income threshold
10–30 business days
- ✓Proof of monthly income ≥ 3 SMMLV = COP $5,252,715 (2026, following the January 2026 minimum-wage increase)
- ✓Pension certificate or investment income statements (last 6 months, apostilled + translated)
- ✓Passport (1+ year validity)
- ✓Criminal background check (apostilled + translated)
- ✓Proof of health insurance valid for Colombia
- ✓Proof of accommodation in Colombia
Migrante Visa — Investor
Foreign investors making a qualifying investment in Colombia
15–30 business days
- ✓Proof of investment of ≥ 100 SMMLV (COP $175,090,500 in 2026, ~USD $43,000) in Colombian enterprise or property
- ✓Company registration documents or property deed
- ✓Passport (1+ year validity)
- ✓Criminal background check (apostilled + translated)
- ✓Investment approval from relevant authority if required
Resident Visa
Persons who: (a) held M visa for 3 continuous years, (b) are married to or parent/child of a Colombian national, (c) holder of Refuge or Asylum status, (d) certain pension recipients after 5 years
15–30 business days
- ✓Proof of continuous residence on M visa for 3 years (or qualifying family relationship)
- ✓No criminal record in Colombia (antecedentes policivos)
- ✓Passport
- ✓Proof of ties to Colombia (economic, family, property)
- ✓Income declaration or proof of self-sufficiency
Digital Nomad Visa
Digital NomadRemote workers and digital nomads who earn income from foreign clients or foreign companies while working from Colombia. Must not work for Colombian employers or Colombian clients.
5–15 business days
- ✓Proof of employment or freelance contracts with foreign companies/clients
- ✓Proof of monthly income ≥ 3 SMMLV (COP $5,252,715 / ~USD $1,300/month in 2026, after the January 2026 minimum-wage increase to COP $1,750,905)
- ✓Bank statements showing regular income (last 3–6 months)
- ✓Passport (1+ year validity)
- ✓Criminal background check (apostilled + translated for longer stays)
- ✓Health insurance valid in Colombia
- ✓Remote work agreement or client contracts
Visa & Immigration
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