Since October 2022, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs approved the new rules that changed how foreigners apply for visas in Colombia. You can read the new Resolution here Resolución 5477 del 22 de Julio, 2022 or you can read this article where I will tell you the most significant changes.
Under the new rules, Colombia has more visas. These visas regulates specific activities:
Visitors Visas
1. Nomad Visa: As a Digital Nomad, you need to show at least 3 months of income with at least 3 times the minimum wage each month. Validity can be up to 2 years. You also need to prove that you:
– Work as an employee or independent contractor of a foreign entity; or are interested in starting a new venture in the tech for digital space.
– Cannot be a resident of a country where a Tourist Visa is required.
Documentation required include a traveler’s insurance policy, bank statements and other documents.
2. Promotion of Internationalization Visa (primarily to promote innovation/scientific investigation)
3. Agricultural Worker Visa
4. Visas for volunteers/students affiliated with a religious entity
5. Student Visa: Foreigners can still apply for Student Visitors Visa applicable for primary education through university and beyond, including in-person or virtual instruction. New rules allow for beneficiary visa applications where applicant is engaged in post-graduate coursework. Evidence that applicant receives income equal to at least 10 times local minimum wage required.
6. Visas for Permanent Journalists
7. Technical Assistant Visa
8. Free Trade Agreement Business Visa
9. Annuity Visa: Applicants can demonstrate economic support via rental income received from properties located in Colombia. Maximum validity of up to 2 years. A criminal background certificate will be required (this may need to be issued in Colombia or in country of current/prior residence).
Migrant Visas
1. Investment Visa: Based on Investment of 650 times Minimum Wage (this is now a separate visa category along with investment of 350 times minimum wage).
2. Common Law Marriage Visa: Common Law Marriage is required to have been completed at least one (1) year prior to visa application. Visas are valid for up to 1 year (meaning that visa holders would need to reapply at least 4 times prior to applying for residency). Visa holders now have to wait a full 5 years to apply for residency.
3. Civil Marriage Visa: Visa holders will need to wait 3 years to apply for residency.
4. Parent of Colombian National Visa: This is probably the biggest change, since parents of Colombian Nationals cannot apply for residency before holding this type of visa for 2 years.
5. Work Visa: Applicants are now required to provide 4 months of bank statements of employer.
6. Retirement Visa (Pensionado): New rules add substantial changes to required documentation including: Mental/physical Fitness Certificate (we are seeing the Colombian government more focused on ensuring that applicants, and particularly veterans, do not suffer from mental health issues such as PTSD); and Criminal background certificate (this may need to be issued in Colombia or in country of current/prior residence, or both).
7. Company Owner Visa: New rules can be less stringent for entrepreneurs who are just starting their business. But visa validity can be based on actual value of paid-in capital registered with local chamber of commerce. Entrepreneurs will be required to specify the number of employees the new business entity will employ. In consequent visa applications, applicants can be asked for proof of tax payments.
8. Independent Activities Visa: New rules only apply to regulated professions only (some exceptions). Need to show at least 6 months of income with at least 5 times minimum wage per month (compared to the 10 that were previously requested). Applicants applying again will be required to provide bank documentation from local financial entity. Foreign bank documentation only valid for initial application.
9. Promotion of Internationalization Visa (primarily for postgraduate students)
10. Andean Visa (for citizens of the Andean Region including Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru)
Resident Visas
– Resident Visa for Venezuelans
– Prior Holder of a Migrant Visa
– Civil Marriage Visa holders now need to wait 3 years before applying for residency
– Common Law Marriage Visa holders will now need to wait the full 5 years to apply for residency
– Foreigners can still apply for a Parent of a Colombian National Migrant Visa which will eventually allow them to apply for residency after 2 years
Applicants will need to demonstrate that they are able to cover their living expenses while in the country via bank statements and other documentation.
If you need further information, just book your appointment for visa consultation!