Colombia is a popular travel destination due to its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and affordable living. If you want to live for a longer period, a residency visa is needed. There are different types of residency visas in Colombia, South America. This article will introduce what they are and how to obtain one.
What Is a Residency Visa?
A residency visa grants legal permission to live in Colombia for extended periods, preferably more than 180 days. Unlike tourist visas that grant short-term stays for leisure activities, it allows foreigners to work, study, or live permanently while enjoying healthcare, education, investment, and other local benefits. Most importantly, this document is a common pathway to Colombian citizenship after staying in the country for a few years.
Types of Residency Visas in Colombia
Colombia offers multiple visas to match what you are traveling for. Whether you’re an investor, retiree, or partner of a Colombian citizen, there’s a visa for you. Below are the most common types.
- Migrant Visa (M)
Also known as a Type M visa, the migrant visa is a temporary visa designed for foreigners with family ties, job offers, or academic enrollment in Colombia. It is usually valid for 1–3 years and renewable. It is suitable for those who are yet to be eligible for the Type R visa, a path toward permanent residency. You can also apply along with your spouse or children.
- Resident Visa (R)
The resident visa, AKA Type R visa, is issued to those who have held the migrant visa for 5 years and allows them to live permanently in Colombia. You can work, do business, invest in a company, and purchase or sell assets with fewer restrictions than migrants and visitors.
- Retirement Visa (Pensionado)
As its name suggests, the retirement visa is issued to pensionado. If you are seeking an affordable living after requirements, it will be a good choice. Applicants must prove to have a stable retirement income, like more than 3 times Colombia’s minimum wage. The visa is one type of temporary visa and should be renewed every 1-3 years.
- Investment Visa
It is one type of migrant visa issued to foreign investors. Applicants should make a direct investment in the local industry or purchase real estate. It is usually valid for 3 years and renewable. After 5 years, you might obtain a residency visa.
- Marriage Visa
If you marry a Colombian citizen, a Colombia marriage visa residency visa will be a more accessible migrant visa. Applicants can skip the financial thresholds to apply for this visa.
Eligibility & Requirements for Colombia Residency Visas
Applying for a Colombia residency visa can be daunting, so it is necessary to figure out who can apply for it and what should be prepared. Here’s a table for quick reference.
| Who can Apply | Eligibility | Required Documents |
| Long-term Residents | Have lived in Colombia regularly for at least 5 continuous years on a temporary visa | ● Proof of uninterrupted stay in Colombia, for example, Type M visavalid for at least 30 calendar days before expiration. ● Passport valid for at least 18 months. ● Passport valid for at least 18 months with 2 blank pages ● Two (2) recent 3×4 passport-style photographs |
| Family members of Colombian nationals | Spouse, parent(s), or child(ren) of a Colombian citizen | ● Proof of the relationship, for marriage, marriage certificate, or birth certificate ● Passport valid for at least 18 months with 2 blank pages ● Two (2) recent 3×4 passport-style photographs ● Criminal background check |
| Entrepreneur or investors | Invest in Colombia in businesses, real estate, etc. and the investment satisfies the government’s requirements | ● Proof of investment, such as property ownership certificate, business license, or other related financial records ● Passport valid for at least 18 months with 2 blank pages ● Two (2) recent 3×4 passport-style photographs ● Criminal background check |
| Retirees | ● Have a stable monthly pension income which should be at least 3 times the local minimum wage (1,000,000 Colombian Pesos in 2024, approx. 243 US dollars) ● Be in good health | ● Pension certificate ● Health insurance ● Passport valid for at least 18 months with 2 blank pages ● Two (2) recent 3×4 passport-style photographs ● Criminal background check |
| Former Colombian citizens | ● Wish to return to Colombia and live permanently after giving up Colombian citizenship | ● Proof of former Colombian citizenship, such as an old Colombian passport, birth certificate, etc. ● Passport valid for at least 18 months with 2 blank pages ● Two (2) recent 3×4 passport-style photographs |
| Professionals with Stable Employment | ● have stable, and long-term jobs in Colombia | ● Employment contract ● Passport valid for at least 18 months with 2 blank pages ● Two (2) recent 3×4 passport-style photographs ● Criminal background check |
Which Colombia Residency Visa Should I Apply For?
After learning about the different types of residency visas in Colombia, South America, some might still be confused about which one to choose. To make the right choice, you are supposed to consider your identity and purpose of residency.
| Purpose | Recommended Visa |
| Short-term work, study, or family reunification | Migrant Visa (M) |
| Permanent residency | Resident Visa (R) |
| Retire affordably | Retirement Visa |
| Business Opportunity | Investment Visa |
| Marry a Colombian | Colombia Marriage Visa |
How to Apply for a Migrant Visa (M)
Getting a migrant visa is the primary step to moving to Colombia. Here are detailed instructions on how to apply for an M-type visa.
Gather Supporting Documents
Required documents include a passport, visa photos, proof of income, proof of work/enrollment, etc. Digitalize them in PDF form (photograph in JPG form) with a maximum file size of 300KB and attach them to the SITAC platform. Please note that evidence, except the passport, must be issued within the last 3 months. Moreover, the Visa and Immigration Authority may require applicants to submit the original documentation in person even if they have been uploaded online. Just pay attention to the authority’s notification by email or by phone.
Fill out Application Form
The form is available on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SITAC platform) or the Colombian embassy or consulate. Make sure to provide authentic information and avoid spelling mistakes. To fill out the form online, please do as follows.
- Visit the SITAC platform.
- Read the instructions at the beginning, provide basic identification data, and agree to the Privacy Notice and Authorization at the end. Click on the “Continue” button to proceed.
- Choose “MIGRANT (M)” for “Class of Visa” and the corresponding status for “Visa category”.
- Provide more details about the applicant, including personal information, academic training, address, expenses, etc.
- Provide more supporting evidence for the visa that you are applying for, for example, employment information, college details, or marital status.
- Answer questions about additional information.
- Upload a visa photo and other supporting documents.
- Fulfill the Confirmation Part at the end. In this section, you also need to choose the closest Colombian Consular Office (outside Colombia) or “Office in Bogota” (in Colombia on a regular immigration status).
Pay Visa Fees
There will be 2 payment stages, one for application review and the other for visa issuance. After completing the form digitally, a reference number will be generated. You have to pay the study fee within 10 calendar days, otherwise, your application will be withdrawn. Even if you are exempted from the fee and the amount displays “0”, you have to fulfill the payment procedure. The payment can be made by bank transfer, VISA Credit card, MasterCard PSE, mobile payment, etc., according to where you are applying from.
Wait for the Result
Once the study fee is paid, the authority will start to review your application and issue the pronouncement within 30 calendar days. You might be required to provide further information or have an interview. During this period, pay attention to your registered email and respond promptly. Once approved, you should pay the issuance fee and collect the visa at a Migración Colombia office.
How to Apply for Resident Visa (R)
The process of resident visa application is similar to that of migrant visa. If you satisfy the R-type visa eligibility, please apply for the visa through the steps below.
- Gather the required documents, including a passport, proof of continuous residency in Colombia, a visa photo, etc.
- Obtain the application form online or at the Colombian embassy or consulate and fill it out. Remember to choose “RESIDENT (R)” for “Class of Visa”.
- Pay the application fees by credit/debit card or mobile payment methods.
- Have an interview to confirm your eligibility and purpose of living.
- Wait for the result and collect your visa after your application is approved.
Fee of Colombia Residency Visas
The Colombia residency visa fee varies according to the visa type and where you apply. Next is a detailed price list for US citizens.
| Visa Type | Study Fee (USD) | Issuance Fee (USD) |
| Migrant Visa (M) | 54 | 270 |
| Resident Visa (R) | 54 | 400 |
| Retirement Visa | 54 | 270 |
| Investment Visa | 54 | 270 |
| Marriage Visa | 54 | 270 |
Validity of Colombia Residency Visas
The residency visa in Colombia, South America, features years of validity. Even if you are allowed to live permanently in Colombia, you are supposed to update the information every few years. It is necessary to check the expiry date on your visa and renew it in advance. Here is the validity for different visa types.
| Visa Type | Validity |
| Migrant Visa (M) | 1–3 years |
| Resident Visa (R) | 5 years |
| Retirement Visa | 1–3 years (renewable) |
| Investment Visa | 3–5 years |
| Marriage Visa | 1–3 years |
How Long Does It Take to Apply for the Residency Visa?
It usually takes 30-50 days to get a residency visa. The processing time might vary according to how many applications the visa office receives, when you pay the visa fees, and whether you have submitted sufficient documentation.
How to Get Colombia Visa Photos Online for Free
No matter which visa type you apply for, a passport-style visa photo is needed. Nowadays, there are more and more photo tools available, so making a qualified Colombian visa photo at home is possible. For example, AiPassportPhotos is an online passport photo maker supported by AI technology. In this section, we will introduce how to get a picture for free.
Learn Colombia Visa Photo Requirements
The visa photo must clearly present the applicant’s true appearance, with only the full head and shoulders visible. The picture must be 100% compliant with the following official guidelines.
- Size: 30 x 40 mm (width x height).
- Background: plain white, no shadows, patterns, or other people.
- Face: Take up about 80% of the frame, neutral expression with eyes open and mouth closed.
- Accessories: Remove head coverings, glasses, and heavy makeup.
Take a Photo at Home
After learning about the official photo requirements, you can take photos at home. Here are some useful tips.
- Find a place with sufficient and uniform lighting, preferably natural lighting.
- Set a smartphone or digital camera on a tripod or ask someone else to help.
- Stand erect in front of the camera and make sure the camera is at eye level.
- Take as many shots as possible from different angles and positions.
Crop Colombia Visa Photo Online
Now, you have several photos. Choose the best one and leave it to AiPassportPhotos through the steps below.
- Visit the AiPassportPhotos passport photo maker with a computer or mobile device and click on the “Upload a Photo” button.
- Click on “Open Image” and choose the photo that you want to edit from the local file or drag it to the editing area.
- Wait for a few seconds, during which the tool will automatically check photo compliance, resize, and adjust the background.
Download Colombia Visa Photos for Free
The edited photo is guaranteed to be 100% acceptable. After processing, it will jump to the preview page. If you are satisfied with the picture, download and save it.
FAQ
What is the easiest Colombian visa to get?
The retirement visa is the easiest one to get due to its relaxed requirements and minimal paperwork.
What are the benefits of a resident visa in Colombia?
Visa holders can access healthcare benefits, work legally, and stay for longer than a regular visitor visa.
How long can a foreigner stay in Colombia without a residency visa?
Up to 180 days per year on a tourist visa.
Can I bring my family on a Colombia residency visa?
Yes. Spouses and children under 18 are qualified as dependents of residency visas.
Can I work with a residency visa in Colombia?
Yes, but retirement visa holders are not included.
Final Thoughts
Securing a residency visa in Colombia, South America, opens doors to leisure life and vivid business opportunities. Whether you opt for a Colombia migrant visa, residency visa, Colombia marriage visa residency visa, investor visa, or retirement visa, it is necessary to dive into its requirements and application process. We hope this comprehensive guide will help you obtain a proper visa and start your new life in Colombia.
Dolores Xiao