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soystar1
  8/26/2013 21:31 EST

It is apparent that the same questions about VISA's are starting to be asked all of the time.

I would like to see the administrator please post a FAQ section so we can do away from VISA questions. All in all, the governing agency (Cancillera) in Colombia should be the first and last stop for any questions regarding what can or not be done with the different types of VISAS and the necessary requirements for that specific country. Enuff said. Please keep in mind that different countries have different VISA requirements so a "blanket" response should be carefully weighed by the interested party and it would be prudent for this interested party to use common sense before accepting advice regarding what and what is not needed in terms of VISA requirements.

grc1947
  8/31/2013 09:08 EST

Hi Soystar1, I'm a single 66 year old living in Cuenca, Ecuador where I have a permanent resident visa. Since its too cold here for my taste, I'm exploring options in Colombia, Santa Marta specifically. I went to the official website for Colombian visas and found it difficult to navigate and could not get answers to my questions: 1. What are the requirements for a tourist visa? 2. What are the requirements for a permanent resident visa based on pension income? If you can answer my questions or know someone who can, I would appreciate it.

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Jarmstrong
  8/31/2013 09:36 EST

The laws changed in July try to find a new government site

soystar1
  8/31/2013 09:37 EST

http://www.cancilleria.gov.co/servicios/colombia/visas/categorias_visa

This is your link for Colombian VIsas. I use google translate, at times, when I need the language in English. You can do this by right clicking your mouse our touch pad and the option should come up to translate or not.

Have fun.

GadoGadoGal
  8/31/2013 09:48 EST

GRC1947,

Below are the answers to your questions, along with the URLs of the pages where this information is located. Follow those links for further information, such as cost of the visas and links to the application forms. You can read the information in English or Spanish; just select the language you prefer in the top right corner under the logo "La respuesta es Colombia".

Cheers!

1) What are the requirements for a tourist visa?
http://www.cancilleria.gov.co/en/procedures_services/visas/categories/temporary/tp11
TEMPORARY TP-11 VISA REQUIREMENTS
To the foreigner who wishes to enter the national territory for leisure or pleasure. In this case, the duration of the visa shall be up to one (1) year, with multiple entries, notwithstanding the fact that the foreigner applies for a shorter duration by virtue of the activity to be developed in the country.
The stay of the foreigner who is the holder of this visa shall be of a maximum of one hundred and eighty (180) days, continuous or not, during the duration of the visa.

Attach a copy of the main page of the valid passport where the personal data of the holder appear.
A copy of the page of the Passport that has the last entry to or exit from Colombia stamp, as the case may be.
Foreigners who have applied for and been granted a visa without a QR code or OCR must attach a copy of the most recent Colombian visa.
Sí el trámite va a ser finalizado por un apoderado adjuntar poder debidamente otorgado.
Bank certificate evidencing that, during the last three months, the average balance in the bank account of the visa applicant has exceeded five (5) monthly minimum legal salaries in force. In the event that the applicant is a financially dependent person, a letter of commitment of the responsible person along with the bank certificate referred to in this numeral, or
In the event of being invited, a letter and a bank certificate evidencing that the average balance in the bank account of the person inviting or taking the responsibility for the foreigner (his/her stay in, and exit from, the country) has exceeded five (5) monthly minimum legal salaries in force during the last three (3) months, and
Photocopy or electronic information of the corresponding exit tickets.
Fill out the visa application, electronically following this link: Visas Form or in person, at the issuing office. In the case of artistic, sports and cultural groups, the visa application may be filled out by their representative by detailing the data of each one of the members of the group.
Note: when the visa application as a permanent partner of the Colombian national is submitted before a Consular Office of the Republic, then the valid document evidencing the de facto marriage pursuant to the laws of the recipient country shall be accepted.
Note: Si usted hace su solicitud de manera presencial, no requerira llevar fotografías. Las mismas le serán tomadas en la oficina expedidora

Remember:
Present the passport or travel document, in good condition, with a validity of no less than one hundred and eighty (180) days and with a minimum of two (2) blank pages.
Sí solicitó visa electrónica por más de un mes, deberá presentar su pasaporte en las oficinas de Bogotá con una vigencia mayor a 180 días y dos páginas en blanco para el estampado de la respectiva visa.

2) What are the requirements for a permanent resident visa based on pension income?
http://www.cancilleria.gov.co/en/procedures_services/visas/categories/temporary/tp7
TEMPORARY TP-7 VISA
To the foreigner who wishes to enter the national territory for the development of any of the following activities or occupations: as a pensioner or annuitant; as a partner or owner of a company; to get medical treatment and to the foreigner accompanying the one receiving the medical treatment; the owner of real estate; for the carrying out of independent trades or activities. In this case, the duration of the visa shall be one (1) year with multiple entries.
The stay of the foreigner who is the holder of this visa shall be for its total duration.

REQUIREMENTS
Attach a copy of the main page of the valid passport where the personal data of the holder appear.
A copy of the page of the Passport that has the last entry to or exit from Colombia stamp, as the case may be.
Foreigners who have applied for and been granted a visa without a QR code or OCR must attach a copy of the most recent Colombian visa.
Sí el trámite va a ser finalizado por un apoderado adjuntar poder debidamente otorgado.
En calidad de pensionado - Certificate issued by the competent authority, the government, the public or private entity, the foreign or Colombian entity, or diplomatic or consular mission of the country where the foreigner obtained the pension accredited in Colombia, attesting to the fact that the foreign visa applicant receives a monthly pension of no less than three (3) monthly minimum legal salaries in force, or
En calidad de rentista - Certificate stating the income issued by the public entity, the banks, financial companies, social security institutions, insurance companies, or from any other private company, acknowledged by the corresponding government, that pays or transfers the income, or the original of the contract that enables verifying the amount of the income. In the two cases of this numeral, the amount may not be less than the equivalent of fifteen (15) monthly minimum legal salaries in force, or
En calidad de socio o propietario de sociedad - 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 attach a 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.
Para recibir tratamiento médico y para el extranjero acompañante de aquel que recibirá el tratamiento médico - Certificate issued by an authorized medical institution stating the carrying out of the treatment, or
En calidad de propietario de inmueble - a) Communication issued by the International Exchange Department of the Banco de la República 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. 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, or
Para el ejercicio de oficios o actividades independientes - a) Application letter signed by the interested party stating the activity to be developed in Colombia along with the curriculum vitae evidencing his/her experience vis-à-vis the activity to be carried out in the national territory with, at least, two (2) certificates, and: b) Bank certificate stating that the average balance in the bank account of the last six (6) months has been higher than fifteen (15) monthly minimum legal salaries in force.
Fill out the visa application, electronically following this link: Visas Form or in person, at the issuing office. In the case of artistic, sports and cultural groups, the visa application may be filled out by their representative by detailing the data of each one of the members of the group.
Note: Si usted hace su solicitud de manera presencial, no requerira llevar fotografías. Las mismas le serán tomadas en la oficina expedidora

Remember:
Sí su trámite lo va a efectuar de manera presencial, deberá presentar su pasaporte con vigencia mayor a 180 días y dos páginas en blanco.
Sí solicitó visa electrónica por más de un mes, deberá presentar su pasaporte en las oficinas de Bogotá con una vigencia mayor a 180 días y dos páginas en blanco para el estampado de la respectiva visa.

MONTHLY MINIMUM SALARY INFORMATION
http://tmagazine.ey.com/news/ibfd/colombia-2013-monthly-minimum-wage-commuting-allowance/
http://actualicese.com/normatividad/2012/12/27/decreto-2738-de-27-12-2012-salario-minimo-2013/

On 28 December 2012, the Government issued Decrees 2738 and 2739, the first one by which the monthly minimum salary is increased to COP589,500 (previously, COP566,700), and the second one by which the commuting allowance was set at COP70,500.

The new minimum salary and commuting allowance are effective as of 1 January 2013.


RESIDENT - RE
http://www.cancilleria.gov.co/en/procedures_services/visas/categories/resident/re

The Resident Visa shall be granted to the foreigner who wishes to enter the country with the purpose of taking up residence in it. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs may issue this visa to the foreigner who wishes to stay in the national territory in the following cases:
When he/she has been the holder of one of the TP visas that appear below for a period of five (5) continuous and uninterrupted years:
TP-7

When, as an investor, he/she has recorded a foreign investment, before the Banco de la República, for an amount exceeding six hundred and fifty (650) monthly minimum legal salaries in force.
The foreigner who is a holder of an RE Visa shall be authorized to carry out any legal occupation in the country, including those developed by virtue of a labor relation or an employment contract. This visa will be issued without prejudice to the legal requirements defined for practicing each profession or occupation in the national territory.
En este caso la vigencia de la visa RE será de cinco (5) años.
La permanencia del extranjero titular de la visa RE será del total de su vigencia.
The foreigner who is the holder of an RE Visa who leaves the country for a period of two (2) years or more, continuous or not, shall lose the right to that visa.

soystar1
  8/31/2013 10:00 EST

Perhaps, the moderator can fix these answers on the FAQ section with updates when applicable. Thanks for posting.

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Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

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soystar1
  8/31/2013 10:19 EST

Thanks jarmstrong. Can you por favor post a link to your new information for the forum.

GadoGadoGal
  8/31/2013 10:40 EST

I renewed my temporary visa in June 2013. At that time, the visa section of the site was different than it is now. Actually, the visa section of the site has changed a great deal. I'm assuming it means that the information has been updated with any changes to the visa requirements made between now and then (e.g. July), but that is not fact, only an assumption. As was mentioned, it is always best to consult the government website and authorities directly yourself, as well as to print the information from the website to bring with you when you actually visit any authorities associated with obtaining a visa.

I agree with the establishment of such an FAQ or Basic Expat Info section as a first stop for information to help reduce outdated information, and would certainly contact Betsy with such a suggestion. However as it is now this forum on the whole functions more as a conversation forum and discussion board including sharing opinions and personal experience, rather than a place for static, factual information. In the case of visa information, it can be challenging to navigate such government websites (I am experiencing such a challenge with the varying websites for Dutch foreign missions), especially with low language skills, so this seems reasonable information to exchange in this forum in the way that it functions now.

grc1947
  8/31/2013 12:34 EST

GadoGal: Thank you SO MUCH for your detailed response. If my calculations are correct, a monthly minimum legal salary is about $305US. What constitutes an acceptable "bank certificate"?

Jarmstrong
  8/31/2013 13:31 EST

My recent experience at the colombian embassy put the $ amount closer to $900 a month

GadoGadoGal
  8/31/2013 15:36 EST

I don't know the answer to the bank certificate question. That question you might send to the Cancilleria, as forms of payment seem more likely to change without notice than other aspects of visa procurement. On this page toward the bottom left are three blue buttons with different ways to contact the Cancilleria including email, online chat, and even video chat: http://www.cancilleria.gov.co/tramites_servicios/visas

The monthly minimum legal salary of 589,500 COP is currently ~$305 USD, but as JArmstrong pointed out, what they are looking for in the visa is "a monthly pension of no less than three (3) monthly minimum legal salaries in force", so 3 x $305 USD = ~$915 USD per month pension.

Colombian Visa ServicesColombian Visa Services
Connect

We have over 10 years of experience helping foreigners obtain visas, invest, and do business in Colombia. Take the stress out of immigrating to Colombia by working with an experienced, bilingual immigration attorney.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Colombian Visa ServicesColombian Visa Services

We have over 10 years of experience helping foreigners obtain visas, invest, and do business in Colombia. Take the stress out of immigrating to Colombia by working with an experienced, bilingual immigration attorney.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

grc1947
  8/31/2013 16:04 EST

GadoGadoGal: Again, thanks for all your help. We reached the same conclusion as to what constitutes a monthly minimum legal salary: 589,500COP or about $305US. As I understand the regs you posted: Re the TP-11, one must provide a bank certificate showing an average bank balance for three prior months of 5 monthly minimum legal salaries or about $1500US. Re the TP-7, one must demonstrate monthly pension income of 3 monthly minimum legal salaries. Is this your take?

GadoGadoGal
  8/31/2013 17:11 EST

Yes, it is!

utile
  9/16/2015 23:02 EST

Regarding the TP-7 visa, one of the reasons for granting it is: "for the carrying out of independent trades or activities".

Any suggestions for acceptable independent trades or activities when applying for this visa?

bigjailerman
  9/16/2015 23:38 EST

TP 7: For the foreigner who wishes to enter Colombian territory for the following activities: Retiree, partner or owner of a business, to receive medical treatment and for the foreigner who is accompanying the one getting medical treatment; owner of a property in Colombia or for the exercise of professions or independent work activities.

Don't be Afraid to use Google, it's your friend :)

All your answers are on the Cancillería site. www.cancilleria.gov.co/en/procedures_services/visas/types.

utile
  9/16/2015 23:52 EST

Thanks for the reply.
My question is regarding which things might qualify as "independent work activities".

Thoughts?

ColombiaGringo
  9/1/2016 23:14 EST

If you need some really good help just check out James Lindzeys pages on visas, like www.colombiavisas.com, or legal services for expats offered at www.medellinlawyer.com ....

[email protected] is a great email to ask your visa questions to.

Cheers!

LaPiranha
  9/2/2016 14:00 EST

James (Colombia Gringo), may I suggest that the way you wrote your post makes it sound like you are an unassociated guy who is recommending James Lindsay's services.

I think you should make it clear that you are James Lindsay, and that you are advertising your own services, and not (as it suggests) an ordinary poster who is recommending you.

Also, I am given to understand that although you also advertise legal services, you are not actually a lawyer, and have no legal accreditation yourself? Could you make that clear, to save any confusion?

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