Guide to Residency in Colombia

Obtaining a residency visa in Colombia is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in Colombia gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.

Obtaining Residency Status in Colombia

• Determine the Appropriate Visa Type
  • Visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website to understand the different types of visas (M, R, V) and their requirements.
  • Choose the visa type that best suits your purpose of stay (e.g., work, study, investment, marriage).
• Gather Required Documents
  • Valid passport with at least six months validity remaining.
  • Passport-sized photographs.
  • Background check from your country of origin, apostilled or legalized.
  • Specific documents based on the visa type (e.g., work contract, marriage certificate, investment proof).
• Apply for a Visa
  • Visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website to start the online application process.
  • Fill out the application form and upload the required documents.
  • Pay the visa application fee.
• Register with Migración Colombia
  • Once your visa is approved, visit the Migración Colombia website to register and obtain your Foreign ID Card (Cédula de Extranjería).
  • Schedule an appointment for biometric registration.
• Apply for a Tax Number (NIT)
  • Visit the DIAN website (Dirección de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales) to apply for a NIT.
  • Fill out the RUT (Registro Único Tributario) form and submit it online or in person at a DIAN office.
• Enroll in the Health System
  • Choose a health insurance provider from the list of approved Entidades Promotoras de Salud (EPS).
  • Visit the EPS office to enroll and obtain your health insurance card.
• Open a Bank Account
  • Choose a bank that offers services to foreigners.
  • Visit the bank with your passport, visa, and Foreign ID Card to open an account.
• Renew Your Visa and Foreign ID Card
  • Visas and Foreign ID Cards are typically valid for a specific duration. Ensure you renew them before expiration.
  • Follow the same processes for visa application and registration with Migración Colombia for renewal.

Important Notes

All documents issued abroad must be apostilled or legalized and translated into Spanish by an official translator.

Always verify the latest requirements and procedures on the official websites of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Migración Colombia, and DIAN, as regulations may change.

What tips do expats have about residency and visas in Colombia?

"The first step in obtaining a visa for Colombia is to determine the appropriate visa category for the intended stay. Generally, tourists and business travelers require a tourist visa or a business visa. Depending on nationality and the University attended, students may require a student visa. Visitors with longer stays may require a temporary residence visa. Once the category is chosen and associated requirements are met, an appointment must be made at a Colombian embassy or consulate for visa processing. Residency applications in Colombia are done through the National Immigration Agency (Instituto Colombiano de Migración). To begin the process, it is necessary to ensure all required documents and fees are prepared, and that the right type of visa is obtained. The documents required to apply for permanent residency vary depending on the nationality of the applicant and the intended length of stay in Colombia. Once all documents have been prepared, they must be presented to the National Immigration Agency, which will review them and then authorize the residency. If a favorable decision is made, the applicant is then issued a visa that allows them to stay in the country indefinitely. The applicant is then expected to register the visa in a local police station near their residence, and then obtain an ID card at the local immigration office," commented one member living in Colombia.

"The laws changed in December, 2017 and many of the visas, including retirement and investment visas are now for 3 years instead of 1 as they were before. Check local websites as this new information is updated," mentioned one expat living in Colombia.