Once a foreigner receives a Migrant (M) or Resident (R) visa or a few types of Visitor (V) visa, some family members of this foreigner become eligible for a Colombia beneficiary visa. Follow our guide to obtain a Colombia beneficiary visa, updated for 2024.
The Colombia beneficiary visa is intended for foreigners who are economic dependents and family members of another foreigner with an M or R visa or a few types of V visa.
Several questions have been received from Medellin Guru readers about visas for relatives. So, we now cover the Colombia beneficiary visa.
As a general rule, spouses and permanent companions, children under 25 years of age or older, when they have a disability that prevents them from being economically independent, may apply for the beneficiary visa.
For example, if a foreigner receives a Migrant investor visa, his/her spouse, children (under age 25) become eligible for a Colombia beneficiary visa.
All the M and R visas listed in our article about Colombia visas are eligible to obtain a beneficiary visa. Also, the Visitor (V) visas in the following categories are eligible for beneficiary visas:
- Religious, to work in the exercise of a religious ministry, or to work as a missionary of a religious entity duly recognized by the Colombian State.
- Volunteer, to carry out volunteer work of a social or development cooperation nature. It may be granted to beneficiaries of its primary holder only when considered fully justified.
- Digital Nomad, for those working remotely from Colombia.
- Permanent Correspondent, to work in Colombia as a permanent press correspondent for a foreign media.
- Entrepreneurs FTA, To facilitate the mobility of entrepreneurs or business people in the application of commitments acquired by Colombia in the framework of Free Trade Agreements signed and in force with other States.
- Non-accredited officers, To serve as a commercial representative officer of a government of a foreign state or territory, or of a specialized government agency, on a mission that does not involve accreditation.
In addition, the Colombia beneficiary visa is relatively easy to get. However, holders of a beneficiary visa are not permitted to work in Colombia.
Colombia changed its visa rules, which went into effect on October 21, 2022.
Has the visa process changed in Colombia due to the new Resolution 5477?
According to ExpatGroup, the visa agency we partnered with, tells us that with the new resolution, the government has introduced new application requirements, in addition to having eliminated some visas, such as the M student visa, and changed the category, for example, the R type visa for Colombian child, it is now M category.
The visa agency we partnered with has helped many foreigners obtain visas during the pandemic including retirement, marriage, student, investment and resident visas.
How to Apply for a Colombia Beneficiary Visa
You can apply for a Colombia beneficiary visa online. In addition, you can obtain Colombian visas at Colombian consulates around the world. In the U.S., Colombia has consulates located in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Orlando, Newark, New York, San Francisco, and Washington DC.
The Colombian visa process is fairly easy as it’s done online. You can apply for a Colombia visa online here. This application will require scans of all required documents in PDF files plus the photo in jpg format. In addition, a detailed guide for applying online is found here.
Visas in Colombia are issued by the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores. Since the coronavirus, all visas are issued electronically, so you do not have to travel to Bogota for the stamp.
I successfully obtained three Colombian visas that I applied for my own in the past that were good for a total of five years. But the biggest challenge with doing a Colombian visa yourself is not benefiting from the experiences of a visa agency, which has processed hundreds of visas and knows exactly what is needed for each type of visa.
Also another big benefit of using a visa agency is that they help you gather all the information and documents necessary for the student visa application. The cost of the service includes immigration advice, visa application, visa registration, and application for a foreigner identification card.
So, for my latest visa received in 2018, a Colombia resident visa, I used a visa agency. And I found the experience painless and now highly recommend using a visa service over doing a Colombia visa application yourself. The bottom line is with a visa agency you are less likely to run into problems and you can avoid a trip to Bogotá.
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Documents Required for the Colombia Beneficiary Visa
Documents required for the beneficiary visa include:
Medellin Guru Insurance Service
Medellin Guru partnered with an insurance agent to offer Colombian insurance services to foreigners including health insurance, auto insurance, homeowners’ insurance, travel insurance and life insurance.
Assist Card
Is It Mandatory to Provide a Criminal Background Check for a Colombian Visa?
Criminal background checks have long been mandatory for retirement and rentista visas in Colombia. However, starting in 2024, this requirement expanded to include digital nomad visas, and in 2025, it has broadened further to cover nearly all visa categories. Applicants from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom are among the most impacted, but these changes are increasingly affecting foreigners from all nationalities.
ARTICLE 26. CONSULTATION OF JUDICIAL OR CRIMINAL RECORD. The Visa and Immigration Authority may verify online the judicial record of the visa applicant in the database of the Colombian National Police and other databases to which it may have access, or require the applicant to submit a record from his country of nationality or residence.
Treat this requirement as essential when applying for a Colombia Visa. It’s important to understand that even if your visa application does not explicitly require a Background Check, you must provide one immediately if requested by the Chancellery. The government is committed to ensuring the safety of both locals and foreigners, and it’s crucial to align with their efforts. Being proactive about this documentation will strengthen your application process.
For U.S. citizens or individuals who have recently lived in the United States, obtaining an FBI Background Check remains a critical step. Fortunately, expatgroup.co offers services to assist with this process, simplifying compliance with these updated immigration requirements. No matter your specific situation, the most important factor is ensuring that your fingerprints are taken correctly in Colombia.
Using a professional service guarantees accuracy and comfort, allowing you to confidently meet this crucial requirement and avoid potential delays in your legal and personal processes.
FBI Background Check Service
- Filling out the FBI form
- Fingerprinting (Medellín)
- International shipment to USA
- FBI criminal record certificate
- Authentication of the certificate through a public notary in the USA
- Apostille certificate
- Official translations into Spanish
Using a Visa Agency to Obtain a Colombian Visa
If you are in Colombia, you can use a visa agency to obtain a Colombia visa. A visa agency can handle the online application and ensure you have the required paperwork.
Medellin Guru has partnered with what we believe is the best visa agency in Medellín to offer Colombia visa services. Features of this service include:
- Online chat – get visa questions answered fast.
- Online quotes – get immediate visa quotes.
- Office in El Poblado in Medellín.
- Competitive price compared to other visa services.
Successfully Approved Visas
Through this service we have helped
We reviewed all the Colombia visa agency services in Medellín and found one agency that offers a more efficient visa service with more features and more comprehensive communications including online chat, WhatsApp, video call, email and phone plus a low price and a convenient office in El Poblado.
Our visa partnership is an affiliate relationship (like the Amazon affiliate program). If you use our visa partner, Medellin Guru receives a small commission and you support the website. This is at no additional cost to you. The price remains the same whether you use a button or affiliate link on this website or not.
Furthermore, the partner visa agency offers visa services anywhere in Colombia. So, if you are located in another city in Colombia, you can use this service.
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Enjoy up to 40% OFF on your selected visa service
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Getting a Colombian Cedula
After you have successfully received your Colombian Visa you normally have a maximum of 15 calendar days to register your visa with Migración Colombia to get a Cedula de Extranjeria (Colombian ID for foreigners). Or if you received your visa at a consulate, you will have 15 calendar days after you arrive in Colombia to register your visa.
Especially relevant, it is very important to register your Colombian Beneficiary visa within the allotted time frame. If not, you will be liable for a big fine of up to seven times the minimum monthly salary in Colombia. The minimum salary in Colombia is $1,300,000 COP per month in 2024. So, the fine is up to 9,100,000 COP pesos in 2024.
Due to being photographed and fingerprinted this must be done in-person at a Migración Colombia office.
To register your visa and apply for a cedula this must be done at one of the Migración Colombia offices. You can find Migración Colombia offices in major cities in Colombia.
- Barranquilla – Carrera 42 # 54-77, Barrio El Recreo
- Bogotá – Calle 100 #11B-27
- Cali – Avenida 3 norte # 50N-20
- Cartagena – Carrera 20 B # 29-18, Barrio pie de la Popa
- Medellín – Calle 19 #80A-40, Barrio Belén (the entrance is on the other side of the building on Calle 19A)
A complete list of the Migración Colombia offices is found here. In addition, we have a guide to applying for a Cedula Extranjeria in Colombia.
Dual Citizenship
After having an migrant (M) retirement visa for five years you are eligible to receive a resident (R) visa. And after having an R visa for five years you can apply to become a citizen of Colombia.
Also, you won’t have to give up your existing citizenship. Colombia permits dual-citizenship, as does the U.S. and many other countries.
Once you become a dual citizen with Colombian citizenship, you will no longer need to deal with visas anymore. Also, you will be able to travel to a few counties as a Colombian citizen without a visa such as Russia, which require a visa for U.S. citizens.
Also, if you have Colombian citizenship, this benefits you with the Mercosur trade block. Nationals of Member States (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay) and Associated States (Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru) do not need a passport or visa to travel around the region, with only a national identity card required.
In addition, the Mercosur Agreement grants the right to residence and work for citizens with no requirement other than nationality. Citizens of the Member States and Associated States that are part of the agreement enjoy a facilitated procedure for applying for a residence visa, as long as they have a valid passport, birth certificate and a negative certificate of criminal record.
To become a citizen, Colombia requires a citizenship test, just like the U.S. does. You will be required to pass a test related to Colombian history, geography and the constitution. Also, a basic Spanish oral test is required. Those who have a bachelor’s degree from a Colombian university or are over 65 years old are exempt from these tests.
Medellin Guru's comprehensive visa and passport series
The Colombian visa changes that went into effect in October 2022 were significant. So, on the Medellin Guru site, we have a comprehensive series of visa articles that are kept up-to-date and should answer most visa questions. These articles include:
- Colombia Visa Guide: Ultimate Guide How to Get a Colombian Visa
- How to Obtain a Colombian Visa with Up-to-Date Info – an overview of all the Colombian visas
- Popular Colombian Visas for Foreigners: Which Visa is the Most Popular?
- Coronavirus Impacts on Colombian Visas and Tourist Visas
- Visa Agencies: A Guide to Visa Agencies in Medellín and Colombia
- 9Common Colombian Visa Mistakes: How to Avoid Them
We have looked in detail at the nine most popular Colombian visas used by foreigners:
- Digital Nomad Visa
- Retirement visa
- Marriage visa
- Investment visa
- Business Visa
- Resident visa
- Work visa
- Student visa
- Visitor visa
Also, we have looked in detail at three additional Colombian visas, which are less popular for foreigners:
- Rentista visa (annuity visa) – for foreigners with a fixed income
- Beneficiary visa – for relatives of visa holders
- Expertise visa – for professionals
In addition, we have a guide to Colombia tourist visas and how to extend a tourist visa. Also, we have a guide to renewing U.S. passports in Colombia and a guide to obtaining a Colombian passport.
Furthermore, we provide information about travel insurance that meets the insurance requirement for Colombian visas. And we have a guide to how apply for a cedula extranjeria in Colombia and a guide to using notaries in Medellín and Colombia. Finally, Medellin Guru has partnered with a visa agency to offer Colombia visa services.
All of our Colombia visa articles are up to date (2024) and constantly receive updates in 2025.
The Bottom Line: Obtaining a Colombia Beneficiary Visa
Colombia’s beneficiary visa is relatively easy to obtain, with minimal documentation required. However, the beneficiary visa requires a relative to first acquire a Migrant (M) or Resident (R) visa or certain types of Visitor (V) visa.
Colombia’s visa costs are lower than those in many other Latin American countries. Additionally, the Colombian visa process is relatively fast and streamlined, with online applications.
The visa agency we have partnered with has assisted numerous Medellin Guru readers in obtaining various visas, including beneficiary visas.
Medellin Guru Visa Service
The visa agency we partnered with has helped 1.893 Medellin Guru reader
Editors note: updated on February 28, 2023 with updated information regarding new visa rules.
Editors note: updated on June 28, 2023, with new images.
32 thoughts on “How to Obtain a Colombia Beneficiary Visa for Relatives – 2025 Update”
Had already read that article, but “their parents” is ambiguous, which is why I was asking for clarification. My spouse’s mother I would not consider “my” parent. So, thanks.
You can ask the visa agency we partnered with – click on this link – https://expatgroup.co/english/visasincolombia/ and there is a chat at the bottom right of the page.
Everything I’ve read here and elsewhere still leaves me with a question about the beneficiary visa. In our situation, it’s clear that I would apply for M-11, and once granted my spouse can apply for the beneficiary visa. But, it’s not clear how her mother, who is an invalid, would apply for the same. Under my M-11 or … what?
See our article about the beneficiary visa that answers your question – https://medellinguru.com/beneficiary-visa/
As a general rule, members of the family of the main holder of a M, R or some V visas are eligible for a beneficiary visa include their spouse or permanent companion, their parents when economically dependent on them, their children under 25 years of age or older when they have a disability that prevents them from having economic independence.
Hi Jeff, thanks for all the info. My husband, who is american and already living in Colombia (he has cedula de extranjeria) wants to bring his mom from the States as she is there living by herself and sick. She´s 81. Can he ask for her, sponsor her? Thanks for any info you can provide! Have a great night.
Thanks so much for this post. I have an M visa and am getting a beneficiary visa for my husband. Does the beneficiary visa have any restrictions? For example, can one work, study, etc. with it?
It says in the article, “holders of a beneficiary visa are not permitted to work in Colombia.” But may be able to study – check with the visa agency we partnered with here – https://visasincolombia.com/. There is a chat at the bottom right of the page.
Hi Jeff,
we have completed our 180 days in Bogota, wherein my husband got extension under temporary assignment for another 180 days, me and mu daughter stuck with tourist visa .. is there any possibility to avoid travel back alone to get another visa?
I recommend asking the visa agency we partnered with – click on https://visasincolombia.com/ and there is a chat at the bottom right.
I want to apply beneficiary visa for my parents. What is the fee for this type of visa?
Click on the blue “Use the Medellin Guru Visa Service” button in the article and on the right bottom side is a box where you can chat with the visa agency and ask questions.
Hello,
I would like to know if I have the “M” can my sister be the beneficiary? She is 22.
As it says in the article, spouse or permanent companion, their parents when economically dependent on them, their children under 25 years of age or older when they have a disability that prevents them from having economic independence are eligible for a beneficiary visa. Click in the blue “Use the Medellin Guru Visa Service” button in the article and you can ask the visa agency using the chat at the bottom right.
Hola – is the beneficiary visa holder still subject to the 180-day maximum outside the country? Or they are valid as long as the primary visa holder remains valid? Technically, they are not on their own but attached to the primary visa holder. (for example – their time not qualifying for anything else such as RE)
reason I ask is because due to school, my daughter can only come in the summer (annually)
I recommend asking a visa agency and there are several listed in the article.
If a couple applied for an migrant work visa and one was approved and the other denied for no reason, can the spouse with the approved visa apply or get a beneficiary visa for the other spouse
Yes, once one spouse has a visa the other spouse should be eligible for a beneficiary visa.
Thanks very much !
Hi Jeff,
I love medellinguru.com and have found it to be informative, fun to read and well researched. Keep up the great work!
I am retiring this month and will be drawing U.S. social security for the first time. I meet the the income
require ments for the Colombia retirement visa. If I choose to get this visa, how many days per calendar year am I required
to reside in Colombia.
Thanks in advance.
Hi Hank, thanks. With the retirement migrant visa you can leave Colombia up to 180 consecutive days without losing it. And no limit on how many trips you can make. There really isn’t a day requirement as to how many days in Colombia as long as your don’t leave for more than 180 consecutive days at a time.
Thanks Jeff,
My husband and I would independently qualify for an M-11 visa. Would we save $282 by getting one of us a beneficiary visa? In other words, is the beneficiary visa free? Thanks!
Hi Liz, to my knowledge the beneficiary visa isn’t free. I didn’t see the cost online but will try to find out the cost and update the article.
Jeff, thanks for the information on waiving the written test for the over 65 “tercera edad” citizenship. I presently have the “M” migrant visa. To your knowledge, on this status, is there a limit on how many consecutive days can I remain outside of Colombia?
The limit with a M visa is 180 consecutive days outside of Colombia, similar to the old TP visas.
Thanks this is very helpful. A friend asked me about visas for family yesterday so I passed it on to him.
Thanks Jeff, short and looks pretty straight forward.
Hi Jeff,
I have just learned that a beneficiary visa can affect future residency plans. For example, if someone is granted a beneficiary visa and in 2 years time they apply for a visa on their own, the 2 years spent as a beneficiary won’t be counted for a future residency visa application.
Yes, one downside of the beneficiary visa is that it doesn’t count towards a residency visa. But it’s a viable visa option for family members that don’t qualify for other visas.
Thanks for this very helpful post about the beneficiary visa and I appreciate your visa series that is kept updated. Other blogs only have old visa posts from years ago that are completely worthless.
Yes this post is useful. And LOL at those clowns at the Medellin Living blog don’t update anything. Their student visa post is from 2010 and tourist visa post is from 2009. Everything on that site is so OLD and completely useless.
I have a resident visa expiring in 2 years. Do you suggest applying for citizenship ot renewing the resident visa?
There are benefits to having citizenship. For example, once you become a dual citizen with Colombian citizenship, you will no longer need to deal with the hassle and cost with visas anymore. Also, you will be able to travel to some counties as a Colombian citizen without a visa such as Russia and Brazil, which require a visa for U.S. citizens.
To become a citizen, Colombia requires a citizenship test, just like the U.S. does. You will be required to pass a test related to Colombian history, geography and the constitution. Also, a basic Spanish oral test is required. Those who have a bachelor’s degree from a Colombian university or are over 65 years old are exempt from these tests.
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