Navigating the world of Colombia visas can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. This guide helps you understand which type of visa aligns best with your goals by focusing on your applicant profile. Instead of sifting through endless requirements, we'll help you identify your specific characteristics and your future plans in Colombia. By understanding what drives you and how your background fits, you can confidently choose a visa that's truly right for your aspirations.

How to Choose a Visa in Colombia? Discover your Applicant Profile

Thinking of making Colombia your home, or at least sticking around Medellín a bit longer than your tourist stamp allows? You’re not alone! Maybe you’re already soaking up the city vibes and wondering, “What’s next?” Or perhaps you’re mapping out your first big move and want the inside scoop before you pack your bags. Navigating Colombian visas can seem complicated, but don’t worry: whether you see yourself settling down, working remotely, launching a business, or chilling in retirement here in the “City of Eternal Spring,” this guide is your go-to for making the smartest visa choice for your Colombian adventure.

What Types of Colombian Visas Are Available?

If you meet the requirements, you can apply for many categories of Colombian visas, as long as you haven’t overstayed in the country or if you are abroad. This flexibility is a game-changer for many expats, digital nomads, professionals, students, and retirees who fall in love with Colombia and decide to extend their stay or even settle down for the long haul.

Think of this as a non-intimidating, practical starting point. It isn’t meant to replace professional immigration advice, but to give you clarity and confidence before you talk to an expert. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a much clearer idea of which Colombian visa types and categories—Visitor (V), Migrant (M), or Resident (R)- match people just like you, and what your next steps could look like. Your Colombian journey can start with a single click

Checklist: Is this you?

You’re interested in legally extending your stay or changing your immigration status without leaving the country
You want to align your life goals with official visa categories defined by Colombian law.
You are thinking of Colombia as a destination for teleworking, business investment, retirement, education, religious activities, family reunification, or other long-term or temporary stays that align with Colombia’s visa options.
You’re looking for information from the official source: Resolución 5477 de 2022.

Interesting Fact: Did you know that almost all visa procedures in Colombia can be initiated online and do not require you to return to your home country?

Suggested Visa Types and Terms

Visa Type	Purpose	Maximum Validity
Visitor (V)	Tourism, remote work, studies, volunteer	Up to 180 days
Migrant (M)	Work, investment, partner, pension	Up to 3 years
Resident (R)	Long-term/permanent stay	Indefinite. You must apply for a visa transfer to renew it every 5 years.

Do I Have the Profile to Get a Visa for Investment in Colombia?

If you are an individual with capital and an entrepreneurial spirit, Colombia provides a strategic environment to grow your wealth, support the economy, and build a long-term future. Thanks to the legal framework defined by the Resolución 5477 de 2022, the country offers several pathways for foreign investors and entrepreneurs eager to make their mark.

The Colombia Business Owner Visa is specifically crafted for expats and business-minded newcomers determined to create jobs, contribute to local development, or invest in tangible assets like real estate. Whether your vision involves launching a new company, buying into an established business, exploring new markets, or securing property that meets the government’s required investment threshold, there is a visa designed for you.

On the other hand, the Real Estate Investment Visa offers several practical advantages. The application process involves submitting proof of property purchase, registration documents, and financial source verification, ensuring transparency and compliance with Colombian financial regulations. Importantly, the investment in real estate is seen by the Colombian government as a long-term economic commitment, which contributes significantly to local development and stability.

The goal of these visas is to ensure your investment supports Colombia’s economy while giving you legal security and, eventually, a path to permanent residency. Keep in mind that each visa’s requirements are precise, covering minimum investment amounts, business plans, or documentation of property purchase, so reviewing the official legal text and consulting with a local expert is always recommended.

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Interesting Fact: The type-V Colombia’s Market Research Visa offers a unique advantage: it allows foreign investors to legally establish their presence and conduct hands-on market research or feasibility studies before making larger financial commitments.

Suggested Visas for Investors – Requirements & Validity

Visa Name	Key Requirements	Maximum Validit
Real Estate Investor	Purchase property above government-determined value (minimum approx. COP COP 500,000,000 / roughly USD 125,000); register investment with Banco de la República; property must be fully titled in applicant’s name; maintain investment above threshold for renewal	Up to 3 years.
Business Owner/Entrepreneur	Founding or investing in a Colombian company meeting capital minimum (approx. COP COP 145,000,000 / roughly USD 36,000); official certification of shareholding or capital contribution, registration with chamber of commerce and DIAN; local address and tax ID required	Up to 3 years
Market Exploration	Documented activities exploring business opportunities, market research, or project validation	Up to 1 year.

What Visa Can a Professional Get in Colombia?

For professionals, skilled workers, and degree-holders seeking to build their careers in Colombia, the country’s immigration system offers a range of visas tailored to modern work realities. Whether you’ve secured a job with a Colombian employer, plan to offer independent services as a freelancer, or are living the remote “digital nomad” lifestyle, there is a visa option to fit your aspirations and working model.

Colombia recognizes the diversity of today’s workforce by supporting those working under a formal contract, temporary project, or online for companies abroad, ensuring there are both permanent and temporary pathways open to international talent. Understanding which visa profile matches your own goals and situation is crucial for a smooth application process, continued legal stay, and full compliance with Colombian law.

Checklist: Is this you?

Interesting Fact: Colombia launched its official Digital Nomad Visa in late 2022, offering remote workers a streamlined process to live and work legally in the country for up to two years, including family accompaniment.

Can a freelancer get a Digital Nomad Visa?

If you’re the kind of person whose office can be anywhere with a solid Wi-Fi connection, the digital nomad profile is made for you. Your income must come entirely from outside Colombia, whether you’re a freelancer juggling international clients, a startup founder running your own business, or a remote employee for a global company. The key point is that you don’t have a Colombian employer and you’re not looking for one; you just want the freedom to live and work remotely from somewhere as vibrant as Medellín, with no need to jump through the hoops of traditional employment visas.

The Digital Nomad Visa has quickly become one of the most popular options for expats who crave flexibility and want to soak up city life, Colombian coffee, and eternal spring weather, without the baggage of local sponsorship or complicated bureaucratic hurdles

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Suggested Visas for Professionals– Requirements & Validity

Visa Name	Key Requirements	Maximum Validity
Digital Nomad Visa	Proof of remote work and foreign income; must not have a Colombian employer; usually requires steady monthly income equivalent to at least COP 4,290,000 (approx. USD 950–1,000/month, 3 times minimum wage).	Up to 2 years.
Worker Visa	Job offer or employment contract with a Colombian employer. Employer/company must show financial capacity; generally requires proving monthly income of at least COP 4,290,000/month (approx. USD 950–1,000/month, 3 times minimum wage).	Up to 3 years
Freelancer Visa	Contracts or evidence of freelance or consulting services rendered to Colombian clients; documentation of ongoing contracts; minimum monthly income of about 6 times the minimum wage (approx. COP 7,950,000) is typically required; proof of legal registration or self-employment status recommended; health insurance required.	Up to 3 years.
Temporary Worker Visa	Temporary employment and labor contracts in Colombia require employer and employee financial solvency. Monthly income requirement: COP 4,290,000 (approx. USD 950/month, 3 times minimum wage).	Up to 2 years.

What visa do I need to study or do an internship?

If your main objective in Colombia is academic development, whether it’s pursuing a university degree, taking language courses, or gaining work experience through a formal internship, there are specific visa pathways crafted just for you. This section is for everyone enrolled in recognized programs, either at universities, language schools, or engaged in research or academic exchanges.

The focus is on learning, research, or cultural enrichment, not employment or commercial work. The Resolución 5477 provides the official framework for these education-focused visas, ensuring students and interns from around the world can study, engage in research, or complete internships in Colombia legally and with peace of mind.

Checklist: Is this you?

Interesting Fact: Colombia’s vibrant academic life welcomes students and interns from every continent, making it a leading hub in Latin America for cultural exchange, research, and international education experiences

Suggested Visas for Students – Requirements & Validity

Visa Name	Key Requirements	Maximum Validity
Student Visa	Enrollment in an accredited academic program	Up to 2 years.
Internship Visa	Official internship placement with a Colombian institution	Up to 1 year

Can I get a visa through my partner, Colombian son, or for my family?

If your primary reason for wanting to live in Colombia revolves around your connection to family, you’ve found the right visa pathway. Colombia recognizes that family bonds are a fundamental part of one’s life and future, and the immigration system is designed to accommodate various family-related situations.

The family-oriented expat profile spans people who are married to Colombian citizens, those in formally recognized common-law partnerships, parents seeking to live near their Colombian children, and dependents of visa holders. These relationships form the basis for legal residency, reflecting Colombia’s commitment to keeping families together.

Whether you’ve married a Colombian citizen, live in a legal partnership, or are a parent or child of someone officially residing in Colombia, there are clear legal visa paths available. The Colombian government has established a multilevel framework to support family reunification, providing security and certainty for foreign relatives.

Checklist: Is this you?

Interesting Fact: Family-based visas do not just allow residence, they offer a path to permanent residency, often after just three years, reinforcing Colombia’s commitment to family unity.

Suggested Visas for Family Reunification – Requirements & Validity

Visa Name	Key Requirements	Maximum Validity
Spouse Visa	Spouse Visa Marriage to a Colombian citizen	Up to 3 years
Permanent Partner Visa	Legal domestic partnership	Up to 3 years
Parent Visa	Parent of a Colombian child	Up to 3 years
Beneficiary Visa.	Dependent family of principal visa holder	Linked to the main visa

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How can I stay in Colombia with passive income?

Deciding how to stay in Colombia with passive income starts with understanding the difference between two closely related but distinct profiles. Many people mix these up, but making the right choice is essential for your long-term plans. If you’re a pensioner who consistently receives a reliable pension or social security payment from a foreign government or private entity, this regular income stream essentially defines the classic retirement life and makes you a great fit for the Retirement Visa .

Meanwhile, the rentista profile is tailor-made for individuals who have significant passive income; think of money coming in from investments, rental properties, dividends, or royalties that land in your account like clockwork. You don’t need to be of retirement age, and you’re not working actively for this income. If this is your situation, the Rentista Visa could be your pathway to life in Colombia.

Checklist: Is this you?

You receive a consistent monthly pension from a foreign public or private entity. Consider the Retirement Visa.
You have proven passive income from investments, rental properties, dividends, interest, royalties, or similar fixed sources. Consider the Rentista Visa.
Your income should be steady and documented for at least six months.
You do not plan to work actively in Colombia with these visas (work is not permitted).
You are prepared to provide legal documentation supporting your income source, with notarization and apostille as required.
You have a valid passport and meet health and background check requirements.

Interesting Fact: Retirement Visa remains a strong option for pensioners seeking long-term residency, reflecting Colombia's flexible approach to attract retirees.

Suggested Visas for Passive Income Holders – Requirements & Validity

Visa Name	Key Requirements	Table Header
Retirement Visa	Proof of stable pension or social security payments from a foreign public or private fund. Minimum income approx. COP 4,270,500/month (~USD 975). Submit pension proof and 6 months bank statements. Allows residency and path to permanent residency.	Up to 3 years
Rentista Visa	Regular passive income from investments, rent, dividends, or royalties. Minimum income approx. COP 13,000,000/month (~USD 3,333). Proof of income and 6 months bank statements required. Visitor visa valid 2 years; no path to residency or citizenship.	Up to 2 years.

Which visa do I need for my audiovisual or journalist project?

This profile is for accredited professionals in media, journalism, or film who are working on a specific project in Colombia. The visa you apply for is directly tied to your project and official accreditation. It’s an important option for professionals whose stay is linked to a media assignment, and it is distinct from a traditional work visa in Colombia.

Checklist: Is this you?

Interesting Fact: Did you know that Colombia actively welcomes international media projects because they contribute to positive cultural exchange and visibility?

Suggested Journalist and Audiovisual Project Visas – Requirements & Validity

Visa Name	Key Requirements	MMaximum Validity
Temporary Journalist/Audiovisual Visa	Short-term media assignment with official accreditation	Project duration, up to 1 year
Permanent Journalist Visa	Longer, ongoing, officially sanctioned projects	Up to 3 years
Visitor (V) Large-Format Film/Documentary Visa	Official project authorization and production schedule	Duration of production

What visa options are there for non-profit work?

If your heart draws you to Colombia for community service or religious mission work, your path is both meaningful and well-supported by specialized visas. Whether you’re serving in a humanitarian, charitable, or spiritual capacity, these visas help you stay legally while dedicating your time and talent to causes bigger than yourself.

Checklist: Is this you?

Suggested Non-Profit and Religious Worker Visas – Requirements & Validity

Visa Name	Key Requirements	MMaximum Validity
Volunteer or Aid Worker Visa	Sponsored by an entity or organization established for at least 5 years with legal proof of status; must provide a letter from the entity’s legal representative detailing the volunteer activities, location, duration, and financial responsibility for applicant’s expenses and repatriation costs. The sponsoring organization must demonstrate financial solvency averaging at least 100 times the current minimum wage over the past 6 months (not required if public entity). The applicant must have health insurance covering Colombia for the stay.	Up to 2 years
Religious Worker Visa	Sponsorship by a religious entity duly recognized by the Colombian State, proved by a certificate of recognition and legal representation issued by the Ministry of Interior or the competent Diocese/Archdiocese.	Up to 2 years
Religious Student Visa	Must be sponsored by a religious educational or formation institution recognized by the competent authorities. The visa limits stay to formal religious studies or formation activities	Up to 1 year

What visa do I need for medical treatment in Colombia?

If you are coming to Colombia for health-related reasons, such as medical consultations, specialized treatments, surgeries, or rehabilitation at Colombian hospitals or wellness facilities, the Medical Treatment Visa is the one designed for your needs. This visa allows you legal entry and stay for the entire period required for your health care and recovery. Colombia’s medical system is recognized for its high standards and affordability, making it a popular regional hub for medical tourism.

To qualify, you must present official documentation issued by a certified Colombian medical institution or healthcare provider, such as a formal letter or certification stating your medical condition, the specific treatment required, the estimated duration, and the expected costs.

This visa is strictly for receiving healthcare; it does not permit any employment. Family members or caregivers can also request the visa as a companion’s status, provided they show the necessity of their presence for the patient’s well-being.

Checklist: Is this you?

Interesting Fact: Colombia has rapidly become a leading destination for medical tourism in Latin America, especially in specialties like dentistry, oncology, and cardiovascular procedures—offering internationally accredited care at accessible prices.

Visa Name	Key Requirements	Maximum Validity
Medical Treatment Visa	Proof of medical appointment and acceptance by a health institution	Up to 6 months

What visa do I need for administrative or judicial procedures?

When you need to remain in Colombia to resolve official government matters, attend court hearings, participate in investigations, or oversee any kind of legal process, Colombia offers an Administrative and/or Judicial Procedures Visa. This visa is specifically for foreigners who must be present in the country to satisfy obligations with Colombian institutions, ensuring that you can remain legally during ongoing hearings, investigations, filings, or compliance steps.

It is not designed for long-term residency or to authorize employment, but rather for the sole purpose of allowing you to fulfill your legal or administrative responsibilities. Applicants are required to submit proof of their official status as a party, witness, or interested party in an active case or proceeding.

Checklist: Is this you?

Interesting Fact: This visa provides peace of mind for foreigners confronting complex cases such as property disputes, litigation, or compliance checks, ensuring that their legal status remains uninterrupted throughout the entire judicial or administrative proceedings

Administrative and/or Judicial Procedures Visa – Requirements & Validity

Visa Name	Key Requirements	Maximum Validity
Visitor (V) Administrative or Judicial Procedures Visa	Proof of participation in active legal or official proceedings	Duration of legal process

Discovering All Visa Possibilities for Colombia

It’s important to note that the visas highlighted in this guide cover only the most common and requested categories for foreign residents and expats in Colombia. However, there are many additional visa types available for a wide variety of personal, professional, academic, and humanitarian profiles, including artistic, transit, Mercosur, medical treatment, and other special circumstances.

If your situation doesn’t fit the categories described above, or if you have a unique reason for coming to Colombia, you may still find an official pathway that suits your needs.

For a complete and up-to-date overview of every visa type, eligibility requirement, and official process, you can always consult the full Resolución 5477 de 2022, which serves as the definitive legal reference for Colombian visas. This resolution details every valid visa profile, allowing you to explore all your options with confidence and accuracy.

Ready to Make Colombia Your New Home?

Navigating the visa process can seem complex, but with the right guidance, your dream of living, working, or investing in Colombia is within reach. Whether you qualify as a digital nomad, investor, student, religious worker, or retiree, Colombia’s diverse visa options are tailored to fit your unique situation.

Our expert visa services are here to help you every step of the way—from selecting the right visa category, preparing your documentation, to ensuring smooth application submission and follow-up with Colombian immigration authorities. Don’t leave your future to chance; let professionals simplify the process and maximize your chances of success.

Medellin Guru Visa Service

The visa agency we partnered with has helped 1.893 Medellin Guru reader

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:

We have looked in detail at the nine most popular Colombian visas used by foreigners:

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: How to Choose a Visa for Colombia? Discover your Applicant Profile

Choosing the right Colombian visa might initially seem complicated, but with a clear understanding of your individual circumstances and goals, it can quickly become a straightforward process. Whether you are a spirited investor ready to boost the local economy, a skilled professional seeking career opportunities, a digital nomad craving flexibility, a student or intern passionate about learning, a family-oriented expat reuniting with loved ones, a retiree looking for peace and quality of life, a rentista aiming to leverage passive income, a journalist, or audiovisual producer working on a media project, or a volunteer committed to social service, Colombia has visa options tailored just for you.

This comprehensive guide has laid out the key applicant profiles and corresponding visas to help you identify where you fit in Colombia’s immigration system. It highlights the essential criteria for each visa, along with the maximum validity terms, so you can plan both the short and long term.

Whether you are currently in Colombia or preparing from abroad, the key to a successful visa application lies in accurately matching your motivations, legal situation, and intended activities to the correct visa. This approach not only ensures compliance with Colombian immigration law but also opens doors to seamless integration, residency benefits, and potential paths to permanent residence or citizenship.