The Colombia work visa is intended for foreigners working in Colombia. And the visa is relatively easy to get once you have found a job in Colombia. We provide 2024 updates on the Colombia work visa rules.
Colombia changed its Colombian visa rules, which went into effect in October, 2022. So, the previous TP-4 work visa in Colombia became a Migrant (M) visa; work visas are typically valid for the duration of a work contract.
Furthermore, the job activity of the foreign worker must be related to the company’s activity. This prevents a business-owning friend from doing you a favor by sponsoring you for a work visa, even though the company in realty has no need for your services.
The cost for the M- work visa is $324 USD including all fees. This is higher than the previous TP-4 visa which cost $304 USD.
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 5477, 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.
Among other changes introduced by the Resolution is the entry into force of new visas, such as the expected visa for digital nomads.
The visa agency we partnered with has helped many foreigners obtain visas during all these years, including retirement visas, marriage visas, student visas, investment visas, and resident visas.
How to Apply for a Colombia Work Visa
You can apply for a Colombia work 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 visa application. The cost of the service includes immigration advice, visa application, visa registration, and application for the 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 have piece of mind.
Medellin Guru Visa Service
The visa agency we partnered with has helped 1.377 Medellin Guru reader
expatgroup.co
Documents Required for a Colombia Work Visa
In the case of working for a business, you also need:
In the case of working for a person, you also need:
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.
Using a Visa Agency for a Work Visa
If you are in Colombia, you can use a visa agency to obtain a Colombia work visa. A visa agency can handle the online application and ensure you have all the required documentation and you benefit from the visa agency experience.
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.
- Bilingual team.
- Office in El Poblado in Medellín.
- Competitive price compared to other visa services.
expatgroup.co
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 visa agency we partnered with offers visa services anywhere in Colombia. So, if you are located in another city in Colombia you can use this service.
Getting a Colombian Cedula
After you have successfully received your Colombia work visa approval, you 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.
Due to being photographed and fingerprinted this must be done in-person at a Migración Colombia office.
Especially relevant, it is very important to register your Colombian visa within the allowed 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.
To register your work 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 a migrant (M) work visa for five years you are eligible to receive a resident (R) visa. And after having an R visa for five additional 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 countries 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.
Furthermore, a complete list of the requirements for Colombian citizenship is found on the Cancillería website here.
Medellin Guru's Comprehensive Visa and Passport Series
The Colombian visa changes that went into effect in mid-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
- 9 Common Colombian Visa Mistakes: How to Avoid Them
We have looked in detail at the seven most popular Colombian visas used by foreigners:
- Digital Nomad Visa
- Retirement visa
- Marriage visa
- Investment 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 were updated in 2023 to ensure they are up-to-date and are being updated again in 2024. In addition, all visa articles on this website will be kept up-to-date as new details are disclosed.
The Bottom Line: Obtaining a Colombia Work Visa
Colombia’s work visa is relatively easy to get with few documents needed. But the work visa requires finding a job in Colombia before you can apply.
The visa costs in Colombia are lower than in many other countries in Latin America. Also, the Colombian visa process is streamlined with online applications and is relatively fast.
Click on the green button below and that will take you to a page of the visa agency where you can obtain a quote and ask questions using a chat.
Medellin Guru Visa Service
The visa agency we partnered with has helped 1.377 Medellin Guru reader
Editors note: updated on February 21, 2023 with information regarding new resolution 5477.
Editors note: updated on June 28, 2023, with new images.
Editor’s note: The minimum wage amounts for the year 2024 have been updated as of April 15th.
83 thoughts on “How to Obtain a Colombia Work Visa – 2024 Update”
Hi
My family plans to move to Bogota in the next months, as I get a job there (with work visa provided by my company). My husband wants to work there as well. he has the possibility to get a Dependent VISA or enter the country with a Tourist VISA. If you have a Tourist VISA, I was told that it’s quite easy, if you find a job, to get sponsored by local company and get a work VISA. However, if he has a Dependent VISA, we’ve been told Immigraion ofter reject the request to switch to a Work VISA.
Any experience to share ?
Best to ask the visa agency we partnered with – click on this link – https://expatgroup.co/english/visasincolombia/ and there is a chat during business hours.
Hi Jeff,
Thanks for this helpful article, I see to get a work VISA one while need an apostilled academic degree, what if I while not be able to get that? And if in case I can if it is from another country than birth country.
Kind regards Stef
Best to ask the visa agency we partnered with – click on this link and there is a chat during business hours – https://expatgroup.co/english/visasincolombia/
Good afternoon Jeff and all,
Thank you very much for the information.
I have looked through your information about digital nomads however I think my question may be more specific:
I am currently in my 4th month in Colombia on an extension of my tourist visa. However I want to work as stay here for longer. I am a teacher and it is hard to find work in schools. However online work is more readily available. Would I be able to obtain a work visa for Colombia for online work? Would the online work have to be for a Colombian school/company?
Many thanks,
Justin
It has to be a job in Colombia for a work visa but it could be online for a company here. Need to find a job first before getting a work visa.
If you click on the blue “Use the Medellin Guru Visa Service” button in our article above, the visa agency we partnered with can answer questions. There is a chat at the bottom right of the page after you click on the button.
Hello Jeff,
I plan to apply for a Colombian work visa but I am confused about its requirements. You mention that a degree and experience certificates are needed, yet Cancilleria doesn’t list those documents on its website: https://www.cancilleria.gov.co/en/procedures_services/visa/m-employee
Our list of requirements came from the visa agency we partnered based on their experience. In many cases there can be more requirements than are listed on the Cancilleria website. If you have questions you can ask the visa agency we partnered with here – https://expatgroup.co/english/visasincolombia/. There is a chat at the bottom right where you can ask questions to the visa agency during business hours.
Hi Jeff….can you please tell me whats the processing time for work permit/visa
Contact the visa agency we partnered with that can best tell you, click here: https://expatgroup.co/english/visasincolombia/ and there is a chat at bottom right during business hours.
What happens if you are in Colombia on a work visa but lose your job? How would they know? Also, being that you can likely get another job how does that whole thing work?
Hi,
I’d like to know if I am currently in Colombia (less than 180 days) as a tourist and If I am offered by a well known company a job related to my profession could I apply to a work visa while being in Colombia and update my status from a tourist to worker with permit? or will I have to go back to US and start the process from there and then get back to Colombia with the new job visa ?
Yes, if you are in Colombia as a tourist and get offered a job in Colombia you can apply for a work visa while in Colombia, no need to leave. See our guide to the Colombia work visa for the requirements – https://medellinguru.com/work-visa/
Hi Jeff,
Thank you for this great article. If you obtained a work visa and then decides to leave the company can they cancel the visa ? As in if you find another job, will that new company need to sponsor a different visa ?
Yes, a work visa is only good for the job you applied for. So, if you get a new job you need to get a new work visa.
Hi there!
So I applied successfully for a work visa and they send it to me per email. I am already in Colombia..
My question is, before I go registrate at the Migration Office, does my VISA need to be stamped in my passport, or is it enough to carry the photocopy with me there?
If it does need to be in my Passport, where do I get the original stamp.. at the ministry of foreign affairs?
Sorry for asking, its just I don’t have a lot of experience with these kind of things.
Carina
Yes, you need the visa stamped in your passport and this can only be done in Bogotá at the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores office mentioned in the above article. Or if you aren’t in Bogotá. a visa agency can handle this for you so you avoid a trip to Bogotá – the visa agency we partnered with provides a visa stamping service and will courier your passport to Bogotá for the visa stamp – https://medellinguru.com/medellin-guru-visa-services/
Hi, i’m a project manager for Dollar City here in Canada. The company might sponsor me for a work visa in Colombia, I just got back was there for 3 months opening our first technical office and supervised the opening of a dozen new stores across the country. If i go for work can i bring my vehicle for the duration of the visa? I am aware of the importation ban on used vehicles but i was informed about a red international license plate that is good for a year. Would it apply in the scenario?
Thank you.
Michael.
Hey Jeff,
Do you know about getting a work visa to do work of your own (independently) here in Colombia ? I currently offer tours that are listed with AirBnB and other marketing that I would like to figure out how to stay year round and “legally” work despite being paid to US bank account through AirBnB.
Thanks in advance !
No, to get a Colombian work visa you have to work for a Colombian business or individual. See the required documents for the work visa in this work visa article.
Hello,
My boyfriend has been in Colombia for nearly a year now and he obtained a one-year work Visa back in march while he was teaching english for a couple months. He ended up quiting the job a few months in due to long work hours. I’m here with him now and I would like to do some traveling around the country with him but he is worried that his Visa has been revoked and he will get flagged if we enter an airport. Have you heard of work visas being revoked and/or do you know of any way we can check the status of his Visa? Thanks so much
I recommend asking the visa agency we partnered with – click here – https://visasincolombia.com/ and there is a chat at the bottom right where you can chat with the visa agency during business hours.
Hey guys- quick question: Today I got a salvoconducto to stay for 30 days more while i finish my work visa process (I overstayed my tourist visa). I had to change the days on my resumen de contracto since I was supposed to start the 22nd of august to a later date. Do you know if the cancilleria has a problem that I remove the old resumen de contrato that I have to the new one that would have a start date of the 9th of september on my online visa application? It would be a huge help to get your insight. 🙂
I recommend asking the visa agency that we partnered with – if you click on the blue “Use the Medellin Guru Visa Service” button in the article it will bring up a page with a chat at the bottom right where you can chat directly with the visa agency during business hours.
Hi Jeff,
I was wondering, is it possible for the owner of a language institute able to support you for the working visa? The company itself doesn’t have enough money in it’s accounts but the owner does. Is the process as straight forward as just get those documents and all is good? I’ve already successfully completed 3 processes but they were supported by the actual school so I am not so sure on this particular process. Thanks in advance
This is a detailed question so I recommend asking a visa agency. If you click on the blue “Use the Medellin Guru Visa Service” button in the article above, it will bring up a screen with a chat box at the bottom right where you can chat directly with the visa agency we partnered with.
Hello, I am a Canadian citizen with a US green card. I am looking to play professional soccer in Colombia. If I was to get paid, my do I need a work visa? If I choose to not get paid but just play soccer under a contract making no money would that exempt me from requirements for a work visa?
I recommend asking a visa agency. If you click on the blue “Use the Medellin Guru Visa Service” it will bring up a screen with a chat box on the bottom right where you can chat directly with the visa agency we have partnered with.
Hi Jeff,
I have a question: do you have to pay the $282 fee for the visa when you do the application online or you just pay the fee when you’ve been approved?
You pay the visa fee once it is approved.
Hi Jeff,
I have a persona natural.
I am thinking to apply in the few months for a work visa.
Do you anyone who got a visa with a persona natural?
if yes, thats easy??
I recommend asking one of the visa agencies listed in the article.
My husband and I planning on moving from Canada to Colombia my husband is a Dual Citizen with the US|Canada and works remotely so visas are pretty straight forward – I read your article on obtaining a work visa as I intend to work in Colombia but I had only one question do you need to have a job offer in hand when you apply or can you apply for a work visa without a job offer? I am intending to work teaching English and have the necessary documents|Certifications.
I enjoy reading your website and find the information is very helpful.
L. Schreiner
You need a job to apply for work permit as you need to supply a summary of your work contract as part of the visa application and they may ask for the original work contract.
Hi there,
I’ve been told that in order to obtain a Colombian work visa I need certain documents (in my case my degree certificate and CELTA teaching certification) to be apostilled in my home country then I need an official translation of those documents into Spanish and for that translation to be apostilled also. Does that sound right?
Thanks a lot
The documents required can vary. So, I recommend contacting a visa agency listed in the article and InterCol is responsive in my experience.
Hi Jeff, reading your article was really helpful. Although I am particularly looking for the Visa type M for “practice a profession or independent activity” / freelancer. Do you know anything about this? I am originally from Germany and will be moving to Medellín in January 2019. There I want to register my business as a freelancer in order to save double taxation with Germany. Do you know anything about this process? Do I have to apply for the working visa after having registered the business in Medellín?
Many thanks, I really appreciate your help.
Anna
Hi Anna, I recommend talking with a visa agency – InterCol listed in the article has 2 offices in Medellín and is responsive in my experience – http://inter-col.com/en/.
Also, you should talk to a tax accountant. There is not double taxation. Colombia permits you to subtract some income taxes paid in another country from income taxes due in Colombia. See our article about Colombia income taxes – https://medellinguru.com/income-taxes/
Hi Jeff! I appreciate your quick answer – very helpful!
Thanx, but I don’t see any number in the stamp. Can I assume that I can stay 90 days?
Probably but I would stop by a Migración Colombia office to be safe and sure. They can look it up on a computer. The Migración Colombia office in Medellín is at Calle 19 #80A-40, Barrio Belén (the entrance is on the other side of the building on Calle 19A). And a complete list of Migración offices is found here: https://www.migracioncolombia.gov.co/regionales
Thanx!
But how do you know how much time the immigration officer has given me?
They write the number of days on the stamp in the passport. Normally it is 90.
Hi, if I have a 2 weeks tourist visa for Colombia. Can I renew it ,while in Colombia , for 2 more weeks?.
Yes, you should be able to renew it. Normally a tourist stamp is good for 3 months but it’s at the discretion of the immigration officer when you arrive.
Hi Jeff, thanks for the very helpful article. I just finished applying and received an “inadmitida” notice the same day. They say you can apply again but aren’t obligated to tell you why your application was inadmitted in the first place. I’m confused on the difference between inadmitted and straight up denied. And if I don’t know the reason for it being inadmitted, then I don’t know exactly what to change when I reapply. Do you have any advice on this type of situation? Thanks.
Hi Jackie, I recommend working with one of the visa agencies listed in the article.
Hi Jeff,
If I am in Bogota and have my paperwork prepared and there aren’t any complications, about how long should it be from the time I start the application process to the time I have the visa in hand?
Hi Jason, an expat I talked to recently said it took about a week from the time he applied online until he received an approval email. Once approved, if you are in Bogotá you can go immediately to get the visa in your passport.
Great article. Do you know if there is an age restrictions on working visas in Colombia?
Thank you,
Fabiana
Hi Fabiana, as far as I know no age restrictions. But obviously they won’t do a work visa for someone too young to work.
Hi Jeff,
Thanks for the article. I’m in the process of applying for a work visa now. Do you have any idea how long you have to get the stamp in your passport after being approved for the visa? I’m trying to figure out what my window of time will be for going to Bogota.
Thanks again,
Amanda
Hi Amanda, I’m not sure on the window of time to get the visa in you passport after being approved for your visa. So, I recommend asking one of the visa agencies. http://inter-col.com/ is helpful in my experience.
Hello, thank you for all this information. However, I see that tha Migrant work visa costs USD 230 in Colombia according to this website: http://www.cancilleria.gov.co/tramites_servicios/visa/costos-medios-pago-oficinas-atencion ?
Yes it is $230 USD + $52 USD (processing/study) for a total of $282 USD. The total including all fees is what is in the article.
Ok thanx! Plus the Cedula Extranjeria USD 61 right? Makes it a total of USD 343… Same price for people with a Dutch passport?
The cedula is priced in pesos at 183,000 pesos or $65 USD at the current exchange rate – https://medellinguru.com/cedula/. So total of $347 at current exchange rate. And yes, same price for people with a Dutch passport.
Again, thanx Jeff for the info!
Hi Jeff, thanks for the info!
I have one big question- I had read previously that you need to obtain the first temporary work visa at a foreign consulate . It’s possible that this is outdated but it’s still shown on the government site. My plan is to be in Colombia while finalizing a job with a local company, and it’d be great to not have to leave and come back. Do you know what the current situation is?
Thanks!
Jordan
Hi Jordan, last year I talked to an expat that got his work visa while in Colombia. To confirm, I recommend contacting one of the visa agencies listed in the article.
Got it- thanks!
And Colombia is a state party of the so called Protocol of San Salvador (International Human Rights Treaty here in the American contintent) too – fortunately. According to the Article 3 ( obligation of nondiscrimination) and Article 7 (Just, Equitable, and Satisfactory Conditions of Work) it seems an easy-peasy case. Let’s see. Thanks for your rapid answer Jeff anyway.
It would be a fraud in my case. Many expats do this and then pay money to his/her “esposos” on monthly basis. Others for one reason or another do not deal with this issue that do two jobs with one visa. Even if you pay tax and pension twice it is illegal if you have two jobs. But being a lawyer please allow me to cite the Colombian consitution (Art 13) “Todas las personas nacen libres e iguales ante la ley, recibirán la
misma protección y trato de las autoridades y gozarán de los mismos derechos,
libertades y oportunidades sin ninguna discriminación por razones de sexo, raza,
origen nacional o familiar, lengua, religión, opinión política o filosófica.” D.I.S.C.R.I.M.I.N.A.T.I.O.N.
Hi Jeff, thanks for the detailed article of Colombian visas. I found a loophole though in my own case: having this new migrant visa I would like to work at two places; one part time job at a private school and one full time one at a University. I got my visa with a name of my part-time job simply because they were faster at issuing data required by Cancilleria. However, if you already have a job you cannot do another one because one visa is valod for one job. As a result, I have to change my visa now because the full time job pays more – not to mention that I have to pay for that again as well as to travel to Bogota etc.Needless to say that many Colombian teachers have two jobs so it is a special form of discrimination too: why couldnt I work for two companies if I already have a valid visa????? Insane.
Yes, one drawback of a work visa as it’s only good for one job. One potential solution is to get married, as a marriage visa permits you to work any job in Colombia 🙂
Do you HAVE to.be legally married in a binding contract or with your partner can you just show proof of living together with intentions of getting married? (similar to the fiancé visa in the stateS)
There is nothing like a fiancé visa in Colombia and there never has been. Colombia has a common-law option known as a civil partnership. Documenting this type of relationship requires a declaration in front of a notary. This is called a declaracion union marital de hecho and should be documented in a public escritura and this document can be used to get a visa. Technically a couple should be living together under the same roof and the relationship is reportedly supposed to have been for two years. But I have met some expats that received this declaration and a visa with shorter relationships.
See our marriage visa article for more information – https://medellinguru.com/marriage-visa/
Hi Jeff,
I’m thinking about moving to Medellin…I’m a remote worker for a US company now, and would continue to do the same in Colombia….any idea if I qualify for a work visa, even though my company is not Colombian? Or am I better off coming as a tourist and extending my visa every 6 months? I’d prefer to have residency, just not sure what the easiest option is…
Thanks in advance.
Hi Jared, work visas are only for if you have a job with a Colombian company. If you come as a tourist you are limited to 180 days per year in Colombia. You would have to look at other visa options if you want to stay full-time – https://medellinguru.com/colombian-visa/
Hello Jeff,
I also am a remote worker for a US company. Even though there is no need to obtain a work visa for stays shorter than 90 or 180 days, would the company I work for be at risk for any tax or legal implications in the US?
Are you able to please help me obtain a Work Visa,for Barranquilla,Columbia?
Hi Ken, sorry I am not yet aware of a visa agency in Barranquilla. In the article above are visa agencies listed with offices in Medellín, Bogotá, Cali and Pereira.
Hello,Jeff.Are you able to help me obtain a work visa in Cali or Medillin,Colombia?
Hi Ken, sorry while I know the Colombia visa process, Medellin Guru is not providing visa agency services. I recommend using one of the visa agencies listed in the article above.
Hi Jeff, your article is very informative. My plan is to spend 6 months in Colombia every year. Quick question: Are digital nomads required to have a work visa? [online foreign language teaching, online translation, or online business marketing jobs]
Will appreciate any other advice.
Hi Jacques, see our article about Digital Nomads – https://medellinguru.com/digital-nomads/. One grey area for digital nomads is “working” with a tourist visa. Technically you are not supposed to work with a tourist visa. However, you aren’t taking a local job by working remotely, so you aren’t violating the spirit of the law and many countries won’t care. As long as digital nomads only stay for the legal amount of time and don’t work for, or employ, locals, they can enter any country and work online with just a tourist visa.
This really can’t be enforced anyway.
Hi, Jeff
Thank you for your quick reply to my concern. You are a wonderful person I would like to meet when I roll out my plan next year. I will not hesitate to write to you again if I have any further question. Jacques
Thanks for this very timely information as I found a job in Medellin and need to apply for a work visa early next year.
Hi Sam, no problem. And check back as we will be updating the visa articles as we expect that more details about the new Colombian visas will be disclosed in December.
For most visas assuming no complications approximately how long does it take for Online Approval?
keep up the great work and Feliz Navidad!
I have heard it normally takes roughly a week for online approval. So, compared to other countries visas can be pretty fast in Colombia. Just look at how long it takes for visas in the US, for example.
I applied and got denied 3 times, the first for a work visa under migrante status in which they will charge you around 157.000 mil for them to check your documents. I didn’t bother getting my documents translated or anything after i was given a hard time at 3 different local businesses to try and get copies of my flight details. The other two applications were for refugee status due to how my last job ended and the state of current state of the US and because the application doesn’t cost anything under refugee, you can still work with a refugee visa. I walked from Chapinero to suba just to get a photo suitable for the application and decided to use my phone as a less stressful option to upload all my documents, while utilizing an app that allows you to manually”scan” your documents. I think I could’ve been missing one document and they rejected my applications each time saying I didn’t upload any documentation. Lies