How to Apply for a Business VISA in Colombia?

May 03, 2023

Colombia is an attractive destination for foreign investors looking to establish a company due to its strategic location, stable economy, and favorable business climate. Colombia's strategic location in the heart of South America provides easy access to other regional markets and trade agreements. The country has a diverse economy that has been growing steadily over the years, thanks to its abundant natural resources, skilled workforce, and strategic investments in key sectors.

The only difference for foreign investors to star their business in Colombia, are several options when opening operations such as the incorporation of a branch. If your company is interested in bringing to our country their commercial activities, we have created a blog with the steps a foreign company should follow to start their incorporation process: How to incorporate a company in Colombia, All You Need To Know.

Types of Visas in Colombia?

For foreign companies who are relocating or opening a branch in Colombia, it is important to bear in mind the different types of visas available to legally reside in our country and start a business.

In this sense, Colombia has three (3) general types of visas, with their respective subcategories, established under Resolution 5477 of 2022. These visas are created for foreigners who wish to live, travel or work legally in Colombia, so their scope covers different activities.

The 3 types of visas are:

Visitors Visa (Type V Visa)

Migrant Visa (Type M Visa)

Resident Visa (Type R Visa)

Are you seeking information about all the types of visas we offer in Colombia? In this blog post, we develop the different categories of visa for foreigners in our country depending on their needs and activities: Types of Visas in Colombia for foreigners.

Which Types of Business VISA There are in Colombia?

In Colombia, you can apply for a Business VISA in two ways:

Business Visa Type M, as Partner or owner: which has as a condition to have constituted or acquired a participation in the capital stock of a Colombian commercial company in the minimum established amounts. This acquisition of capital or participation cannot be less than 100 minimum monthly legal wages in force.

Approximately $25,600 USD.

Business Visa Type M, as a Real Estate Investor: applies to the foreigner who has made Foreign Direct Investment or has acquired a property of his own and maintains the investment during the term of his visa. The foreign investment made must exceed a value of 650 minimum monthly legal wages in force.

Approximately $167,000 USD.

Other Type M Visas:

For Marriage or Permanent spouse.

Parent or child of Colombian national.

Under the Mercosur agreement.

As a Real Estate Investor.

As a Worker.

As an Entrepreneur.

As an Independent.

As a Religious.

As a Student.

As a Refugee.

For Retirement.

Which are the General Requirements to Apply for a VISA in Colombia?

The general requirements to apply for a business VISA in Colombia are the same for all the types of visas, however, depending on each type specific requirements will be asked to be included in the application. These are:

1. Complete the application form on the Chancellery's website.
2. Digital color photograph with white background.
3. Valid passport - travel document.
4. Copy of passport page with the most recent travel stamp.

If you are looking to begin your migratory process to Colombia, the legal assistance of a specialized attorney on Immigration Law will be key to have a smooth process.
Wishing to apply for an investor visa in Colombia? We invite you to contact our lawyers in Bogotá, through the following WhatsApp link +57 310 5706331

Which are the Specific Requirements to Apply for a Partner or Owner VISA in Colombia?

When you're going to apply for this type of business VISA, the foreigner must acquire a capital in commercial society with an amount not lower than a hundred (100) current legal monthly minimum wages, and the next documentation:

Application letter that includes the company's name, address, and Tax Identification Number (NIT) of the commercial company.

Proof of participation, incorporation, or acquisition of capital of a commercial company in Colombia for at least 100 minimum legal monthly wages or $26,000 USD approximately.

Bank statements of the company.

In the case of stock companies, the participation in the company must be evidenced by means of a certificate of shareholder composition signed by a public accountant.

For a mining sector enterprise, the mining title should be put forward.

The business visa authority may require the presentation of the original company contract, incorporation document or financial information of the company when the documentation provided is insufficient, it has inconsistencies or requires clarification.

Which are the Specific Requirements to Apply for a Real Estate VISA in Colombia?

To provide registration of the Foreign Direct Investment, such registration is issued by the Bank of the Republic. Should state that the investment was made in the name of the person and for an amount greater than 650 minimum monthly legal wages in force or $167,000 USD, approximately.

Certificate of Tradition and Freedom must be provided. It must be in the name of the applicant foreigner and for a minimum value equivalent to 350 minimum monthly legal wages in force.

Presentation of bank statements.

The respective health policy.

Do you need a Business VISA Attorney in Colombia?

At AGT Attorneys, we have a highly experiences and specialized team of commercial lawyers for the application of an investor visa in Colombia.

We want to know your opinion about this article about an application for an investor business Visa in Colombia, if you want to know about a specific legal issue, let us know and we will write about it.

Write to us on our Contact Form, schedule your legal appointment with our lawyers through the following link or contact us at +57 310 5706331. We will be happy to assist you!

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