Complete Guide to Colombian Visas and Citizenship

VISITOR VISAS (VISA DE VISITANTE - V)

The Visitor Visa is for foreigners entering Colombia temporarily for different purposes.

Below are the specific types under this category:

1. Airport Transit (Tránsito Aeroportuario)

   1. Eligible Applicants: Travelers transiting through a Colombian airport on their way to another destination.

   2. Key Requirements:

      1. Proof of onward travel.

      2. Valid visa or entry permit for the final destination.

      3. Confirmation of transit duration and details.

         
         

2. Tourism (Turismo)

   1. Eligible Applicants: Tourists visiting Colombia for leisure or sightseeing.

   2. Key Requirements:

      1. Proof of sufficient financial means.

      2. Return or onward ticket.

      3. Accommodation details (e.g., hotel reservation or invitation letter).

         
         

3. Business (Negocios)

   1. Eligible Applicants: Individuals attending business meetings, trade fairs, or other business-related activities.

   2. Key Requirements:

      1. Invitation letter from a Colombian business or organization.

      2. Evidence of the business relationship.

      3. Proof of financial means.

      4. If you need more information visit our special content: Complete Guide to the Colombian Business Visa: Requirements, Benefits, and Application Process

   
   

4. Student (Estudiante)

   1. Eligible Applicants: Foreign students enrolled in academic programs in Colombia.

   2. Key Requirements:

      1. Acceptance letter from a Colombian educational institution.

      2. Proof of financial support.

      3. Health insurance for the duration of the studies.

         
         

5. Medical Treatment (Tratamiento Médico)

   1. Eligible Applicants: Foreigners seeking medical treatment in Colombia.

   2. Key Requirements:

      1. Letter from a Colombian medical institution detailing the treatment.

      2. Proof of financial means to cover medical expenses.

      3. Valid health insurance.

         
         

6. Administrative or Judicial Procedures (Trámites Administrativos y/o Judiciales)

   1. Eligible Applicants: Individuals coming to Colombia for administrative or legal procedures.

   2. Key Requirements:

      1. Documentation explaining the nature of the administrative or judicial process.

      2. Evidence of appointment or involvement in the process.

      3. Proof of financial means.

      4. If you need more information visit our special content: "Administrative or Judicial Processing Visa: Navigate Your Legal Procedures in Colombia".

         
         

7. Crew Members (Tripulante)

   1. Eligible Applicants: Crew members of aircraft, ships, or other international transport.

   2. Key Requirements:

      1. Employment letter from the transportation company.

      2. Proof of professional status.

      3. Health insurance for the duration of the stay.

         
         

8. Seasonal Agricultural Worker (Trabajador Agrícola de Temporada)

   1. Eligible Applicants: Individuals working in seasonal agricultural jobs in Colombia.

   2. Key Requirements:

      1. Employment contract or agreement with a Colombian agricultural employer.

      2. Proof of the seasonal nature of the work.

      3. Health insurance valid for the duration of employment.

         
         

9. Events (Eventos)

   1. Eligible Applicants: Individuals participating in public or private events, such as conferences, exhibitions, or performances.

   2. Key Requirements:

      1. Invitation letter or official documentation from event organizers.

      2. Event details and schedule.

      3. Proof of financial means.

         
         

10. Religious (Religioso)

    1. Eligible Applicants: Religious individuals coming to engage in religious activities.

    2. Key Requirements:

       1. Sponsorship letter from a Colombian religious organization.

       2. Proof of financial support.

       3. Description of religious activities.

          
          

11. Student/Religious Volunteer (Estudiante/Voluntario Religioso)

    1. Eligible Applicants: Students or volunteers engaged in religious work or study.

    2. Key Requirements:

       1. Acceptance letter or invitation from a religious institution.

       2. Proof of financial support.

       3. Health insurance covering the stay.

          
          

12. Volunteers or Cooperants (Voluntarios o Cooperantes)

    1. Eligible Applicants: Individuals volunteering or cooperating with organizations in Colombia.

    2. Key Requirements:

       1. Proof of involvement with a recognized organization.

       2. Description of volunteer activities.

       3. Evidence of financial means.

          
          

13. Large-format Cinematographic or Documentary Productions (Producciones Cinematográficas o Documentales de Gran Formato)

    1. Eligible Applicants: Individuals involved in large-scale film or documentary productions.

    2. Key Requirements:

       1. Documentation or contract related to the production.

       2. Proof of the project's scope and duration.

       3. Health insurance valid during the stay.

          
          

14. Digital Nomad (Nómada Digital)

    1. Eligible Applicants: Remote workers or freelancers working for foreign companies.

    2. Key Requirements:

       1. Proof of employment or freelance contracts with foreign clients.

       2. Evidence of sufficient income.

       3. Health insurance covering the stay.

       4. If you need more information visit our special content: "Everything you need to know about the Digital Nomad Visa in Colombia".

          
          

15. Journalistic Coverage (Cobertura Periodística)

    1. Eligible Applicants: Journalists or media professionals covering events or stories in Colombia.

    2. Key Requirements:

       1. Assignment letter from a media organization.

       2. Details of the journalistic work or coverage.

       3. Proof of financial means.

          
          

16. Permanent Correspondent (Corresponsal Permanente)

    1. Eligible Applicants: Correspondents of international media based in Colombia.

    2. Key Requirements:

       1. Official assignment from a media organization.

       2. Proof of permanent residence or work in Colombia.

       3. Health insurance.

          
          

17. Technical Assistance (Asistencia Técnica)

    1. Eligible Applicants: Individuals providing technical assistance or consulting services.

    2. Key Requirements:

       1. Contract or agreement detailing the technical assistance.

       2. Proof of expertise or qualifications.

       3. Health insurance valid for the stay.

          
          

18. TLC Entrepreneurs (Empresarios TLC)

    1. Eligible Applicants: Entrepreneurs from countries with free trade agreements (TLC) with Colombia.

    2. Key Requirements:

       1. Proof of nationality from an eligible TLC country.

       2. Business plan or proof of investment in Colombia.

       3. Evidence of financial means.

          
          

19. Non-accredited Officials (Oficiales No Acreditados)

    1. Eligible Applicants: Foreign officials not accredited as diplomats or consuls.

    2. Key Requirements:

       1. Official appointment or mission letter.

       2. Details of the official duties.

       3. Health insurance for the stay.

          
          

20. Holiday and Work (Vacaciones y Trabajo)

    1. Eligible Applicants: Nationals from countries with a working holiday agreement with Colombia.

    2. Key Requirements:

       1. Proof of nationality from an eligible country.

       2. Sufficient funds for initial stay.

       3. Health insurance covering the stay.

          
          

21. Labor Practice (Práctica Laboral)

    1. Eligible Applicants: Individuals undertaking internships or practical training in Colombia.

    2. Key Requirements:

       1. Internship or training agreement with a Colombian company or institution.

       2. Proof of the practical nature of the work.

       3. Health insurance for the duration of the practice.

          
          

22. Service, Project or Labor Provider (Prestador de Servicios - Obra o Labor)

    1. Eligible Applicants: Foreigners providing specific services or labor for projects in Colombia.

    2. Key Requirements:

       1. Service contract or agreement detailing the scope of work.

       2. Proof of qualifications or experience related to the project.

       3. Health insurance for the duration of the service.

       4. If you need more information visit our special content: "Service, Project or Labor Provider Visa: Your Path to Working in Colombia".

          
          

23. Promotion of Internationalization (Fomento a la Internacionalización)

    1. Eligible Applicants: Individuals involved in activities promoting internationalization of Colombian businesses or institutions.

    2. Key Requirements:

       1. Proof of involvement in internationalization efforts.

       2. Documentation from the promoting entity.

       3. Evidence of financial support.

          
          

24. Income Holder (Rentista)

    1. Eligible Applicants: Foreigners with regular, sufficient income from passive income.

    2. Key Requirements:

       1. Proof of regular income meeting the minimum financial threshold.

       2. Bank statements or income certificates.

       3. Health insurance covering the stay.

    3. If you need more information visit our special content "Understanding the Income Holder (Rentista) Visa for Colombia".

       
       

25. Unspecified Cases (Casos No Previstos)

    1. Eligible Applicants: Individuals with special circumstances not covered by other categories.

    2. Key Requirements:

       1. Justification of the unique situation.

       2. Supporting documentation explaining the need for this visa type.

       3. Evidence of financial means.

MIGRANT VISAS (VISA DE MIGRANTE - M)

The Migrant Visa is for foreigners intending to reside in Colombia for a longer duration.

The subcategories include:

1. Spouse of a Colombian Citizen (Cónyuge de Nacional Colombiano)

   1. Eligible Applicants: Foreigners married to a Colombian citizen.

   2. Key Requirements:

      1. Colombian Marriage certificate or Marriage registration in Colombia.

      2. Proof of ongoing relationship and cohabitation.

      3. Colombian spouse's identification.

      4. Certification of Migratory Movements of both spouses issue by Migración Colombia.

      5. Authorization by the Colombian spouse to the foreigner spouse to apply for the visa.

   3. If you need more information visit our special content: Your Guide to the Spouse of a Colombian Citizen Visa: Requirements and Benefits

      
      

2. Common-law Partner of a Colombian Citizen (Compañero Permanente de Nacional Colombiano)

   1. Eligible Applicants: Foreign partners in a permanent union with a Colombian citizen.

   2. Key Requirements:

      1. Notarized declaration of permanent union.

      2. Proof of relationship and shared residence.

      3. Colombian partner's identification.

   3. If you need more information visit our special content: Understanding the Visa for Common-law Partners of Colombian Nationals: A Comprehensive Guide.

      
      

3. Parent of a Colombian Citizen by Adoption (Madre o Padre de Nacional Colombiano por Adopción)

   1. Eligible Applicants: Foreign parents of a Colombian child by adoption.

   2. Key Requirements:

      1. Adoption certificate.

      2. Proof of parental relationship.

      3. Evidence of financial support for the child.

   3. If you need more information visit our special content: Guide to the Parent Visa for Colombian Nationals by Adoption.

      
      

4. Parent of a Colombian Citizen by Birth (Madre o Padre de Nacional Colombiano por Nacimiento)

   1. Eligible Applicants: Foreign parents of a Colombian child by birth.

   2. Key Requirements:

      1. Birth certificate of the Colombian child.

      2. Proof of parental relationship.

      3. Evidence of financial support for the child.

   3. If you need more information visit our special content: Navigating the Parent Visa for Colombian Nationals by Birth.

      
      

5. MERCOSUR (Migrante MERCOSUR)

   1. Eligible Applicants: Nationals from MERCOSUR countries.

   2. Key Requirements:

      1. Proof of nationality from a MERCOSUR country.

      2. Documentation related to the purpose of stay.

      3. Proof of financial means.

   3. If you need more information visit our special content: Complete Guide to the Mercosur Migrant Visa: Requirements and Benefits.

      
      

6. Andean Community (Migrante Andino)

   1. Eligible Applicants: Nationals from Andean Community countries.

   2. Key Requirements:

      1. Proof of nationality from an Andean Community country.

      2. Documentation related to the purpose of stay.

      3. Proof of financial means.

   3. If you need more information visit our special content: Navigating the Andean Community Migrant Visa: A Complete Guide.

      
      

7. Refugee (Refugiado)

   1. Eligible Applicants: Individuals recognized as refugees.

   2. Key Requirements:

      1. Refugee status recognition documentation.

      2. Proof of financial means, if applicable.

      3. Relevant identification documents.

         
         

8. Worker Visa (Trabajador)

   1. Eligible Applicants: Foreigners with a job offer from a Colombian employer.

   2. Key Requirements:

      1. Employment contract with a Colombian company.

      2. Proof that the company has income greater than 100 Colombian minimum wages

      3. Proof of qualifications.

   3. If you need more information visit our special content: Navigating the M Worker Visa: Essential Information for Securing Employment Authorization in Colombia.

   
   

9. Partner or Owner (Socio o Propietario)

   1. Eligible Applicants: Foreigners investing in or owning a business in Colombia.

   2. Key Requirements:

      1. Business registration documents.

      2. Proof of investment.

      3. Business plan or financial statements.

   3. If you need more information visit our special content: Partner or Owner Visa: Your Gateway to Business Opportunities in Colombia.

      
      

10. Independent Professional (Profesional Independiente)

    1. Eligible Applicants: Freelancers or independent professionals working in Colombia.

    2. Key Requirements:

       1. Evidence of freelance contracts or professional activity.

       2. Proof of financial means.

       3. Registration with relevant professional bodies.

          
          

11. Pensioner (Pensionado)

    1. Eligible Applicants: Retired individuals receiving a pension from abroad.

    2. Key Requirements:

       1. Pension certificate.

       2. Proof of pension amount meeting the minimum threshold.

       3. Bank statements showing pension deposits.

    3. If you need more information visit our special content: Pensioner Visa: Secure Your Retirement in Colombia.

       
       

12. Promotion of Internationalization (Fomento a la Internacionalización)

    1. Eligible Applicants: Individuals involved in promoting the international presence of Colombian businesses or entities.

    2. Key Requirements:

       1. Documentation of activities promoting internationalization.

       2. Proof from the promoting organization.

       3. Evidence of financial support.

          
          

13. Investor (Inversionista)

    1. Eligible Applicants: Foreigners making significant investments in Colombia.

    2. Key Requirements:

       1. Proof of investment meeting the required financial thresholds.

       2. Investment registration with Banco de la República.

       3. Documentation of funds' source.

    3. If you need more information visit our special content: Your Guide to Obtaining a Visa for Investment and Business Ventures in Colombia.

       
       

14. Stateless (Apatrida)

    1. Eligible Applicants: Stateless individuals seeking residency in Colombia.

    2. Key Requirements:

       1. Proof of stateless status.

       2. Documentation from relevant international organizations.

       3. Evidence of financial means.

RESIDENT VISAS (VISA DE RESIDENTE - R)

The Resident Visa is for individuals wishing to establish permanent residence in Colombia. The categories include:

1. Former Colombian Nationals who wants to keep actual nationality (por Renuncia a la Nacionalidad colombiana)

   1. Eligible Applicants: Former Colombian nationals who have renounced their nationality.

   2. Key Requirements:

      1. Proof of renunciation of Colombian nationality.

      2. Documentation of former Colombian citizenship.

      3. Evidence of financial stability.

   3. If you need more information visit our special content: Resident Visa for Those Who Renounced Colombian Nationality.

      
      

2. Accumulated Time with an M Visa (Por Tiempo Acumulado de Permanencia en Colombia)

   1. Eligible Applicants: Individuals who have accumulated the required stay period in Colombia, with an M visa.

   2. Key Requirements:

      1. Proof of continuous or accumulated stay.

      2. Documentation of compliance with residency regulations.

      3. Evidence of stable income or employment.

   3. If you need more information visit our special content: Accumulated Stay Visa: Your Path to Permanent Residency in Colombia.

      
      

3. Venezuelan Migrant Protection Status (Por Aplicación del Estatuto de Protección para los Migrantes Venezolanos)

   1. Eligible Applicants: Venezuelan migrants applying for protection status under the Venezuelan Migrant Protection Statute.

   2. Key Requirements:

      1. Documentation of Venezuelan migrant status.

      2. Proof of application or recognition under the protection statute.

      3. Evidence of financial means.

         
         

4. Special Peace Resident (Residente Especial de Paz)

   1. Eligible Applicants: Individuals involved in peace processes or related special programs.

   2. Key Requirements:

      1. Documentation related to involvement in peace initiatives.

      2. Proof of participation in special programs or agreements.

      3. Evidence of financial stability.

COLOMBIAN CITIZENSHIP

1. Citizenship by Birth:

   1. Eligible Applicants:

      1. Born in Colombia and at least one parent is a Colombian national or citizen.

      2. Born in Colombiaa and both parents are foreigners, but at least one must have been domiciled in Colombia at the time of birth. "Domiciled" means that the foreign parent(s) must hold a Colombian visa and have been residing in Colombia for a period, including when the child is born on Colombian territory.

      3. Children born abroad to Colombian parents, provided they later establish residence in Colombia or register at a Colombian consulate.

   2. Key Requirements:

      1. Authentic copy of the birth certificate.

      2. Proof of the parents' nationality or residence as applicable.

   3. If you need more information visit our special content: Understanding Colombian Citizenship by Birth: Your Guide to Claiming Your Rights