⚠️ Important: Processing Delays in 2025
Visa processing times have increased significantly. Tourist visa extensions now take 30-45 days (up from 15-20). Digital nomad visas are taking 4-8 weeks. Apply early and don't let your status expire while waiting.
Tourist Entry (No Visa Required)
Passport Stamp Entry
For citizens of US, EU, UK, Canada, Australia & 100+ countriesCitizens of most Western countries can enter Colombia without a visa and receive a stamp allowing up to 90 days. This can be extended once for another 90 days, giving you up to 180 days per calendar year.
✓ Requirements for Entry
- Valid passport (6+ months remaining)
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation (hotel/Airbnb)
- Sufficient funds (~$50/day)
⚠️ Important Notes
- 90 days is NOT guaranteed — immigration decides
- You may get 30-60 days initially
- Extension must be done before expiry
- 180-day limit is per calendar year
💡 How to Extend Your Tourist Stamp
Go to any Migración Colombia office (there's one in Centro Medellín) or apply online at apps.migracioncolombia.gov.co. Bring your passport, flight out, and proof of funds. Apply at least 2 weeks before expiry. Currently taking 30-45 days to process.
Digital Nomad Visa (V Type)
Visa V - Nómada Digital
For remote workers employed by foreign companiesColombia's digital nomad visa launched in 2022 and has become one of the most popular options for remote workers. It allows you to live and work legally in Colombia while employed by a foreign company or running your own foreign-registered business.
✓ Requirements
- Proof of remote work (employment contract or business ownership)
- Income proof: 3x Colombian minimum wage (~$2,550 USD/month)
- Bank statements (last 3 months)
- Health insurance valid in Colombia
- Passport photo (white background)
- Passport with 6+ months validity
✓ Benefits
- 2-year validity (renewable)
- Can get Cédula de Extranjería (Colombian ID)
- Open bank accounts easily
- Sign rental contracts
- No need to leave every 90 days
- Path to residency after 5 years
📋 How to Apply
Apply online at tramitesmre.cancilleria.gov.co. Create an account, upload documents, pay fee, and wait. After approval, you have 30 days to register for your Cédula at Migración Colombia. Many people use visa agencies (cost ~$200-400) to handle the paperwork.
M Visas (Migrant)
Visa M - Work, Study, Business
For those with Colombian ties or employmentM visas are for migrants who have stronger ties to Colombia — whether through work, study, marriage, or business. They offer longer stays and more rights than V visas, and can lead to residency.
Common M Visa Types
- M - Trabajador: Employment with Colombian company
- M - Estudiante: Full-time student at Colombian institution
- M - Cónyuge: Married to Colombian citizen
- M - Socio: Business owner/partner in Colombian company
- M - Independiente: Self-employed with Colombian income
- M - Religioso: Religious workers
General Requirements
- Specific documentation for visa category
- Valid passport (6+ months)
- Passport photo specifications
- Health insurance
- Proof of financial means
- Background check (some categories)
M - Marriage/Partner Visa
For spouses of Colombian citizensIf you're married to a Colombian citizen or have been in a documented relationship (unión libre) for 2+ years, you can apply for this visa. It's one of the faster paths to permanent residency.
Requirements
- Marriage certificate (apostilled if married abroad)
- Spouse's Colombian ID (cédula)
- Proof of genuine relationship
- Joint bank accounts, shared address, photos together
- Interview may be required
Timeline to Residency
- After 3 years of marriage: eligible for R visa
- Must maintain valid M visa during this period
- Children with Colombian parent: automatic citizenship
R Visas (Resident)
Visa R - Permanent Residency
The end goal for long-term residentsThe R visa grants permanent residency in Colombia. You can live and work indefinitely, and it never expires (though you need to "register" every 5 years). It's the final step before citizenship if you choose that path.
Paths to R Visa
- Time-based: 5 continuous years on M visa
- Marriage: 3 years married to Colombian
- Parent of Colombian: 2 years if child is Colombian citizen
- Investment: ~$180,000 USD investment in Colombia
- Pension: Retirement income of 3x minimum wage
Benefits of R Visa
- Work for any employer without restrictions
- Start any business
- Access to Colombian healthcare system
- Never worry about visa renewals
- Path to citizenship (5 more years)
📋 General Application Process
Gather Documents
Collect all required documents. Get apostilles if needed. Translate to Spanish if required.
Create Account
Register at tramitesmre.cancilleria.gov.co. Complete profile with passport info.
Submit Application
Upload documents, fill forms, pay fee ($52-232 depending on visa type).
Wait for Approval
Processing takes 2-8 weeks. Check status online. May be asked for additional docs.
Get Cédula
After approval, register at Migración Colombia within 15 days for your Cédula de Extranjería.
Visa Comparison
| Visa Type | Duration | Work Allowed | Income Req. | Leads to Residency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Stamp | 90-180 days | ✗ No | ~$50/day | ✗ |
| V - Digital Nomad | 2 years | ✓ Remote only | $2,550/mo | ✓ After 5 years |
| M - Work | 3 years | ✓ For sponsor | Job offer | ✓ After 5 years |
| M - Marriage | 3 years | ✓ Yes | Spouse support | ✓ After 3 years |
| M - Student | Duration of study | ✗ Limited | Tuition + living | ✓ After 5 years |
| R - Resident | Permanent | ✓ Any | Varies | ✓ Already resident |
💡 Pro Tips from Expats
🏦 Open a Bank Account
With your cédula, open a Bancolombia or Davivienda account. Makes rent, utilities, and daily life much easier than relying on foreign cards.
📅 Apply Early
Don't wait until your tourist stamp is about to expire. Processing delays are real. Apply for extensions at least 3 weeks before expiry.
👔 Consider an Agency
Visa agencies cost $200-400 but handle all paperwork, translations, and follow-ups. Worth it if your Spanish is limited or documents are complex.
🏥 Get Real Insurance
SafetyWing or World Nomads work for applications, but consider local EPS (Sura, Sanitas) once you have your cédula — better coverage, lower cost.
📍 Register Your Cédula
After visa approval, you have 15 days to register at Migración Colombia for your cédula. Don't miss this deadline — fines are steep.
💰 Tax Implications
After 183 days in Colombia, you may become a tax resident. Consult an accountant familiar with expat taxation before crossing this threshold.