The Right Colombian Visa 2026: Complete Guide to Choosing the Correct One

Are you thinking about visiting, moving to, or settling in Colombia? Then you’re in the right place.

Whether you’re a digital nomad, retiree, entrepreneur, student, or starting a family, this guide helps you understand which Colombian visa best fits your profile in 2026.

Do you really need a visa?

If you are from countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan, or Australia, you can enter Colombia without a visa and stay for up to 90 days, with the possibility of extending your stay once, for a total of 180 days per calendar year.

But pay attention: this is not a visa. It is a tourist permit, and it does not allow you to work or stay long term.

If you plan to live, study, invest, or work in Colombia, you will need an official visa.

General visa requirements for 2026

Regardless of the visa type, these documents are always required:

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months before expiration)

   

• Digital passport-style photo (white background)

   

• Letter of intent (explaining your reason for staying)

   

• Bank statements (last 3 to 6 months)

   

• Health insurance covering your entire stay in Colombia

   

Additional requirements vary depending on the visa type. Let’s break down your options.

How long do you plan to stay?

If you plan to stay…

• Less than 2 years: you will likely need a Visitor Visa (Type V)

   

• More than 2 years: a Migrant Visa (Type M) will be a better option

   

• Long-term or permanently: your goal may be a Resident Visa (Type R)

   

Visitor Visa (Type V)

Ideal for short- to medium-term stays (up to 2 years).
This visa does not count toward permanent residency.

Main type V visas

1) Digital nomad visa

• You must be from a visa-exempt country.

   

• Minimum income: 3 current legal monthly minimum wages (SMLMV).

   

Minimum wage 2026: COP $1,750,905

• 3 SMLMV = COP $5,252,715/month

   

• Equivalent in USD with TRM 3,663.24 = ~USD $1,433.90/month

   

• Granted for up to 2 years.

   

• You cannot work for Colombian companies or clients.

   

2) Tourist visa

• Required only if you are from a country that does require a visa to enter Colombia.

   

• Stay: 90 days, extendable up to 180 days per year.

   

• Tourism only: does not allow work or study.

   

• Minimum income: 10 current legal monthly minimum wages (SMLMV).

   

3 SMLMV = COP 17,509,050 (≈ USD 4,700).

3) Student visa

• Duration depends on the program (up to 2 years).

   

• You must prove enrollment in a recognized institution and financial solvency.

   

• If enrolled in postgraduate studies, you may work up to 20 hours per week.

   

• Minimum income: 10 current legal monthly minimum wages (SMLMV).

   

3 SMLMV = COP 17,509,050 (≈ USD 4,700).

Migrant Visa (Type M)

For those staying more than 2 years.
This visa does count toward permanent residency. You may qualify through the following routes:

A. Family-Based options

1) Marriage visa

• For spouses of Colombian citizens.

   

• Valid for up to 3 years.

   

• You may apply for residency after 3 years.

   

• Includes open work permit.

   

2) Permanent partner visa

• Requires more than 1 year of cohabitation plus a notarized declaration.

   

• Granted for 1 year (renewable).

   

• You may apply for residency after 5 years.

   

• Includes open work permit.

   

3) Parent of a Colombian child 

• Valid for up to 3 years.

   

• Residency after 2 years.

   

• The biological child visa allows work; the adoption-based visa does not.

   

B. Nationality-Based Options

• Andean Community Visa (Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru)

   

• MERCOSUR Visa (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia)

   

• Both are valid for 2 years (non-renewable).

   

• You may apply for residency after 2 years.

   

• Include open work permits.

   

C. Investment options

If you do not have family ties in Colombia and your nationality does not qualify for special agreements, Colombia offers solid investment-based options. Here are the two main ones:

1) Real estate investor visa

If you are planning to buy property in Colombia, this visa may be for you.

Requirements (2026):

• Minimum investment: 350 SMLMV.

   

350 SMLMV = 350 × COP $1,750,905 = COP $612,816,750

• Equivalent in USD with TRM 3,663.24 = ~USD $167,288.18

   

• Funds must be registered as Foreign Direct Investment through an official foreign exchange declaration.

   

• The property must be in your name, and ownership must be fully registered with the Bank of the Republic.

   

📌 Important: the minimum wage increases every year, so if you plan to renew or qualify for residency, your property must continue to meet the updated threshold.

💡 Our advice (keeping your recommendation):
Invest in a property with a minimum value of COP 900 million.

COP $900,000,000 / 3,663.24 = ~USD $245,684.15

Visa conditions:

• Granted for up to 3 years.

   

• Does not allow you to work in Colombia.

   

• You may apply for residency after 5 years with this visa.

   

2) Business owner or partner visa

If you want to open a company or become a partner in an existing Colombian company, this visa may be the right one for you.

Requirements (2026):

• Minimum investment: 100 SMLMV.

   

100 SMLMV = 100 × COP $1,750,905 = COP $175,090,500

• Equivalent in USD with TRM 3,663.24 = ~USD $47,796.62

   

• The company must be active and operating (real invoicing, contracts, clients).

   

You will need to:

• Legally incorporate your company in Colombia.

   

• Open a corporate bank account.

   

• Begin operations before submitting your application.

   

⚠️ Recommendation: invest more than the minimum, as thresholds increase every year.

Visa conditions:

• Granted for up to 3 years.

   

• You may work only within your company, and only in activities matching the registered corporate purpose.

   

• You may apply for residency after 5 years.

   

d. Retirees and Employees

1) Retirement visa

If you receive a permanent pension, this visa offers a straightforward path to stay in Colombia.

Requirements (2026):

• Monthly pension of at least 3 SMLMV.

   

3 SMLMV = COP $5,252,715/month

• Equivalent in USD with TRM 3,663.24 = ~USD $1,433.90/month

   

• Official certificate confirming a lifetime pension (public or private).

   

• Employment or work is not allowed under this visa.

   

💡 Good to know: Foreign pensions are tax-exempt in Colombia up to 1,000 UVT (this threshold may change annually).

Visa conditions:

• Granted for up to 3 years.

   

• You may apply for residency after 5 years.

   

2) Work visa

This visa is for foreigners formally employed by a Colombian company.

Requirements:

• A valid employment contract.

   

• Proof that the company has received income exceeding 100 SMLMV in the last 6 months:

   

100 SMLMV = COP $175,090,500
~USD $47,796.62 with TRM 3,663.24

• Supporting employer documents: bank statements, business registration, and certificate of legal existence.

   

Visa conditions:

• Granted for up to 3 years.

   

• You may work only for the employer and role listed on the visa.

   

• If your role changes, you may need to modify your visa.

   

• Eligible for residency after 5 years.

   

Resident visa (Type R) – Your path to permanence

This visa is designed for those who want to make Colombia their permanent home.

You must first hold a Migrant Visa (Type M) for a minimum period, depending on your situation:

❗ Important: the time must be continuous. If your visa expires or you fail to renew it between cycles, the residency clock resets.

Once eligible, you may apply for the Resident Visa, which is valid for up to 5 years and can be renewed. It also allows you to work and reside freely in Colombia.

Visa Costs in 2026 (Official Fees)

It is important to note that Visitor Visas (Type V) do not have a single fixed fee, as costs vary significantly depending on the specific sub-type of visa applied for (tourism, studies, business, digital nomad, medical treatment, among others).

For this reason, the values shown in the table below are referential and intended to give you a general idea of the official cost ranges established by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for 2026.

If you need to know the exact amount applicable to your specific case, a personalized consultation is always recommended, as the final cost depends on the visa type, your nationality, and the region where you apply.

The Colombian peso amounts shown below are calculated based on the current Market Exchange Rate (TRM): COP 3,663.24 per USD, which fluctuates daily.

TRM today: 3,663.24

1) Visitor visa (Type V): fees vary by specific type (ranges)

2) Migrant visa (Type M)

3) Resident visa (Type R)

⚠️ Important: These are only the official Colombian government fees. You should also budget for additional costs that vary by country and visa type, such as:

• Apostilles for foreign documents

   

• Certified translations into Spanish

   

• Criminal background certificates

   

• Civil documents (birth, marriage)

   

• Notarizations or sworn statements

   

• International shipping/courier services

   

Key Recommendations for 2026

Before diving into your visa process, here are tips that truly make a difference:

✔️ Stay updated on Colombia’s minimum wage.
Many thresholds (income or investment amounts) are based on this figure and change every year.

✔️ Gather your documents early.
Criminal records, apostilles, or property deeds can take weeks or months.

✔️ Start the process at least 2–3 months before your trip or expiration date.
Processes usually take 15 to 30 business days, but delays may occur.

✔️ Make sure your legal status in Colombia remains valid while your visa is being processed.
If your permit expires while awaiting approval, you may be fined or affect your record.

✔️ Reapplying to accumulate time for residency?
Remember: each application is treated as a new visa. You must continue to meet the original requirements:

• Marriage visa: remain legally married to the same person.

   

• Investor: continue owning the property and meeting the updated threshold.

   

• Business owner: the company must remain active and compliant.

   

Need Help Navigating the Process?

At Nexo Legal, we help people like you live, invest, and do business in Colombia with full legal and immigration support.

✅ Personalized visa diagnostics for 2026
✅ Support from documentation to final approval
✅ Assistance for individuals and companies

Ready to take the next step?
Contact us and we’ll review your case clearly, legally, and with peace of mind.