Colombia has become one of the most attractive destinations for entrepreneurs and foreign investors in Latin America.
With a growing economy, tax incentives, and a strategic location, the country offers a unique combination of opportunities and stability for business in Colombia
If you are considering establishing a company or investing in Colombia, the Visa M – Business Owner / Shareholder Visa will allow you to do so with legal backing, temporary residence, and the possibility of obtaining permanent residence in the future.
In this guide, we explain how this visa works, what the requirements are, the application process, and how to properly structure your company to apply successfully.
What is the Visa M – Business Owner / Shareholder Visa?
The M-Type (Migrant) Visa, under the Business Owner / Shareholder category, is intended for foreigners who invest in a company in Colombia, either as founding partners or as investors in an existing company.
This visa authorizes legal residence in Colombia for up to 3 years and allows you to work directly within the registered company.
After five consecutive years with this visa, you may apply for the Resident Visa (Visa R).
Main Benefits of the Visa M – Business Owner / Shareholder Visa
✅ Legal residence in Colombia for up to 3 years.
✅ Option to apply for permanent residence after 5 years.
✅ Right to work in your own company.
✅ Possibility to include your spouse and children as beneficiaries.
✅ Access to the banking, healthcare, and education systems.
✅ Consolidation of your business in Colombia in an emerging market with great potential.
Requirements to Apply for the Visa M – Business Owner / Shareholder Visa
General Requirements
✔️ Valid passport (minimum of 6 months of validity).
✔️ Digital 3×4 photo with a white background.
✔️ Completed visa application form through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
✔️ Payment of official study and issuance fees.
Specific Requirements (2025)
🔹 Minimum Investment:
100 SMMLV (Current Legal Monthly Minimum Wages).
In 2025, this equals COP 142,350,000 (approximately USD 38,000).
Important: The minimum wage in Colombia increases every year according to inflation and adjustments decreed by the National Government.
Therefore, investing only the minimum required amount may leave you short when it comes time to renew your visa or apply for permanent residence.
A practical recommendation is to invest an amount above the minimum, projecting the minimum wage increase for the following year.
This not only strengthens your initial application — by demonstrating greater financial capacity — but also makes future renewals easier and helps you meet the capital requirements when applying for the Resident Visa (Visa R) later on.
🔹 Visa request letter including:
- Name or business name, NIT, and company address.
- Main business activity.
- Number of jobs generated.
🔹 Certificate of existence and legal representation issued by the Chamber of Commerce (maximum validity: 3 months).
🔹 Shareholding certificate, signed by a certified public accountant, showing your investment of at least 100 SMMLV.
🔹 Proof of activity and financial solvency:
- Bank statements for the last 3 months.
- Income tax return or financial statements.
- Proof of tax and social security payments.
- Lease agreement or proof of business in Colombia premises.
📌 If the company is new, you must demonstrate its creation through initial invoices, contracts, or investment receipts.
🔹 Criminal background certificate.
How much does it cost to apply for the M – Business Owner / Shareholder Visa in 2025?
The 2025 official fees are:
- Study fee: COP 232,200 (~USD 54).
- Issuance fee: COP 1,161,000 (~USD 270).
- Foreigner ID fee (Cédula de Extranjería): COP 280,000 (~USD 65).
Note:
For renewing or applying for a second visa, it is important to demonstrate that the company remains active and has financial stability.
To do this, you must submit documents that support its operation, such as:
- Bank statements from the last three months prior to the application.
- Income tax return and proof of social security contributions for employees.
- Commercial lease agreement or rent payment receipts.
- Receipts of payment for the Industry and Commerce Tax (ICA).
- Utility bills (water, electricity, internet, etc.).
- Invoices or payment statements issued and received by the company.
- Recent photos of the company’s facilities.
These documents demonstrate that the company maintains real economic activity and meets the requirements for visa renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work with this visa?
Yes, but only in the company where you are registered as a partner or owner.
What happens if the company stops operating?
You must inform Migración Colombia and apply for a new visa or leave the country before the current one expires.
Do I have to hire Colombian employees?
It is not mandatory, but it helps strengthen the application by demonstrating a local economic impact.
Can I include my family?
Yes, you can apply for beneficiary visas for your spouse and dependent children.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Approval
✔️ Properly structure your company (preferably as a S.A.S.).
✔️ Demonstrate real and continuous economic activity (invoices, contracts, payroll).
✔️ Make the investment from abroad as Foreign Direct Investment registered with the Banco de la República.
✔️ Attach clear accounting certificates signed by a certified public accountant.
✔️ Avoid inconsistencies between your bank statements, contributions, and legal documents.
Why Do It with Legal Assistance?
The process involves tax, corporate, and immigration steps that must be aligned.
A documentary error or an incorrectly filed investment registration could result in a visa denial or sanctions for irregular investment.
At Nexo Legal, we help you:
✔️ Properly create your company from the beginning.
✔️ Register your foreign investment with the Banco de la República.
✔️ Prepare and review all migration documentation.
✔️ Guide you through the visa and Foreigner ID application process.
📩 Schedule your free consultation and take the first step to build your business in Colombia project in Colombia with security and legal support.
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What will happen after you fill out this form?
After submitting the form, your case undergoes a comprehensive review by our team of specialist to assess its viability. Providing clear and concise information about your objectives accelerates this process.
Subsequently, a specialist will be assigned to your case, reaching out to you within a day to clear up details about your case and outline the next steps to help you achieve your goals.
Get started with a free case assessment
What will happen after you fill out this form?
After submitting the form, your case undergoes a comprehensive review by our team of specialist to assess its viability. Providing clear and concise information about your objectives accelerates this process.
Subsequently, a specialist will be assigned to your case, reaching out to you within a day to clear up details about your case and outline the next steps to help you achieve your goals.