Tomás Restrepo
Partner and director of the immigration department
- Specialist in Business Law
- Has led Nexo Legal's immigration practice since 2020
For foreigners planning more than a visit
Colombia visa: which one you need and how to apply
A Colombia visa is the permission to stay in the country for a set purpose and time: to visit, work, study, invest or live here.
There are 3 types: visitor (V), migrant (M) and resident (R) (Resolution 5477 of 2022, art. 22).
Handled by Tomás Restrepo, partner and director of the immigration departmentReviewed on November 9, 2026
4.8 on Google · 251 reviewsImmigration, tax and real estate under one roofOffice in El Poblado, Medellín
Do you need a visa to visit Colombia?
Not if your passport is on Cancillería's list (Resolution 5488 of 2022, art. 3).
Find your country in the 2 lists below.
Countries that need no visa (100)
Citizens of these countries can visit without a visa (Resolution 5488 of 2022, art. 3, as amended by Resolution 12189 of 2026):
- Albania
- Andorra
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belgium
- Belize
- Bhutan
- Bolivia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brazil
- Brunei Darussalam
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Chile
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Estonia
- Fiji
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Holy See
- Honduras
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Indonesia
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Jamaica
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Marshall Islands
- Mexico
- Micronesia
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Oman
- Palau
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- Russia
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Samoa
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Solomon Islands
- South Korea
- Spain
- Suriname
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
Permanent residents of a Pacific Alliance or Andean Community country can also be allowed in without a visa (arts. 4 and 5).
No visa with a U.S. or Schengen visa (8 countries)
Citizens of these countries can be allowed in without a visa (art. 3):
- Cambodia
- China
- India
- Myanmar
- Nicaragua
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Vietnam
If they hold one of these:
- A U.S. or Schengen visa valid for at least 180 more days when you enter Colombia.
- A valid residence permit from the United States or a Schengen country.
How your days work without a visa
- When you enterUp to 90 daysMigración Colombia may grant them with your tourist permit.
- When they run outExtend or re-enterYou can apply for an extension before they end, or leave and get a new permit when you come back.
- Most per calendar year180 daysAll your permits and extensions add up, continuous or not.
Source: Migración Colombia, Resolution 3167 of 2019, arts. 12 and 14. Checked on November 12, 2026.
What you need, by case
- Need more days? We apply for your extension with Migración Colombia, for COP 300,000. Stay extension →
- Passport not on the list? You need the tourist visa, even for a short visit. We file it for COP 2,091,000.
- Staying longer than 180 days? You need a visa, listed below by type.
- Coming to study or live here? Each plan has its visa, also listed below.
- Paid by someone in Colombia? If a company or client in Colombia pays you for your work, you need a visa, even for a short stay (art. 3).
Colombia visa types: V, M and R
Each type fits a different plan (Resolution 5477 of 2022, art. 22).
Inside each one, the category depends on what you will do here.
Visitor visas
To visit, once or several times, without making Colombia your home (art. 29).
- How long
- From 30 days to 2 years, by category.
- Leads to residency
- No (art. 90).
- Our fee
- COP 2,091,000about USD 633The same for every visitor visa.
| Visa | It is for you if |
|---|---|
| Digital nomad visa | You work remotely for companies outside Colombia. |
| Tourist visa | Your passport needs a visa even to visit. |
| Student visa | You enroll in a course or program in Colombia. |
| Business visa | You come for meetings, negotiations or technical assistance, without a salary in Colombia. |
| Rentista visa | You live on rent, dividends or other income that is not a pension. |
| Service provider visa | A company in Colombia contracts you for a specific job. |
| Volunteer visa | You come to volunteer with a social or development organization. |
| Religious visa | You come for ministry, missionary work or religious training. |
| Journalist visa | You come to cover the news, or as a permanent correspondent. |
| Events visa | You take part in a business, cultural or academic event. |
| Medical treatment visa | You come for medical or dental treatment, as a patient or a companion. |
Migrant visas
To settle here for a time (art. 64).
- How long
- Up to 3 years per visa.
- Leads to residency
- Yes, after the years each visa requires (art. 90).
- Our fee
- COP 2,435,400about USD 738For most migrant visas; where it differs, it is shown next to the visa.
| Visa | It is for you if | Years to the R |
|---|---|---|
| Retirement visa | You receive a lifetime pension. | 5 years |
| Investment visa | You buy property or invest in a company. | 5 years |
| Business owner visa | You own or are a partner in a company in Colombia. | 5 years |
| Work visa | A company in Colombia hires you. | 5 years |
| Independent professional visa | You practice your profession on your own in Colombia. | 5 years |
| Marriage visa | You are married to a Colombian. | 3 years |
| Permanent partner visa | You live in a de facto union with a Colombian. | 5 years |
| Parent of a Colombian visa | Your child is Colombian. | 2 years |
| Mercosur or Andean visa | You are a citizen of a Mercosur or Andean country. | 2 years |
| Beneficiary visaCOP 1,750,905about USD 530 | Your spouse, partner or children join you on your visa. | Follows the main holder's visa (art. 93). |
Resident visa
To settle here for good, with an open work permit, except for pensioners (arts. 85 and 87).
- How long
- For good, with a transfer every 5 years (art. 86).
- Our fee
- COP 2,804,400about USD 849For the resident visa; the transfer is shown next to it.
| Visa | It is for you if |
|---|---|
| Resident visa | After years on an M visa, or through a Colombian family tie. |
| Visa transferCOP 1,845,000about USD 559 | Every 5 years for the R, and when you get a new passport (art. 86). |
Required by most visas
Your visa asks for health insurance?
- MMigrant
- RResident
- Colombian
Colombian citizenship
- Our fee
- COP 2,976,539about USD 901
The last step
With a resident visa, you can apply for Colombian citizenship (Law 2332 of 2023, art. 9).
- 5 years
- The general rule, counted from the day your resident visa was issued.
- 2 years
- If you are married to, or the partner of, a Colombian, have Colombian children, or your country gives Colombians the same treatment.
Good to know
Nationality treaties between your country and Colombia can also change these times (arts. 2 and 9).
If Cancillería grants it, you become Colombian without having to give up your current nationality (art. 28).*
* Whether you keep your current nationality depends on your country.
When something comes up with your stay
- Tourist stay extension
Your days as a tourist are running out and you need more.
- Safe-conduct (salvoconducto)
Your permit expired, or you are between visas.
- Tutela for your ID card
Your foreigner ID card never arrived.
How to apply for a Colombia visa
The documents set the pace, so we ask for the slowest one first.
We choose the right visa with you
We confirm which one fits your plan, before we ask you for any document.
If you choose the wrong category, that is a common reason for an inadmissible decision (art. 98).
We gather the documents with you
Each visa has its own requirements, and its own list of the documents needed.
We file your application
We file it online, whether you are in Colombia or abroad.
Cancillería studies it and decides.
We follow your application to a decision
Once it is approved and you pay the issuance fee, your electronic visa arrives by email within 10 business days (Resolution 5477 of 2022, art. 101).
Then we tell you how to register it with Migración Colombia and get your foreigner ID card.
Questions about Colombian visas
How long does a Colombian visa take?
Cancillería has up to 30 calendar days to decide once the application is complete and the study fee is paid (Resolution 5477 of 2022, art. 13).
It can take longer if Cancillería consults other entities.
Can I apply online, from inside Colombia?
Yes. Applications are filed online, from Colombia or abroad.
If you are in Colombia, your status has to stay regular until Cancillería decides (art. 13).
Can I change to another visa without leaving Colombia?
Usually yes.
The exception: if your nationality needs a visa to visit and you entered on a V visa, you cannot change to an M or R visa from inside Colombia (Resolution 5477 of 2022, art. 29).
Which visas lead to permanent residency?
Only M visas, after the years each one requires: two for parents of a Colombian and Mercosur or Andean citizens, three for the marriage visa, five for most others (Resolution 5477 of 2022, art. 90).
The resident visa →
What happens if my visa is refused?
You leave Colombia within 30 days and wait 6 months before applying again (Resolution 5477 of 2022, art. 99).
An inadmissible decision is different: you can file a new application right away (art. 98).
If we handle your visa, the second application carries no professional fees: we review what led to the decision and fix it before we file again.
Do I need an immigration lawyer to apply for a Colombia visa?
No. You can apply on your own.
People come to us when they would rather not deal with it: we know what Cancillería asks for, and what gets an application declared inadmissible or refused.
We prepare yours with that in mind, so it moves as smoothly as possible, and we answer Cancillería's requests for more information for you.
It also helps when your case has more than one possible visa, a document from abroad, or a past inadmissible decision.
At Nexo Legal, in Medellín, the immigration department is led by Tomás Restrepo. Our fees start at COP 1,750,905, depending on the visa, and include a second application if the first is not admitted or is denied.
Can you handle my visa if I am not in Medellín?
Yes. The whole process is online: we work with you by video call, WhatsApp and email, wherever you are.
What if I stayed in Colombia longer than allowed?
Migración Colombia can fine you for the days you were irregular.
To regularize your status while you stay or before you leave, a safe-conduct (salvoconducto) is requested and the fine is paid. We handle it with you.
Will I pay taxes in Colombia?
If you spend more than 183 days in Colombia within 365, you become a tax resident, whatever your visa (Estatuto Tributario, art. 10).
From then on, you are taxed like a Colombian, on your income from Colombia and from abroad (art. 9).
Whether you must file a return depends on your income, your assets and other limits for the year (art. 592).
Filing does not always mean paying: the tax depends on your taxable income, and the first bracket pays 0% (art. 241).
Taxes for foreigners →
Don't see your case?
Tell us about it. In a free 15-minute call, we assess it and send you a proposal.
In-depth questions? 1-hour consultation: COP 400,000 (about USD 121).Outside what we do? We refer you to someone who does.
Colombia visa government fees, by type
The government cost of a Colombia visa has 2 parts: Cancillería charges one fee to study your application, and another to issue the visa if it is granted.
Set by Cancillería · these are not our fees
Study fee
Paid when you apply
- Most visasCancillería · Nov 4, 2026USD 56
- Student visaCancillería · Nov 4, 2026USD 16
- Beneficiary visaCancillería · Nov 4, 2026USD 54
Visa issuance, only if granted
Paid once it is approved
- Tourist visaCancillería · Nov 4, 2026USD 82
- Student visaCancillería · Nov 4, 2026USD 51
- Most other visitor visasCancillería · Nov 4, 2026USD 183
- Business visaCancillería · Nov 4, 2026USD 258
- Migrant visas (M)Cancillería · Nov 4, 2026USD 279
- Beneficiary visaCancillería · Nov 4, 2026USD 270
- Resident visa (R)Cancillería · Nov 4, 2026USD 408
Each visa page lists its own fees, together with ours.
Who handles your case
Your visa is handled by the immigration team of our firm in Medellín, led by Tomás Restrepo: from the first review to Cancillería's decision.
- 3partners lead the legal, tax and immigration areas
- 22professionals in corporate, private, employment, intellectual property, immigration and tax law
- Medellínour own office
What our clients say
4.8
Based on 251 reviews
Google
Maria Isabel SNovember 12, 2026
Great human quality, the team was always there to solve all my questions. 100% recommend it
Nikola Tarasiuk CorreaOctober 26, 2026
Great service! Tomás who was taking care of my case was very responsive and helpful with every step of the process. Highly recommended :)
Kent MennemSeptember 17, 2026
Nexo Legal provides great services. They are extremely responsive and efficient! Highly recommended.
Joshua HarrisSeptember 14, 2026
They have been super helpful with me through multiple rounds of figuring out my visa and paying taxes. Nexo is who I go to for all my legal needs
Ken KanouseSeptember 6, 2026
I have used Nexo Legal for filing mine and my wife's Colombian income taxes the past 3 years. While I am retired and Colombia doesn't tax my retirement income, the filing still needs to be done. Each year the tax accountant requests the necessary information early so they can be filed accurately on time. They are very easy to work with, and I'd recommend using them for all you accounting and legal needs.
Chris HumphreyAugust 20, 2026
I’ve trusted Tomas and Nexo team on multiple visa applications and would highly recommend them when considering your next legal needs
daniela sanchezAugust 4, 2026
Great experience atty Tomas was very helpful in walking me through every step of the way and keeping me calm and stress free . I would highly recommend this firm with my eyes closed 🙂
Mark HarringtonJuly 31, 2026
Tomas handled my wife's visa application very professionally and was always available to address any questions or issues. Five stars
Arthur WalstonJuly 29, 2026
This was my first time working with The Nexo Firm. I have nothing but high regards for this Firm and specially for Tomas Restrepo. Tomas helped me with my visa process and communicated with me on the progress from start to finish. Plus, his English is very good so there is no language barrier. So, if your traveling aboard and you need help with the visa process, I highly recommend The Nexo Firm and Tomas Restrepo!
Shivaya GuraveJuly 22, 2026
Camila recently helped me obtain my RUT tax registration then did the necessary paperwork and filed my Colombian tax for 2025. Fast, reasonable price, in flawless English. I highly recommend her and Nexo Legal.
nicca louisJuly 7, 2026
All the way from NJ, USA this firm helped me revolve matters in Columbia so fast! I'm appreciative and glad I got the chance to work with them because I would still be fighting this legal battle if I did it on my own!
LilyJuly 6, 2026
Camila was a great accountant to work with and made filing taxes in Colombia as a digital nomad super easy! Thank you
See all 251 reviews on Google →
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What will happen after you fill out this form?
After you send the form, our team reviews your case and a specialist contacts you, usually within the hour during business hours, to clarify details and outline the next steps.
Nexo Legal is a private law and accounting firm, not a government office. Visa decisions are made by Colombia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Cancillería) and tax matters are decided by the DIAN; no lawyer can guarantee the result.