Traspaso of your Colombian visa: Everything you need to know
If you’re a foreigner and hold a Colombian residency granted before October 21, 2022, it’s essential that you complete the visa traspaso process before October 31, 2026.In this article, we’ll explain what the visa transfer is, who must do it, how to complete the process step by step, and how much it costs.
What is the visa traspaso process (visa transfer)?
The traspaso is a procedure used to update a visa that was granted under regulations prior to the current immigration rules.
If you hold a resident visa issued before October 21, 2022, you must complete this process to ensure your visa remains valid and to maintain your legal migratory status in Colombia.
Once your visa is reissued, you’ll need to request a new Cédula de Extranjería (Foreigner ID) from Migración Colombia.

Who must complete the traspaso?
According to Resolution 5477 of 2022, the traspaso is mandatory for:
- Holders of a resident visa issued before October 21, 2022.
- Beneficiaries of resident visas issued under the previous immigration regulations.
⚠️ If you don’t complete the visa transfer by October 31, 2026, you could be considered irregular and face penalties.
Important: If your resident visa was issued before the year 2000 and you cannot provide the original document, you must submit:
- An explanatory letter (under oath) stating why you cannot provide the document.
- A Migratory Movements Certificate showing your travel history since the year your visa was issued.
- Your last issued Cédula de Extranjería from your time in Colombia.
Step-by-Step: How to complete traspaso of your visa in Colombia
1️⃣ Gather the required documents
- Copy of the visa you want to transfer
- Cédula de Extranjería (if applicable)
- Migratory Movements Certificate issued by Migración Colombia
- Letter requesting the transfer, explaining the reason for the request
- Valid passport (minimum six months validity)
- Document-style photo meeting the Foreign Ministry’s specifications
- Documents proving the conditions under which your visa was granted still apply
2️⃣ Complete the application online
- Go to the Colombian Foreign Ministry’s website: www.cancilleria.gov.co
- Navigate to the visa section and click “Apply for your visa here”
- Fill in your information and select the option “Visa Transfer”
- Upload all required documents
3️⃣ Pay the administrative fees
- 💰 Visa study: 232,700 COP (~$54 USD)
- 💰 Visa issuance: 232,700 COP (~$54 USD)
4️⃣ Wait for the response
The Foreign Ministry will review your application. If approved, they will notify you to proceed with the issuance payment.
⏱️ Issuance payment deadline: 10 business days after approval. If not paid within this time, your request will be automatically cancelled.
5️⃣ Request your new Cédula de Extranjería
Once your visa is updated, visit Migración Colombia to apply for your new Foreigner ID.
💰 Foreigner ID issuance: 280,000 COP (~$64 USD)
Don’t wait until the last minute!
Although the deadline was extended to October 31, 2026, we strongly recommend completing the traspaso well in advance.
Failing to do so may cause you to lose your migratory status in Colombia.
Need help with the traspaso process?
At Nexo Legal, our experienced team is here to guide you through the entire process safely and without complications.
📩 Contact us today to begin your visa transfer process.
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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.

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Phone: (+57) 315 3354174
direccioncomercial@nexo.legal
Calle 11 no. 43b – 50,
Parque Empresarial Calle Once
Oficina 407
Medellín, Colombia