{"id":15123,"date":"2025-07-23T17:47:29","date_gmt":"2025-07-23T22:47:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nexo.legal\/?p=15123"},"modified":"2025-07-25T16:28:30","modified_gmt":"2025-07-25T21:28:30","slug":"business-in-colombia-visa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nexo.legal\/es\/business-in-colombia-visa\/","title":{"rendered":"Crear una empresa en Colombia: Lo que debes saber sobre la Visa M \u2013 Socio o Propietario de negocio"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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If you’re planning to start or invest in a business in Colombia, it\u2019s important to know that your company can also support your legal path to live here.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Colombia offers a specific visa that connects entrepreneurship with migration goals: the <\/span>M \u2013 Business Owner \/ Shareholder Visa<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>

Below, we explain how it works, what you need to apply, and how to avoid the most common mistakes along the way.<\/span><\/p>

What is the M \u2013 Business Owner \/ Shareholder Visa?<\/b><\/h2>

When thinking about doing business in Colombia as a foreigner, you should know that Colombia has created a visa specifically for that purpose.<\/span><\/p>

The M \u2013 Business Owner \/ Shareholder Visa allows you to legally reside in Colombia for <\/span>up to three years<\/b>, and after <\/span>five years<\/b>, you can apply for <\/span>permanent residency<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>

You can get this visa by:<\/span><\/p>

  • Investing in an existing Colombian company<\/b>, or<\/span><\/li>
  • Creating a company where you’re the sole or majority shareholder<\/b><\/li><\/ul>

    This visa is not automatic\u2014it requires your business to be active, legally structured, and compliant with Colombian regulations.<\/span><\/p>

    Why this visa matters if you’re serious about business in Colombia<\/b><\/h2>

    This visa isn\u2019t just about permission to stay\u2014it’s about building something sustainable.<\/span><\/p>

    If you\u2019re developing a business in Colombia, the M visa allows you to:<\/span><\/p>

    • Work legally<\/b>, but only within the company you own or are registered with<\/span><\/li>
    • Include family members<\/b> as beneficiaries<\/span><\/li>
    • Use your business as a <\/span>path to permanent residency<\/b><\/li><\/ul>

      It gives structure and legal protection to both your <\/span>immigration status<\/b> and your <\/span>business project<\/b>\u2014as long as everything is done right from the beginning.<\/span><\/p>

      What do you need to qualify?<\/b><\/h2>

      The process isn\u2019t overly complicated, but it does require careful preparation and documentation.<\/span><\/p>

      Here\u2019s a breakdown of the <\/span>key requirements<\/b> you\u2019ll need to meet:<\/span><\/p>

      General:<\/b><\/h3>
      • Passport-size photo (3×4 cm, white background)<\/span><\/li>
      • Copy of your passport\u2019s main page<\/span><\/li>
      • Proof of legal stay (if applying from a third country)<\/span><\/li><\/ul>

        Specific to your business:<\/b><\/h3>
        • A letter explaining your company\u2019s activity, name, NIT (tax ID), address, and how many direct jobs it creates<\/span><\/li>
        • Proof of incorporation and investment of at least 100 Colombian minimum monthly salaries (SMMLV) \u2014 equivalent to $142,350,000 COP or approximately $34,719 USD at the current exchange rate.<\/b><\/li>
        • Bank statements and documents showing the company is active: tax returns, payroll, rent, etc.<\/span><\/li>
        • A shareholder certificate (if applicable) confirming your ownership stake and capital amount<\/span><\/li><\/ul>

          Mistakes to avoid when setting up a business in Colombia<\/b><\/h2>

          Doing business in Colombia has great potential\u2014but there are also pitfalls to avoid if you want your visa (and your project) to succeed.<\/span><\/p>

          Here are common issues that can lead to delays, fines, or visa denial:<\/span><\/p>

          • Not showing that the company is <\/span>economically active<\/b><\/li>
          • Failing to meet the <\/span>minimum capital investment<\/b><\/li>
          • Using personal accounts instead of a corporate structure<\/span><\/li>
          • Missing tax or labor compliance deadlines<\/span><\/li>
          • Submitting incomplete or unclear documents<\/span><\/li><\/ul>

            The visa process is administrative, but the real challenge is <\/span>making sure your business setup aligns with legal and migration requirements<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>

            How the visa process works (step by step)<\/b><\/h2>

            If you\u2019re ready to apply, here\u2019s what the process looks like in most cases.<\/span><\/p>

            1. Document collection and review<\/b><\/h3>

            You\u2019ll need to gather all supporting documents. Accuracy here matters.<\/span><\/p>

            2. Application submission and follow-up<\/b><\/h3>

            Your application is submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and monitored closely.<\/span><\/p>

            3. Handling additional requests<\/b><\/h3>

            If the government asks for corrections or extra documents, you must respond promptly and correctly.<\/span><\/p>

            4. Visa approval and foreigner ID<\/b><\/h3>

            Once your visa is approved, you’ll receive your <\/span>C\u00e9dula de Extranjer\u00eda<\/b>, which formalizes your legal presence in the country.<\/span><\/p>

            What are the costs?<\/b><\/h2>

            Starting a business in Colombia involves more than just investment\u2014it also includes visa-related costs. Here\u2019s a breakdown of administrative fees:<\/span><\/p>

            • Study of the Application Fee (Ministry of Foreign Affairs):<\/b>
              <\/b>$52 USD<\/b><\/li>
            • Granted Visa Fee (Ministry of Foreign Affairs):<\/b>
              <\/b>$230 USD<\/b><\/li><\/ul>

              These are <\/span>government fees only<\/b> and do not include professional assistance.<\/span><\/p>

              Final thoughts: A visa that supports your vision<\/b><\/p>

              If you’re building a business in Colombia, this visa is not just a formality\u2014it\u2019s a legal tool that can help you <\/span>establish a life, protect your investment, and plan for long-term residency<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>

              But the key is proper planning. Colombia values entrepreneurs, but it also expects structure and compliance. Done right, your business can open the door to opportunity\u2014and stability.<\/span><\/p>

              Need support? Here\u2019s how Nexo Legal can help<\/b><\/h2>

              We don\u2019t just help you apply for a visa\u2014we help you <\/span>structure your business project strategically<\/b> so it becomes the legal foundation for your life in Colombia.<\/span><\/p>

              Here\u2019s what we offer:<\/span><\/p>

              • Strategic planning meetings (virtual or in person)<\/span><\/li>
              • Pre-review and preparation of every document<\/span><\/li>
              • Application submission and follow-up<\/span><\/li>
              • Handling government requests or corrections<\/span><\/li>
              • Scheduling and attending your ID appointments (if you\u2019re in Medell\u00edn)<\/span><\/li><\/ul>

                \ud83d\udce9 <\/span>Want to know if your case qualifies? send us a message today!<\/span><\/i><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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