{"id":16278,"date":"2026-01-22T17:57:48","date_gmt":"2026-01-22T22:57:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nexo.legal\/?p=16278"},"modified":"2026-03-20T17:01:15","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T22:01:15","slug":"colombian-visa-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nexo.legal\/es\/colombian-visa-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Visa colombiana adecuada 2026: Gu\u00eda completa para elegir la correcta"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Are you thinking about visiting, moving to, or settling in Colombia? Then you\u2019re in the right place.<\/span><\/p>

Whether you\u2019re a digital nomad, retiree, entrepreneur, student, or starting a family, this guide helps you understand which Colombian visa best fits your profile in 2026.<\/span><\/p>

Do you really need a visa?<\/b><\/h2>

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

But pay attention: <\/span>this is not a visa<\/b>. It is a <\/span>tourist permit<\/b>, and it does <\/span>not<\/b> allow you to work or stay long term.<\/span><\/p>

If you plan to live, study, invest, or work in Colombia, you will need an <\/span>official visa<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>

General visa requirements for 2026<\/b><\/h2>

Regardless of the visa type, these documents are always required:<\/span><\/p>

  • Valid passport (minimum 6 months before expiration)<\/span>

    \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

  • Digital passport-style photo (white background)<\/span>

    \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

  • Letter of intent (explaining your reason for staying)<\/span>

    \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

  • Bank statements (last 3 to 6 months)<\/span>

    \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

  • Health insurance covering your entire stay in Colombia<\/span>

    \u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

    Additional requirements vary depending on the visa type. Let\u2019s break down your options.<\/span><\/p>

    How long do you plan to stay?<\/b><\/h2>

    If you plan to stay\u2026<\/span><\/p>

    • Less than 2 years<\/b>: you will likely need a <\/span>Visitor Visa (Type V)<\/b>

      \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

    • More than 2 years<\/b>: a <\/span>Migrant Visa (Type M)<\/b> will be a better option<\/span>

      \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

    • Long-term or permanently<\/b>: your goal may be a <\/span>Resident Visa (Type R)<\/b>

      \u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

      Visitor Visa (Type V)<\/b><\/h2>

      Ideal for short- to medium-term stays (up to 2 years).<\/span>
      <\/span> This visa <\/span>does not count<\/b> toward permanent residency.<\/span><\/p>

      Main type V visas<\/b><\/h3>

      1) Digital nomad visa<\/b><\/h3>
      • You must be from a visa-exempt country.<\/span>

        \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

      • Minimum income: <\/span>3 current legal monthly minimum wages (SMLMV)<\/b>.<\/span>

        \u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

        Minimum wage 2026:<\/b> COP $1,750,905<\/span><\/p>

        • 3 SMLMV = COP $5,252,715\/month<\/b>

          \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

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

          \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

        • Granted for up to <\/span>2 years<\/b>.<\/span>

          \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

        • You <\/span>cannot work for Colombian companies or clients<\/b>.<\/span>

          \u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

          2) Tourist visa<\/b><\/h3>
          • Required only if you are from a country that <\/span>does require a visa<\/b> to enter Colombia.<\/span>

            \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

          • Stay: <\/span>90 days<\/b>, extendable up to <\/span>180 days per year<\/b>.<\/span>

            \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

          • Tourism only: <\/span>does not allow work or study<\/b>.<\/span>

            \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

          • Minimum income: <\/span>10 current legal monthly minimum wages (SMLMV)<\/b>.<\/span>

            \u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

            3 SMLMV = COP 17,509,050 (\u2248 USD 4,700).<\/b><\/p>

            3) Student visa<\/b><\/h3>
            • Duration depends on the program (up to 2 years).<\/span>

              \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

            • You must prove enrollment in a recognized institution and financial solvency.<\/span>

              \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

            • If enrolled in postgraduate studies, you may work up to <\/span>20 hours per week<\/b>.<\/span>

              \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

            • Minimum income: <\/span>10 current legal monthly minimum wages (SMLMV)<\/b>.<\/span>

              \u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

              3 SMLMV = COP 17,509,050 (\u2248 USD 4,700).<\/b><\/p>

              Migrant Visa (Type M)<\/b><\/h2>

              For those staying <\/span>more than 2 years<\/b>.<\/span>
              <\/span> This visa <\/span>does count<\/b> toward permanent residency. You may qualify through the following routes:<\/span><\/p>

              A. Family-Based options<\/b><\/h3>

              1) Marriage visa<\/b><\/h4>
              • For spouses of Colombian citizens.<\/span>

                \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

              • Valid for up to <\/span>3 years<\/b>.<\/span>

                \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

              • You may apply for residency after <\/span>3 years<\/b>.<\/span>

                \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

              • Includes <\/span>open work permit<\/b>.<\/span>

                \u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

                2) Permanent partner visa<\/b><\/h4>
                • Requires more than <\/span>1 year of cohabitation<\/b> plus a notarized declaration.<\/span>

                  \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

                • Granted for <\/span>1 year (renewable)<\/b>.<\/span>

                  \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

                • You may apply for residency after <\/span>5 years<\/b>.<\/span>

                  \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

                • Includes <\/span>open work permit<\/b>.<\/span>

                  \u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

                  3) Parent of a Colombian child\u00a0<\/b><\/h4>
                  • Valid for up to <\/span>3 years<\/b>.<\/span>

                    \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

                  • Residency after <\/span>2 years<\/b>.<\/span>

                    \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

                  • The biological child visa allows work; the adoption-based visa does not.<\/span>

                    \u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

                    B. Nationality-Based Options<\/b><\/h3>
                    • Andean Community Visa<\/b> (Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru)<\/span>

                      \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

                    • MERCOSUR Visa<\/b> (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia)<\/span>

                      \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

                    • Both are valid for <\/span>2 years (non-renewable)<\/b>.<\/span>

                      \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

                    • You may apply for residency after <\/span>2 years<\/b>.<\/span>

                      \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

                    • Include <\/span>open work permits<\/b>.<\/span>

                      \u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

                      C. Investment options<\/b><\/h3>

                      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:<\/span><\/p>

                      1) Real estate investor visa<\/b><\/h4>

                      If you are planning to buy property in Colombia, this visa may be for you.<\/span><\/p>

                      Requirements (2026):<\/b><\/p>

                      • Minimum investment: <\/span>350 SMLMV<\/b>.<\/span>

                        \u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

                        350 SMLMV = 350 \u00d7 COP $1,750,905 = COP $612,816,750<\/b><\/p>

                        • Equivalent in USD with TRM 3,663.24 = ~USD $167,288.18<\/b>

                          \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

                        • Funds must be registered as <\/span>Foreign Direct Investment<\/b> through an official foreign exchange declaration.<\/span>

                          \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

                        • The property must be in your name, and ownership must be fully registered with the <\/span>Bank of the Republic<\/b>.<\/span>

                          \u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

                          \ud83d\udccc <\/span>Important:<\/b> 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.<\/span><\/p>

                          \ud83d\udca1 <\/span>Our advice (keeping your recommendation):<\/b>
                          <\/b> Invest in a property with a minimum value of <\/span>COP 900 million<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>

                          COP $900,000,000 \/ 3,663.24 = ~USD $245,684.15<\/b><\/p>

                          Visa conditions:<\/b><\/p>

                          • Granted for up to <\/span>3 years<\/b>.<\/span>

                            \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

                          • Does <\/span>not allow you to work<\/b> in Colombia.<\/span>

                            \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

                          • You may apply for residency after <\/span>5 years<\/b> with this visa.<\/span>

                            \u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

                            2) Business owner or partner visa<\/b><\/h4>

                            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.<\/span><\/p>

                            Requirements (2026):<\/b><\/p>

                            • Minimum investment: <\/span>100 SMLMV<\/b>.<\/span>

                              \u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

                              100 SMLMV = 100 \u00d7 COP $1,750,905 = COP $175,090,500<\/b><\/p>

                              • Equivalent in USD with TRM 3,663.24 = ~USD $47,796.62<\/b>

                                \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

                              • The company must be active and operating (real invoicing, contracts, clients).<\/span>

                                \u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

                                You will need to:<\/span><\/p>

                                • Legally incorporate your company in Colombia.<\/span>

                                  \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

                                • Open a corporate bank account.<\/span>

                                  \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

                                • Begin operations before submitting your application.<\/span>

                                  \u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

                                  \u26a0\ufe0f <\/span>Recommendation:<\/b> invest more than the minimum, as thresholds increase every year.<\/span><\/p>

                                  Visa conditions:<\/b><\/p>

                                  • Granted for up to <\/span>3 years<\/b>.<\/span>

                                    \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

                                  • You may work <\/span>only within your company<\/b>, and only in activities matching the registered corporate purpose.<\/span>

                                    \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

                                  • You may apply for residency after <\/span>5 years<\/b>.<\/span>

                                    \u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

                                    d. Retirees and Employees<\/b><\/h3>

                                    1) Retirement visa<\/b><\/h4>

                                    If you receive a permanent pension, this visa offers a straightforward path to stay in Colombia.<\/span><\/p>

                                    Requirements (2026):<\/b><\/p>

                                    • Monthly pension of at least <\/span>3 SMLMV<\/b>.<\/span>

                                      \u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

                                      3 SMLMV = COP $5,252,715\/month<\/b><\/p>

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

                                        \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

                                      • Official certificate confirming a <\/span>lifetime pension<\/b> (public or private).<\/span>

                                        \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

                                      • Employment or work is <\/span>not allowed<\/b> under this visa.<\/span>

                                        \u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

                                        \ud83d\udca1 <\/span>Good to know:<\/b> Foreign pensions are tax-exempt in Colombia up to <\/span>1,000 UVT<\/b> (this threshold may change annually).<\/span><\/p>

                                        Visa conditions:<\/b><\/p>

                                        • Granted for up to <\/span>3 years<\/b>.<\/span>

                                          \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

                                        • You may apply for residency after <\/span>5 years<\/b>.<\/span>

                                          \u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

                                          2) Work visa<\/b><\/h3>

                                          This visa is for foreigners formally employed by a Colombian company.<\/span><\/p>

                                          Requirements:<\/b><\/p>

                                          • A valid employment contract.<\/span>

                                            \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

                                          • Proof that the company has received income exceeding <\/span>100 SMLMV<\/b> in the last 6 months:<\/span>

                                            \u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

                                            100 SMLMV = COP $175,090,500<\/b>
                                            <\/b> ~USD $47,796.62 with TRM 3,663.24<\/b><\/p>

                                            • Supporting employer documents: bank statements, business registration, and certificate of legal existence.<\/span>

                                              \u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

                                              Visa conditions:<\/b><\/p>

                                              • Granted for up to <\/span>3 years<\/b>.<\/span>

                                                \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

                                              • You may work <\/span>only for the employer and role listed on the visa<\/b>.<\/span>

                                                \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

                                              • If your role changes, you may need to modify your visa.<\/span>

                                                \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

                                              • Eligible for residency after <\/span>5 years<\/b>.<\/span>

                                                \u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

                                                Resident visa (Type R) \u2013 Your path to permanence<\/b><\/h2>

                                                This visa is designed for those who want to make Colombia their permanent home.<\/span><\/p>

                                                You must first hold a <\/span>Migrant Visa (Type M)<\/b> for a minimum period, depending on your situation:<\/span><\/p>

                                                Migrant Visa Type<\/b><\/p><\/td>

                                                Years Required for Residency<\/b><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

                                                Marriage Visa<\/span><\/p><\/td>

                                                3 years<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

                                                Permanent Partner Visa<\/span><\/p><\/td>

                                                5 years<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

                                                Real Estate Investor<\/span><\/p><\/td>

                                                5 years<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

                                                Business Owner<\/span><\/p><\/td>

                                                5 years<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

                                                Parent of Colombian Child<\/span><\/p><\/td>

                                                2 years<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

                                                Work or Retirement Visa<\/span><\/p><\/td>

                                                5 years<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>

                                                \u2757 <\/span>Important:<\/b> the time must be continuous. If your visa expires or you fail to renew it between cycles, the residency clock resets.<\/span><\/p>

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

                                                Visa Costs in 2026 (Official Fees)<\/b><\/h2>

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

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

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

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

                                                TRM today: 3,663.24<\/b><\/p>

                                                1) Visitor visa (Type V): fees vary by specific type (ranges)<\/b><\/h3>

                                                Concept<\/b><\/p><\/td>

                                                Colombia & Rest of the World (USD)<\/b><\/p><\/td>

                                                Europe & Cuba (EUR)<\/b><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

                                                Study<\/span><\/p><\/td>

                                                16 to 54<\/span><\/p><\/td>

                                                12 to 42<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

                                                Visa (issuance)<\/span><\/p><\/td>

                                                51 to 252<\/span><\/p><\/td>

                                                17 to 101<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>

                                                2) Migrant visa (Type M)<\/b><\/h3>

                                                Concept<\/b><\/p><\/td>

                                                Colombia & Rest of the World (USD)<\/b><\/p><\/td>

                                                Europe & Cuba (EUR)<\/b><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

                                                Study<\/span><\/p><\/td>

                                                54<\/span><\/p><\/td>

                                                42<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

                                                Visa (issuance)<\/span><\/p><\/td>

                                                270<\/span><\/p><\/td>

                                                149<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>

                                                3) Resident visa (Type R)<\/b><\/h3>

                                                Concept<\/b><\/p><\/td>

                                                Colombia & Rest of the World (USD)<\/b><\/p><\/td>

                                                Europe & Cuba (EUR)<\/b><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

                                                Study<\/span><\/p><\/td>

                                                54<\/span><\/p><\/td>

                                                42<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

                                                Visa (issuance)<\/span><\/p><\/td>

                                                400<\/span><\/p><\/td>

                                                135<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>

                                                \u26a0\ufe0f <\/span>Important:<\/b> These are <\/span>only the official Colombian government fees<\/b>. You should also budget for additional costs that vary by country and visa type, such as:<\/span><\/p>

                                                • Apostilles for foreign documents<\/span>

                                                  \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

                                                • Certified translations into Spanish<\/span>

                                                  \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

                                                • Criminal background certificates<\/span>

                                                  \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

                                                • Civil documents (birth, marriage)<\/span>

                                                  \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

                                                • Notarizations or sworn statements<\/span>

                                                  \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

                                                • International shipping\/courier services<\/span>

                                                  \u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

                                                  Key Recommendations for 2026<\/b><\/h2>

                                                  Before diving into your visa process, here are tips that truly make a difference:<\/span><\/p>

                                                  \u2714\ufe0f <\/span>Stay updated on Colombia\u2019s minimum wage.<\/b>
                                                  <\/b> Many thresholds (income or investment amounts) are based on this figure and change every year.<\/span><\/p>

                                                  \u2714\ufe0f <\/span>Gather your documents early.<\/b>
                                                  <\/b> Criminal records, apostilles, or property deeds can take weeks or months.<\/span><\/p>

                                                  \u2714\ufe0f <\/span>Start the process at least 2\u20133 months before your trip or expiration date.<\/b>
                                                  <\/b> Processes usually take 15 to 30 business days, but delays may occur.<\/span><\/p>

                                                  \u2714\ufe0f <\/span>Make sure your legal status in Colombia remains valid while your visa is being processed.<\/b>
                                                  <\/b> If your permit expires while awaiting approval, you may be fined or affect your record.<\/span><\/p>

                                                  \u2714\ufe0f <\/span>Reapplying to accumulate time for residency?<\/b>
                                                  <\/b> Remember: each application is treated as a new visa. You must continue to meet the original requirements:<\/span><\/p>

                                                  • Marriage visa: remain legally married to the same person.<\/span>

                                                    \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

                                                  • Investor: continue owning the property and meeting the updated threshold.<\/span>

                                                    \u00a0<\/p><\/li>

                                                  • Business owner: the company must remain active and compliant.<\/span>

                                                    \u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

                                                    Need Help Navigating the Process?<\/b><\/h2>

                                                    At <\/span>Nexo Legal<\/b>, we help people like you live, invest, and do business in Colombia with full legal and immigration support.<\/span><\/p>

                                                    \u2705 Personalized visa diagnostics for 2026<\/span>
                                                    <\/span> \u2705 Support from documentation to final approval<\/span>
                                                    <\/span> \u2705 Assistance for individuals and companies<\/span><\/p>

                                                    Ready to take the next step?<\/b>
                                                    <\/b>Contact us and we\u2019ll review your case clearly, legally, and with peace of mind.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

                                                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
                                                    <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
                                                    \n\t\t\t\t\t
                                                    \n\t\t\t
                                                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t
                                                    \n\t\t\t\t
                                                    \n\t\t\t\t\t