Are you prepared for a once-in-a-lifetime experience? Look no farther than Colombia, a place with a vibrant culture, magnificent scenery, and kind people. Colombia has emerged as a top choice for people looking for a new place to call home, whether they are retirees, digital nomads, or just looking for a change of pace. The stunning locations in Colombia, such the Tatacoa Desert, Cabo de la Vela, and the Seven Colours Sea in the San Andrés Islands, ensure a really unforgettable experience.
However, you must first secure one of the several Colombian visas in order to begin enjoying Colombia.This article will walk you through the procedures for obtaining a Colombian resident visa so you can realise your ambition of relocating to this stunning nation. Colombia offers a range of resident visa alternatives to accommodate various demands and situations.
There are Colombian visas available for almost everyone, including work visas, investment visas, marriage visas, migration visas, and more. But completing the resident visa application process might be challenging, particularly if you need to familiarise yourself with the prerequisites and steps. To assist you understand the various resident visas that are available in Colombia and the particular paperwork you’ll need to apply for them, we have put together this in-depth reference.
To help your Colombian visa application procedure go as smoothly as possible, we’ll also offer advice and pointers. Read on to find out more about how to get a Colombian resident visa whether you want to move to the country for employment, for investment opportunities, or to start a new life with your loved ones.
The Four Qualifying Categories for the Colombian Residency Visa
Travellers from all over the world are choosing Colombia as a vacation destination more frequently. It’s hardly surprising that more and more people are thinking about making Colombia their permanent home given its tropical climate, diversified culture, and low cost of living.
But getting a Colombian visa might be challenging, particularly for individuals who need to learn more about the requirements. People can apply for one of several eligible categories to get a resident visa for Colombia.
The four primary subcategories that can result in a successful Colombian visa application will be covered in this blog post. For people who are thinking about moving to Colombia, it will offer useful advice.
Renunciation of nationality
If you were formerly a citizen of Colombia but gave it up to live abroad as someone who holds another country’s citizenship. You could still be able to apply for a resident visa for Colombia in that situation.
In this situation, you’ll need to show evidence of both your visa application and your renunciation of Colombian dual citizenship. You must also present documentation showing your current citizenship and any necessary immigration papers.
Temporary protection status of Venezuelan migrants
For refugees from Venezuela who have left their nation owing to political turmoil and economic hardship, Colombia has been offering temporary protection status. They are able to reside and work legally in Colombia for a predetermined amount of time thanks to their protective status.
Venezuelan migrants must submit an application to the Colombian government and show supporting evidence, such as a current passport or ID card, to be granted temporary protection status. They must also go through a background investigation and an interview.
Peace process resident
The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the Colombian government reached a peace agreement in 2016, putting an end to more than 50 years of armed struggle. Specific parties to the conflict, such as former guerrilla fighters and their families, may be qualified for a peace process resident visa as part of this agreement.
They must submit evidence of their participation in the peace process and pass a background check in order to be granted this visa.
Accumulated time in Colombia with a migrant visa
live in Colombia on a visa for immigrants. Based on your cumulative time in Colombia, you might be qualified to apply for a visa for permanent residence. For instance, if you have been living in Colombia for five years on a work visa. Based on your accrued experience, you might be qualified to submit an application for a resident Colombian visa.
If you choose for a migrant visa under the investment category, you must invest in real estate in Colombia an amount equal to 350 times the minimum wage (or roughly $93,000). As long as you continue to own the property, you will receive a three-year migrant visa that is renewable for you and your family.
In five years, you can convert your temporary visas to Colombian visas for permanent residence.
Work visas, marriage visas to Colombian citizens, parent visas for a child born in Colombia or a citizen of Colombia, and retirement visas are examples of additional immigrant visas. You’ll need to present documentation, such as evidence of your visa status and length of stay in the country, in order to apply for a resident visa based on accrued time.
A qualified resident visa may be issued if
The foreign national has been living permanently in the country on a temporary visa for at least five years.
The foreign national is the biological parent of a citizen of Colombia.
The foreign national has lived in the country continuously for at least five years, is of legal age, and possesses a resident visa that meets certain requirements.
The foreigner has held a temporary visa for three years running as the spouse or life partner of a Colombian national.
Document Requirements for Colombian Residency
Depending on the kind of visa you want to apply for, specific documents must be submitted in order to obtain Colombian residency. However, the majority of Colombian resident visas have a few common document needs. The following are some of the crucial records that candidates must submit:
Passport photocopy: To verify the applicant’s identity and citizenship, a copy of their passport is requested.
A document proving the applicant’s legal entry into Colombia is required as proof of entry. This could be a departure card, a full visa stamp, or an entry stamp on the passport.
Applicants must submit a current, passport-size photo that satisfies the standards set by the Colombian government.
In the event that the applicant has already received a visa from Colombia, they must present a photocopy of that visa.
Proof of income: Depending on the type of visa you want to get, you might have to show evidence of your salary or other financial resources to prove that you have the means to support yourself while you’re in Colombia.
Applicants who already possess a Colombian identification card (cedula) are required to submit a copy.
Accreditation of occupation for work/occupational visas: Those requesting a work visa must present documentation of their professional training and accreditation in their line of activity.
Investors: Federal Bank’s Proof of Investment: An investment visa applicant must submit proof of their investment, such as a deposit receipt from a Colombian bank account.
People applying for a family visa must submit a letter from their Colombian spouse or partner verifying their marriage or civil union. The letter must be notarized.
Certificate of migratory movement: A certificate of migratory movement is a record of the applicant’s journeys into and out of Colombia. It is necessary for the majority of immigrant and residence visa categories.
These are just a few illustrations of the particular documentation needed to be granted a resident visa in Colombia.
In order to make sure that all required documents are submitted with the application, it is crucial to carefully check the prerequisites for the particular type of visa being sought.
The cost of a resident visa for Colombia ranges from $300 to $400, depending on the kind of visa you wish to apply for.
