Colombian Migrant Visa (Type M)

What is the Type M Colombia Migrant Visa?

The Type M (Migrant) visa in Colombia is designed for foreign nationals who plan to live in the country long-term without immediately applying for permanent residency. It allows individuals to legally reside in Colombia for up to three years, depending on the visa category and purpose. The Colombia Migrant Visa includes multiple categories, each tailored to different needs:

• Work: For individuals with a secured job offer from a Colombian employer.
• Business Ownership: For entrepreneurs who have established or plan to establish a business in Colombia.
• Real Estate Investment: For foreigners who have made significant investments in Colombian real estate.
• Student: For those enrolled in formal educational programs in Colombia.

While the Colombia Migrant Visa offers flexibility, holders must comply with certain conditions:

• Travel Limitations: If a visa holder remains outside Colombia for more than six consecutive months, the visa may be subject to cancellation.
• Path to Residency: After five years of holding a Colombia Migrant Visa, applicants may qualify for the Type R (Resident) Visa, which leads to permanent residency.
• Family Benefits: Type M visa holders can also apply for beneficiary visas for their spouses, permanent partners, and dependent children under 25.

Who Can Apply for a Migrant Visa in Colombia?

The Type M (Migrant) Visa in Colombia is designed for foreign nationals who wish to reside in the country long-term without applying for permanent residency right away. It is ideal for individuals who meet specific eligibility criteria, including those seeking opportunities in employment, business investment, education, or family reunification. Below are the applicant profiles for the Type M visa.

• Employees: Individuals with a job offer from a Colombian employer can apply under the work category. This includes professionals, technical experts, and managerial staff.
• Business Owners: Entrepreneurs or foreign investors who have established or plan to establish a business in Colombia may qualify under the business ownership category.
• Real Estate Investors: Those making significant investments in Colombian real estate for personal use, rental income, or development can apply under this category.
• Students: Individuals enrolling in long-term educational programs at recognized Colombian institutions may apply under the student category.
• Spouses and Permanent Partners: Foreign nationals married to or in a civil partnership with a Colombian citizen or a visa-holding foreign resident may qualify for the Type M visa.
• Artists and Cultural Agents: Performers, artists, and cultural representatives working on long-term projects or performances in Colombia may be eligible.
• Medical Patients: Those seeking long-term medical treatment in Colombia under specific conditions may qualify.
• Religious Workers: Members of religious organizations engaged in missionary or religious work in Colombia may apply.

Each category has specific requirements, and applications are assessed based on compliance with Colombian immigration regulations.

Requirements for a Colombia Migrant Visa

The documentation requirements for the Type M (Migrant) Visa in Colombia vary depending on the visa category under which the applicant is applying. Each category has specific eligibility criteria, and providing the correct documents is fundamental for a successful visa application.

Work:

• A job contract with a company registered in Colombia.
• Certificate from the employer demonstrating its legal existence and financial solvency.
• A statement specifying the activities the foreigner will carry out, the contract duration, and salary.

Business Ownership:

• Proof of business ownership or a share in a Colombian company.
• A certificate from the Chamber of Commerce showing the existence and representation of the company.
• Financial statements or proof of investment in the company.

Real Estate Investment:

• Proof of property purchase in Colombia.
• A certificate from the corresponding Office of Instrument Registration showing that the real estate value meets the required minimum amount set by the Colombian government.

Student:

• Admission or registration certificate from a recognized Colombian educational institution.
• Study plan or curriculum for the academic program.

Spouses and Permanent Partners:

• A civil marriage certificate or proof of a permanent partnership, validated by Colombian authorities if done abroad.
• Proof of the Colombian partner's citizenship or the visa status of the foreign partner residing in Colombia.

Artists and Cultural Agents:

• Proof of representation or invitation from a Colombian entity related to the cultural or artistic project.
• A detailed description of the cultural or artistic activities to be carried out in Colombia.

Medical Patients:

• Medical certificate or documentation detailing the treatment plan from a health institution registered in Colombia.
• Proof of financial means to cover the treatment and stay in Colombia.

Religious Workers:

• Certification from the religious entity in Colombia supporting the applicant's religious mission or activity.
• Details of the religious or missionary activities to be carried out.
• It's worth noting that, in addition to the category-specific documents, all applicants generally need to provide:
• A valid passport with at least two blank pages.
• Passport-sized photos as per the specifications.
• Proof of visa application fee payment.

Visa requirements may change over time. If you are planning to apply for a Colombian Migrant Visa, it is recommended to check the latest guidelines from the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or consult an immigration expert in Colombia, such as Colombia Law Connection.

How Long Does It Take to Apply for a Colombian Migrant Visa (Type M)?

The processing time for a Type M (Migrant) Visa in Colombia can vary based on several factors, including the visa category, completeness of the application, workload at the Colombian consulate or embassy, and the applicant's nationality.

On average, the processing time ranges from a few weeks to a couple of months. However, applicants should always verify the most up-to-date processing times by checking the official website of the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or contacting the nearest Colombian consulate or embassy.

Additionally, gathering and preparing all required documents before submitting the application can significantly impact the overall timeline. To avoid delays, it is recommended to apply for a Colombian Migrant Visa well in advance of the intended travel or relocation date.

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a Colombian Migrant Visa (Type M)

Applying for a Colombia Migrant Visa involves several steps, from determining eligibility to obtaining approval. Here is a detailed guide to help applicants successfully apply for a Colombian Migrant Visa.

1. Determine Eligibility

Choose the appropriate Type M visa category, such as work, business ownership, real estate investment, study, or family reunification and check the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or consult an immigration expert to understand the documentation requirements and eligibility criteria.

2. Gather Required Documents

Prepare a valid passport, birth certificate, and marriage certificate (if applicable), depending on the visa category, gather necessary paperwork such as financial statements, employment contracts, proof of property ownership, or proof of enrollment in a Colombian institution. Obtain valid health insurance covering your stay in Colombia and take into account that some categories may require extra documentation, such as business plans, letters of invitation, or religious certifications.

3. Online Application

Fill out the Colombian visa application form on the official Cancillería website and upload the documents, provide scanned copies of all required documents in the correct format.

4. Pay Visa Fees

Pay the visa application fee online. The cost varies based on the applicant's nationality and visa category.

5. Visa Application Review

The Colombian consulate or embassy will review your Colombia Migrant Visa application, a process that may take a few weeks to several months.

6. Attend an Interview (If Required)

Some applicants may need to attend an interview at the nearest Colombian consulate or embassy, be ready to discuss your intentions for staying in Colombia and provide any additional requested information.

7. Visa Approval and Issuance

You will receive confirmation of your visa application status. If approved, the Colombia Migrant Visa will be stamped on your passport or issued electronically. Some applicants must collect their visa in person, while others may receive it electronically.

8. Arrival in Colombia

Within 15 days of arrival, register with Migración Colombia and apply for a Colombian Foreign ID (Cédula de Extranjería).

9. Stay Informed

Be aware of the validity period of your visa and the conditions for renewal or extension, if applicable.

10. Comply with Legal Obligations

Maintain legal status by complying with Colombian immigration regulations, including health insurance requirements and other legal responsibilities.

Important Notes:

• Ensure Accuracy: All information in your visa application must be truthful and error-free to avoid delays or rejection.
• Document Translations: Any non-Spanish documents may require translation, legalization, or apostille certification.
• Seek Professional Guidance: Consulting an immigration expert can help navigate complex requirements and stay updated on Colombian visa policies.

Start Your Colombia Migrant Visa Application Today!

Ready to apply for a Colombia Migrant Visa? Our experts at Colombia Law Connection are here to guide you through the process, ensuring a smooth and successful application. Whether you're moving for work, business, study, or family reunification, we provide expert assistance every step of the way.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between the Type M visa and the Type R (Resident) visa?

The Type M visa is for temporary longer stays up to 3 years in various categories, while the Type R visa is for those seeking permanent residency, often after holding an M visa for a specific duration.

How long can I stay in Colombia with an M visa? Is it possible to renew it?

The M visa can be valid for up to 3 years, depending on the category. Yes, it's possible to renew it, but renewal requirements vary based on the visa category.

Can I change the category of my M visa (e.g., from student to work) without leaving Colombia?

In most cases, changing the category of a Type M visa requires submitting a new application with all the required documents for the desired visa category. While it may not always be necessary to leave Colombia, approval depends on Colombian immigration regulations. It is highly recommended to consult with immigration officials or an expert in Colombian visa processes to ensure compliance with current policies.

What happens if I stay out of Colombia for more than six consecutive months while holding an M visa?

If an M visa holder stays outside Colombia for more than six consecutive months, the visa may be subject to cancellation.

Are there any minimum financial requirements or investment amounts for specific categories, like business ownership or real estate?

Yes, specific categories like business ownership and real estate investment have minimum financial or investment requirements. The exact amounts can change and should be checked with the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Can my family join me in Colombia if I hold an M visa? How do I apply for dependent visas for them?

Yes, spouses, permanent partners, and children under 25 can apply for beneficiary visas. The application requires proof of relationship (e.g., marriage or partnership certificate) and a copy of the primary visa holder's valid M visa.

Is it mandatory to have health insurance while on an M visa in Colombia?

Yes, foreigners on an M visa are generally required to have valid health insurance covering their stay in Colombia.

Can I apply for Colombian citizenship while on an M visa?

Holding an M visa can contribute to the time requirements for applying for citizenship, but you'd generally need to transition to a Resident (R) visa first before becoming eligible for citizenship.

If my application for an M visa is denied, can I appeal the decision or reapply?

If denied, you can generally appeal the decision or reapply, but you should follow the guidance provided in the denial notice and might benefit from consulting with an immigration attorney.

Are there any restrictions on the activities I can engage in while on an M visa, such as starting a new business or changing jobs?

The activities are based on the visa category. For example, if you're on a work category M visa, you're expected to work in the job specified in your application. Starting a new business or changing jobs would typically require a new visa application or modification.