Colombia Visa Guide
Visas for moving to Colombia
Colombia offers a clear visa framework organized in three tiers: V (Visitor), M (Migrant) and R (Resident). Most expat paths run through M-category visas, which after five years of continuous residence convert into the R (Resident) visa for permanent residency. Colombia is popular among digital nomads, retirees (pensionados), and remote workers thanks to a low cost of living, a mild climate and a recognized Digital Nomad Visa introduced in 2022.
Key facts
- Capital
- Bogota
- Official language
- Spanish
- Currency
- Colombian Peso (COP)
- Immigration authority
- Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores (Cancilleria)
All Colombia visas for expats
Pick the visa that matches your situation. Each guide includes requirements, fees, processing times and a link to the official government source.
Visitor Visa
The V (Visitor) visa is Colombia's short-to-medium-stay category for foreigners who do not plan to establish residence. It covers tourism beyond the standard stamp, short-term business, medical treatment, journalism, conferences and similar visits. Citizens of many countries (including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, European Union and Australia) do NOT need a V visa for typical tourism of up to 90 days, extendable to 180 days per calendar year using only the passport stamp.
Digital Nomad Visa
Launched in October 2022, Colombia's Digital Nomad Visa is a subcategory of the V (Visitor) visa designed for remote workers and entrepreneurs employed by foreign companies or running their own foreign-income business. In 2026 it requires approximately USD 1,382 per month (3x Colombian minimum wage), making it one of the most accessible digital nomad visas in Latin America. It grants a stay of up to 2 years with an easy online application.
Work Visa
The M-5 is the Migrant visa category for foreigners with a job offer from a Colombian employer. It requires a formal employment contract with a company registered in Colombia. The employer must sponsor the visa and assumes legal responsibility for the worker during the visa period. Because it is an M-category visa, time spent on M-5 counts toward the 5-year Resident (R) visa track.
Retirement Visa (Pensionado)
The M-11 Retirement (Pensionado) visa is for foreigners receiving a lifetime pension from a government, private fund or social security system. In 2026 it requires a monthly pension of roughly USD 1,382 (3 times the Colombian minimum wage) - one of the lowest thresholds worldwide. It is valid up to 3 years renewable and counts toward the 5-year Resident (R) visa track. Combined with Colombia's low cost of living, it is a popular choice for North American and European retirees.
Marriage / Partner Visa
The M-1 Migrant visa is for foreign spouses or registered permanent partners (union marital de hecho) of Colombian citizens. Colombia recognizes same-sex marriages and common-law partnerships documented through notarial declaration. This visa has the fastest path to permanent residency of all M-categories - 2 years instead of the standard 5.
Investor Visa
The M-10 Migrant visa is for foreigners making a qualifying direct investment in Colombia. Investment can be in a new or existing company, in real estate, or as a foreign investor registered with Banco de la Republica. In 2026, real estate investment of approximately USD 125,000 (350 times the Colombian minimum wage) qualifies - one of the most accessible real-estate investor visas in Latin America.
Resident Visa
The R (Resident) visa is Colombia's permanent residency category. It is granted after 5 continuous years on any M-category visa (or 2 years for M-1 marriage/partner visa holders). Children of Colombian nationals and individuals with permanent ties also qualify directly. The R visa is valid for 5 years and renewable indefinitely, and it is the final step before Colombian citizenship.
Not sure which Colombia visa fits you?
Answer a few quick questions about your income, profession and family situation, and we will narrow down the visas you likely qualify for.
In-depth Colombia articles
View allDeeper analysis that goes beyond a single visa: tax comparisons, cost breakdowns, residency timelines and retirement city guides.
tax
Colombia Digital Nomad Visa vs Pensionado (M-11): Which Saves More Tax in 2026?
Both visas land you in Colombia, but once you pass 183 days in any 12-month window, DIAN taxes your worldwide income at the same brackets. We compare the real tax outcome for a remote worker (V-ND) versus a retiree (M-11) with 2026 UVT figures.
cost
Medellin vs Bogota on an M-visa: Full 2026 Cost Breakdown for Expats
Real 2026 monthly budgets for an expat on a Colombian M-visa. Rent in El Poblado versus Chapinero Alto, private health insurance (mandatory for M), altitude, climate, and a side-by-side budget at three comfort levels.
residency
Colombia R Visa: The 5-Year Timeline to Permanent Residency (2026)
From your first M visa to the R (Resident) permanent visa, there are strict rules about continuity, absence limits and fast-tracks for spouses, parents and investors. We map the full 5-year path with 2026 fees and the jump to Colombian citizenship.
Colombia visa FAQs
Do US citizens need a visa to visit Colombia?
No. US, Canadian, UK, EU, Australian and most LATAM nationals can enter Colombia as tourists without a visa and receive a passport stamp for up to 90 days, extendable to 180 days per calendar year. A V (Visitor) visa is only needed for longer or specific-purpose stays.
How long does a Colombia visa take to process?
Standard processing is 5 business days after a complete online submission through SITAC. If additional documents are requested, the total timeline can extend to 30 calendar days. Issuance after approval takes up to 10 business days.
How much does a Colombia visa cost in 2026?
Most V and M visa applications cost USD 52-54 in study (processing) fees plus an issuance fee between USD 177 and USD 448 depending on the category and nationality reciprocity table. Digital Nomad Visa total is USD 231; Resident R visa total is USD 502.
How do I get permanent residency in Colombia?
Hold any M-category visa continuously for 5 years to qualify for the R (Resident) visa. Spouses and partners of Colombian citizens on an M-1 visa only need 2 years. You cannot be absent from Colombia for more than 180 consecutive days during the qualifying period.
What is the cheapest visa to live in Colombia long-term?
The M-11 Retirement (Pensionado) visa has the lowest income threshold at roughly 3 times the Colombian minimum wage (approximately USD 1,382 per month in 2026). It is valid up to 3 years renewable and counts toward the 5-year R visa track.