Colombia - resident
Resident VisaR
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.
Who this visa is for
- M-category visa holders with 5 continuous years of legal residence
- M-1 (marriage/partner) visa holders with 2 continuous years
- Parents of Colombian citizens by birth
- Foreigners renouncing Colombian citizenship (within 2 years)
Requirements
- Continuous M visa residence
5 years on M visa (2 years for M-1). Proven via Migracion Colombia residence history.
- No absences over 180 consecutive days
Continuous residence is broken by absences longer than 180 days in a row.
- Proof of economic means
Bank statements showing ability to maintain yourself.
- Valid passport
Minimum 6 months validity.
- Migration record
Certificate of movements (movimientos migratorios) from Migracion Colombia.
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Study fee | USD 54 | |
| Issuance fee | USD 448 |
Application steps
- 1. Request migration history
Obtain movimientos migratorios certificate from Migracion Colombia showing continuous residence.
- 2. Gather visa history
Copies of all previous visas and Cedulas de Extranjeria.
- 3. Apply on SITAC
Submit R visa application.
- 4. Pay fees
USD 54 study, USD 448 issuance.
- 5. Replace Cedula de Extranjeria
Update your foreigner ID to show R-category status.
Official government source
Always verify the current fees, requirements and forms at the official source before applying:
Ask about the Resident VisaR
Grounded on this page. Answers are informational, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
How long to get permanent residency in Colombia?
Typically 5 continuous years on any M-category visa (work, retirement, investor, digital nomad does NOT count). The M-1 Marriage/Partner visa is faster at 2 years. Absences longer than 180 consecutive days break continuity and reset the count.
Can I lose my Colombia R visa?
Yes. The R visa is revoked if you spend more than 2 consecutive years outside Colombia without justification. Short trips abroad do not count. Keep a Cedula de Extranjeria active and renew the R visa every 5 years.
How do I become a Colombian citizen after the R visa?
After holding R status for 2 continuous years (5 years for some nationalities without reciprocity), apply for naturalization through Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores. Requirements include Spanish proficiency, knowledge of Colombian history/geography, and clean criminal record.