Work Visa in Colombia: Types and Requirements

Colombia is a very interesting and popular country in Latin America for foreigners looking to expand their businesses abroad, invest their money, or look into new job opportunities. Its growing economy, as well as business-friendly initiatives, make it the perfect destination for business owners interested in setting up a company in Colombia.

In 2020, it became a member of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and it has since been able to standardize and adjust most of its processes to the OECD international standards.

In addition to all these, Colombia is a country that receives foreigners looking to work or start a business. It is a very popular destination because the process is less complex, which makes it a very popular destination in South America to get a Work Visa.

Why do I need a Work Visa?

All foreigners that want to pursue business or professional activities in Colombia need to have a valid work visa in order to comply with the law, fiscal, and other local regulations. A Work Visa in Colombia will also allow you, as a foreigner, to have access to health insurance, a pension fund (in some cases), and other benefits.

What are the types of Work Visas in Colombia?

In Colombia, you can get a Work Visa depending on your migration status and how long you want to pursue business or work activities in the country.

Migrant (M)

A Migrant (M) visa is for foreigners who want to settle in Colombia and is issued for up to 3 years. The categories most relevant to business are: Worker, with a job offer or contract from a Colombian employer; Partner or Owner, for those who invest at least 100 monthly minimum wages (COP 175,090,500 in 2026) in a Colombian company; and Investor, for registered foreign direct investment above 650 monthly minimum wages (more than COP 1,138,088,250 in 2026) or real estate worth at least 350 monthly minimum wages. Spouses and partners of Colombian nationals also qualify.

Visitor (V)

A Visitor (V) visa covers temporary stays without the intention of settling, such as business visits, short technical assignments and events. It also includes the digital nomad visa for remote workers of foreign companies, which requires income of at least 3 monthly minimum wages and lasts up to 2 years.

Resident (R)

A Resident (R) visa allows foreigners to live permanently in the country. It is usually obtained after holding an M visa for an uninterrupted period, generally five years. Investment no longer leads directly to an R visa; it now gives an M Investor visa. Parents of Colombian nationals by birth can also apply directly.

How do I obtain a Work Visa in Colombia?

The ‘Cancillería’ or Ministery of Foreign Affairs is responsible for the issue of Visas. Applications are filed online through the Cancilleria’s visa portal. Holders of visas longer than three months must register with Migración Colombia within 15 calendar days and obtain their foreigner ID card (cédula de extranjería).

The requirements to obtain a Work Visa in Colombia vary depending on the type of Visa, however, there are some general requirements and documents needed. Keep in mind all the documents that are not in Spanish have to be translated and be duly legalized and apostilled:

• Valid passport or another travel document (valid for a minimum of 180 days upon arrival) with at least 2 blank pages

• A recent photograph with a white background, uploaded with the online application

• Original work contract

• A letter from the employer describing the position, its duration and the salary

• An academic degree, diploma, or technical certification that proves work proficiency (depending on the type of work, some licenses can be asked for)

• Information about the company or legal person that is going to hire you

Do you need to create a company in Colombia?

If you wish to set up a company in Colombia, or you already have one, you may qualify for the M Partner or Owner visa by investing at least 100 monthly minimum wages in it. From the second visa onward, the company must show real activity, such as bank statements, tax returns and social security payments.

Get help from Easyco

At Easyco, we can help you obtain a work visa in Colombia that suits your personal and business needs, alongside company formation, tax, accounting and payroll. Contact us to discuss your project.

Easyco also provides:

• Appointment of legal representation
• Providing a registered office address
• Handling tax and accounting
• Payroll and employer of record services
• Support with your corporate bank account opening
• Trademark registration
• Recruiting and hiring