Visa Types
Business visas are divided into 4 categories: NE 1, NE 2, NE 3, NE 4
NE 1: This type of business visa is granted to foreigners who intend to enter Colombia to conduct trade and business, promote economic exchange, make investments and create business opportunities. NE 1 is granted for a maximum of 3 years with multiple entries allowing a maximum of 180 days of stay for each entry into Colombia. Foreigners who have obtained this visa cannot be domiciled in Colombia and cannot engage in business activities that results in payment of wages.
Documents required:
- Copy of the first page of the applicant’s current passport where the personal data is displayed.
- Copy of the page of the applicant’s passport where the last stamp of entry or departure of Colombia is located.
- If the applicant had a Colombian visa but it was issued without the OCR (lecture code), please attach a copy of the last Colombian visa. In case if the visa includes the OCR, this requisite is not necessary.
- If the visa process will be finished by a third person, an official power of attorney must be presented.
- Official communication of the legal representative of the company as a public, private or mixed entity, legally established in Colombia that sponsors your visit
- Official communication of the legal representative of the commercial, industrial or service company legally established in Colombia that sponsors your visit.
- Invitation/presentation letter regarding the applicant for a Business Visa written by a Chamber of Commerce or official commercial or foreign investment promotion office from your country of origin/residence.
- Fill out the online application through the following link: Formulario Visas or personally at the issuing office. In the event of artistic, sports and/or cultural groups, it may be filled out by the representative specifying the data of each of the members of the group.
Cost
- In Colombia: Study USD 50, Visa USD 370,
- Abroad: Europe and Cuba –Study Euro 39, Visa Euro 286
- Rest of the world –Study USD50, Visa USD 370
NE 2: This visa is granted to foreigners who enter Colombia as a business person in terms of Free trade agreements, International Partnerships, and under Pacific Alliance Agreements. This visa will be granted for 4 years with multiple entries with a maximum of 2 years of stay during each visit. These visa holders are able can be domiciled in Colombia and can engage in business activities that results in the payment of wages.
Documents required:
- Copy of the first page of the applicant’s current passport where the personal data is displayed.
- Copy of the page of the applicant’s passport where the last stamp of entry or departure of Colombia is located.
- If the applicant had a Colombian visa but it was issued without the OCR (lecture code), please attach a copy of the last Colombian visa. In case if the visa includes the OCR, this requisite is not necessary.
- If the visa process will be finished by a third person, an official power of attorney must be presented.
- Official communication of the legal representative of the commercial, industrial or service company legally established in Colombia that sponsors your visit.
- Fill out the online application through the following link: Formulario Visas or personally at the issuing office. In the event of artistic, sports and/or cultural groups, it may be filled out by the representative specifying the data of each of the members of the group.
Cost
- In Colombia: Study USD50, Visa USD 220,
- Europe and Cuba: Study- Euro39, Visa Euros 170
- Rest of the world: Study USD 50, Visa USD 220
NE 4: This visa is granted to foreigners who intend to enter into Colombia as a foreigner or senior executive of a multi-national company with the intention of investing and generating business. NE 4 visa is granted for a maximum of 5 years with multiple entries and a 180 day stay allowed in each visit per year. The foreigner cannot establish domicile in Colombia and will not be able to pay wages based on business activities.
Documents required:
- Copy of the first page of the applicant’s current passport where the personal data is displayed.
- Copy of the page of the applicant’s passport where the last stamp of entry or departure of Colombia is located.
- If the applicant had a Colombian visa but it was issued without the OCR (lecture code), please attach a copy of the last Colombian visa. In case if the visa includes the OCR, this requisite is not necessary.
- If the visa process will be finished by a third person, an official power of attorney must be presented.
- Official communication from the legal representative of the multinational company where it clearly states that the applicant is the President or a High Official.
- Fill out the online application through the following link: Formulario Visas or personally at the issuing office. In the event of artistic, sports and/or cultural groups, it may be filled out by the representative specifying the data of each of the members of the group.
Cost
- Colombia: Study USD50, Visa USD 270
- Europe and Cuba: Study Euro 39, Visa Euro 208
- Rest of the world-Study USD50, Visa USD 270.
TP 4 (Temporary work visa 4): This visa is granted to foreigners who enter the country under an employment relationship or independent contract to provide services to an individual or a corporation domiciled in Colombia. The visa will be valid for the duration of the work performed and would be valid for a maximum of 3 years. TP 4 visa will be cancelled if the foreigner leaves Colombia for more than 180 consecutive days.
Costs
- In Colombia: Study USD 50, Visa USD 245
- Europe and Cuba: Study Euro 39, Visa Euro 190
- Rest of the world: Study USD 50, Visa USD 245
TP 7 (Temporary work visa 7): TP 7 is granted to the foreigner that intends to enter the country as a pensioner or an investor, partner or owner of a corporation, a property owner, to exercise independent activities or occupations not established in this decree. This visa is valid for one year with multiple entries.
- Copy of the first page of the current passport where the personal data is displayed.
- Copy of the page of the passport where the last stamp of entry or departure of Colombia is located.
- If the applicant had a Colombian visa but it was issued without the OCR (lecture code), please attach a copy of the last Colombian visa. In case the applicant had a visa that counts with the OCR, this requisite is not necessary.
- If the visa process will be finished by a third person, an official power of attorney must be presented.
- Attach the documents described in the first four bullets and certificate issued by competent authority, government, public or private company, foreign or colombian entity or diplomatic or consular mission from the country that the foreign national received the retirement funds accredited in Colombia which shows that the applicant receives a monthly stipend of no less than 3 current legal minimum monthly salaries, or
- Attach the documents described in the first 4 bullets and certificate where the rent is clearly stated issued by public entity, banks, financial corporations, social security institutions, insurance companies or any other private company, recognized by the respective government that pays or wires the rent; or the original of the contract that permits the proof of the rent. In both cases, the amount cannot be less than the equivalent to 15 current legal minimum monthly salaries, or
- Attach the documents described in the first 4 bullets and certificate of legal representation issued by a colombian Chamber of Commerce within the 3 months prior to the application of the visa, in which it states that the foreign national is a partner or owner of a company legally constituted and registered with a capital or assets registered and paid by the foreigner with a worth no less than 100 current legal minimum monthly salaries (attach the pages that show: legal identity, social object, legal representatives, capital or stock composition, functions of the legal representative), for an anonymous society a certificate of stock composition must be signed by the fiscal revisor, precising the worth of the stocks owned by the foreign national, which cannot be less than 100 current legal minimum monthly salaries, or
- Communication issued by the Departament of International Exchange of the Bank of the Republic in which the Foreign Direct Investment is registered in order for the foreigner to buy a property in his name, for an amount of more than 350 current legal minimum monthly salaries and the Certificate of Tradition and Liberty issued by the respective Office of Public Instruments, with an issue date of no more than a month in which the property ownership by the foreigner is shown. The value of the property cannot be less than the one stated in this paragraph, or
- Letter issued by the applicant indicating the activities he/she will develop in Colombia, accompanied by the Curriculum Vitae in which the work experience in the field is proven and with at least 2 certifications of work background as well as a bank statement of the last 6 months where the average balance is more than 15 current legal minimum monthly salaries.
- In the event the applicant is a beneficiary of an entrepreneurship program or activity sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism a certificate issued by the Ministry should be presented. The said certificate must clearly state that the foreign national is a beneficiary of an entrepreneurship program or activity, public or private, recognized by the entity.
- Fill out the online application through the following link: Formulario Visas or personally at the issuing office.
TP 7 will be cancelled if the foreigner leaves Colombia for more than 180 consecutive days.
Cost
- In Colombia: Study USD 50, Visa USD 205
- Europe and Cuba: Study Euro 39, Visa Euro 159
- Rest of the world: Study USD 50, Visa USD 205
TP 12 (Temporary work visa 12): This visa is granted to the foreigner that intends to enter Colombia to assist or participate with or without an employment contract in academic, scientific, artistic, cultural and sports events; to conduct interviews with public or private entities , business training, or business contracts. TP 12 is granted for a period of 90 days.
Requirements:
- Copy of the first page of the current passport where personal data is displayed.
- Copy of the page of the passport where the last stamp of entry or departure of Colombia is located.
- If you’ve had a Colombian visa but it was issued without the OCR (lecture code), please attach a copy of your last Colombian visa. In case you’ve had a visa that counts with the OCR, this requisite is not necessary.
- If the visa process will be finished by a third person, an official power of attorney must be presented.
- Copy or electronic information of the departure tickets
- Attach the documents described in the first five bullets and letter of invitation from the person or institution that invited you and will be responsible of your stay and departure from Colombia and where the activity you seek to carry out is clearly described. In the event that the person who invites is an individual the bank statements where it shows that the account balance for the past 3 months has exceed 5 current minimum legal salaries, or
- Attach the documents described in the first five bullets and certificate from the institution, public or private, that carries out personnel selection, business coaching or journalist activities, that states that the applicant is currently in a selection process, is a part of the coaching program or that he/she will carry out a journalist activity.
- Fill out the online application through the following link: Formulario Visas or personally at the issuing office. In the event of artistic, sports and/or cultural groups, it may be filled out by the representative specifying the data of each of the members of the group.
Costs
- In Colombia: Study USD 50, Visa USD 105
- Europe and Cuba: Study Euro 39, Visa Euro 82
- Rest of the world: Study USD 50, Visa USD 105
TP 13 (Temporary work visa 13): This visa will be granted to foreigners who intend to enter Colombia to provide specialized technical assistance with or without an employment contract to public or private companies. This visa is valid for a period of 180 days eligible for multiple entries. This visa will be cancelled if the foreigner is leaves Colombia for more than 180 consecutive days.
- Copy of the first page of the current passport where the personal data is displayed.
- Copy of the page of the passport where the last stamp of entry or departure of Colombia is located.
- If the applicant had a Colombian visa but it was issued without the OCR (lecture code), please attach a copy of your last Colombian visa. In case you’ve had a visa that counts with the OCR, this requisite is not necessary.
- If the visa process will be finished by a third person, an official power of attorney must be presented.
- Copy or electronic information of the departure tickets.
- Attach the documents described in the first five bullets and a) letter of responsibility from a private or public institution where it justifies the urgency of the required technical service and b) certificate of existence and legal representation (attach the pages that contain: identity, social object, legal representatives, capital or stock composition and function of the legal representative) of the institution, except when it corresponds to a public entity.
- Fill out the online application through the following link: Formulario Visas or personally at the issuing office. In the event of artistic, sports and/or cultural groups, it may be filled out by the representative specifying the data of each of the members of the group.
Costs
- In Colombia: Study USD 50, Visa USD 105
- Europe and Cuba: Study Euro 39, Visa Euro 82
- Rest of the world: Study USD 50, Visa USD 105
Visa Application
Colombia has a relatively open view to foreign employees and investors. Foreign employees have the same rights and obligations as Colombian employees. The migration policy promotes the entry of foreign employees with technical, professional and intellectual qualifications and experience who can contribute towards the development of economic, scientific, cultural or educational activities that can benefit Colombia. Likewise, the Colombian migration policy promotes the entry of foreign investors who can contribute capital in the incorporation of new companies that may generate new employment and increase exports.
Government entities responsible for immigration affairs are;
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Consulates Abroad
- Special Administrative Unit Migration Colombia
- Professional Councils
For a foreign company to sponsor employees in Colombia it must either set up a subsidiary or a branch in Colombia.
There are several steps involved in hiring foreign employees.
- Obtain employment visa from the Colombian Consulate.
- Receive approval from Ministry of Social Protection which certifies the compliance of the ratio between national and foreign employees, which is a requirement to obtain work visas in Colombia.
- Obtain temporary permits and foreign ids from the Administrative Department of Security (DAS)
Any foreign national who obtains a work visa must appear before the DAS to register themselves on the immigration files and to obtain a foreign identity card (cédula de extranjería). When immigration authorities renew the work visa the foreigner must appear before the DAS 15 days from the date of entry or visa issuance to register and obtain the foreign identification card.
The following requirements must be satisfied.
- Copy of the passport with personal details
- Copy of the passport page where the last stamp of entry or departure of Colombia
- If the applicant had a Colombian visa but it was issued without the OCR (lecture code), a copy of the last Colombian visa
- If the visa process is handled by a third party, an official power of attorney
- For individuals;
- Attach the documents prescribed above
- Download, fill and sign the contract summary
- Incase of a corporate body the declaration of assets, certificate of existence, and legal representation (attach pages that contain identity, social object, legal representatives, capital or stock composition and functions of the legal representative) and summary page or the bank statement of each of the last 6 months that represent an average balance of more than 100 current legal minimum monthly salaries
- Incase of an individual, attach the first page or the summary page of each bank statement of the last 6 months that represent an average account balance of more than 10 current legal monthly salaries and a copy of the Colombian ID
- For groups
- Attach the documents mentioned in the first 4 bullet points
- Download, fill and sign the contract summary
- Incase of a corporate body the declaration of assets, certificate of existence, and legal representation (attach pages that contain identity, social object, legal representatives, capital or stock composition and functions of the legal representative) and summary page or the bank statement of each of the last 6 months that represent an average balance of more than 100 current legal minimum monthly salaries
- Incase of an individual, attach the first page or the summary page of each bank statement of the last 6 months that represent an average account balance of more than 10 current legal monthly salaries and a copy of the Colombian ID
- Fill out the online application through the following link: Formulario Visas or personally at the issuing office. In the event of artistic, sports and/or cultural groups, it may be filled out by the representative specifying the data of each of the members of the group.
- A valid passport with an expiration date of more than 180 days and 2 blank pages
- Produce the passport to the Colombian Consulate where the application was finished. If the applicant personally visits the visa office photographs can be taken on site.
If payments are made in Colombia, such payments must be made on the same day the receipt is generated. Failure to do so results in the need to request a new receipt (maximum 2 days after the initial request). Payments can be made either
- at the Sudameris bank office located inside the visa office in Colombian Pesos or
- via PSE or
- Via Servibanca ATMs
Other documents required: Recent photograph 3X3 centimetres in colour on a white background
*The visa costs USD 245
If payments are made abroad such payments must be made on the same day the receipt is generated. Failure to do so results in the need to request a new receipt (maximum 2 days after the initial request). Payments can be made either
- via PSE or
- via methods approved by the local consulate
The visa costs Euro 190 for Europeans and Cuban nationals and USD 245 for the rest of the world.
