Everything You Need to Know to Successfully Obtain a Business Visa for Colombia
Applicable To: Foreigners engaging in business activities or exploring business opportunities in Colombia.
Duration: Up to 2 years; Maximum stay of 180 calendar days, continuous or intermittent, non-extendable within each 365-day period from the visa issuance.
Specific Requirements:
Business Plan or Proposal: Detailed plan or proposal outlining the nature of the business activity or investment.
Proof of Business Activity: Documentation proving engagement in business activities, such as contracts, agreements, or evidence of business meetings.
Proof of Financial Means: Evidence of financial capability to sustain the business activity and support oneself during the stay in Colombia.
International Health Insurance: Proof of health insurance covering the stay in Colombia, including emergencies, accidents, hospitalization, and repatriation.
Allows to Work in Colombia? No
Processing Time: 2-5 weeks
Application Location: From Colombia or from your country of residence or nationality.
Allows Beneficiaries? No.
Can Reapply for this Visa? Yes
Government Fees for Visa Application. These fees are charged directly through a specific link provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia and can be paid using a credit or debit card:
Visa Study Fee: $54.92 USD or €42.25 EUR
Visa Issuance Fee: $132.03 USD or €101.40 EUR
Our fees for managing the process from start to finish: $300 USD or $270 EUR. Eligible for money-back guarantee.
Additional Services you may need:
Acquisition of all-risk insurance policy.
Does it allow you to accumulate time for residency? No.
Relevant Aspects and Frequently Asked Questions:
Place of Application: Although the visa application is online (there is no way to do it in person), it is recommended that you be in the place from where you will present the visa in person. You can apply while in Colombia, as long as you are in a regular situation in the country (if you have been in Colombia for less than 3 months on a tourist permit or if you have requested an extension of your tourist permit and have been in the country for less than 6 months, or if you have been on a tourist permit for more than 5 months but want to apply for a special permit). You can also apply from your country of nationality or residence, as long as you have a valid identification document in that country.
To apply for this type of visa, you must present documentation demonstrating that the time you will spend in Colombia follows an itinerary, which includes appointments, visits to companies, potential clients, etc.
Keep in mind that, although this visa can be approved for up to a maximum of 2 years, the stay in the national territory will be for a maximum of 180 calendar days, whether continuous or intermittent, non-extendable within each three hundred sixty-five (365) day period from the date of issuance of the visa. Therefore, we encourage you to evaluate your case with us to apply for a visa that provides the possibility of staying in Colombian territory for a longer period.
The all-risk insurance policy you must present must be issued. It should include coverage for: accidents, medical expenses, maternity, and repatriation.
Restrictions when applying for this type of visa: It is prohibited to work for or provide services to a Colombian company, as well as to receive compensation for performing any type of work in Colombia. However, you can receive passive income from investments in Colombia.
Regulation governing this type of visa: Resolution 5477 of 2022, Section 2, Article 35.
Representation: Although the law does not require you to be represented by a lawyer for this type of process, a lawyer with a valid Colombian professional license can represent you through a power of attorney, duly authenticated.
Relevant link for more information: