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Navigating the M Worker Visa: Essential Information for Securing Employment Authorization in Colombia

A Comprehensive Overview of the M Worker Visa Application Process and Requirements

  • Applicable To: Foreign nationals who have secured a work contract with a Colombian company.


  • Duration: From 1 to 3 years.


  • Specific Requirements:

    • Summary Contract Format: The contract must be presented using the "Summary of Service, Work, or Labor Contract" format established by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, available on their website. This summary should clearly state the start and end dates of the employment contract.

    • Indefinite Term Work Contract: We recommend that the contract presented should be an indefinite term work contract.. This contract must include a clause stating that it will only take legal effect if the visa is approved.

    • Motivation Letter: This letter must be signed by the legal representative of the company and should detail the applicant's suitability for the job, the tasks to be performed, qualifications, and specific reasons for not hiring a Colombian citizen.

    • Bank Statements: The employer must provide bank statements for the last 6 months showing an average monthly income of at least one hundred (100) legal minimum wages.

    • Professional Qualifications:

      • For Non-Regulated Professions: Provide a copy of the professional degree, apostilled or legalized, and translated into Spanish if necessary. Alternatively, provide work and experience certifications that support the applicant’s qualifications.

      • For Regulated Professions: The foreign worker and the hiring company must obtain the necessary permit or license from the appropriate Professional Council. This permit or license must be presented if the foreign worker applies for a second or subsequent visa.


  • Allows to Work in Colombia? Yes, this visa allows the holder to work in Colombia, but only in the company and position for which the visa was approved. This is a visa that is tied to the specific job. Also, keep in mind that while you are authorized to work in Colombia with this type of visa.


  • Processing Time: Generally, from 2 to 5 weeks, but it may vary depending on the specific circumstances of each application.


  • Application Location: Can be applied for from within Colombia or from the applicant's country of residence or nationality.


  • Allows Beneficiaries? Yes, this visa allows beneficiaries, including children under the age of 25 and older adults who are financially dependent.


  • Can Reapply for this Visa?: Yes, it is possible to reapply for this visa if the applicant continues to meet the eligibility criteria.


  • Government Fees for Visa Application:

    • Visa Study Fee: $54.92 USD or €42.25 EUR

    • Visa Issuance Fee: $230.00 USD or €176.00 EUR


  • Our Fees: For detailed information on the application process, including government fees, our service costs, and what’s included, visit our dedicated landing page for this visa.


  • Additional Services you may need:

    • Apostilles and official translations may be required.


  • Does it Allow You to Accumulate Time for Residency?: Yes, for foreigners who have stayed in the national territory as holders of a Migrant (M) visa under this category, the time can be accumulated toward applying for a resident visa. For this type of visa, the accumulation of time with the work visa is 5 years.


  • Relevant Aspects and Frequently Asked Questions:

    • Professional Qualifications: All professional qualifications must be apostilled or legalized, depending on the country of issuance, and translated into Spanish by an official translator if necessary.

    • Employer’s Responsibility: The employer must justify the need to hire a foreign national instead of a Colombian citizen and provide sufficient evidence of their inability to fill the position locally.

    • Regulated Professions: A valid permit or license from the relevant Professional Council is required for regulated professions, especially when applying for subsequent visas.

    • The visa is tied to this specific job, so if the contract ends, your visa will be automatically revoked.

    • You are not allowed to work for any other Colombian company under any type of contract because, as explained earlier, your visa is contingent upon the job for which the visa was granted.

    • It is also important as a worker to ensure that the company registers you with the government platforms SIRE and RUTEC to avoid future issues such as fines and complications when applying for other types of visas.

    • 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.


  • Restrictions when Applying for this Type of Visa:

    • The visa is contingent upon the specific job and employer; if the contract is modified or terminated, it directly affects the visa status.

    • The applicant must work only for the company and position specified in the visa. Working for any other company or under a different contract is not allowed and will result in visa revocation.


  • Regulation Governing this Type of Visa: Resolution 5477 of 2022, Article 74.


  • 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:

-https://www.cancilleria.gov.co/v/trabajador

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