Description of the visa, its purpose, conditions, peculiarities of issuance, and guidelines for utilization.
A migrant visa for highly qualified professionals (with an advanced degree) who wish to contribute to Colombia's development. Its key advantage is the ability to accumulate time toward obtaining permanent residency (Resident Visa R) after 5 years. The visa grants the right to reside, a work permit with the sponsoring organization, and allows the holder to bring family members.
Visa validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
3 years
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
$250
The primary characteristics that define the conditions for obtaining and using a visa. These conditions may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the decision of the immigration authorities of the country.
to 3 years
Visa validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
<p><strong>The final decision regarding the validity period, approval, denial, or request for additional documents is made by the Internal Group for Visa and Immigration Affairs (GIT de Visas e Inmigración) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia (Cancillería).</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>The visa itself constitutes an authorization to enter and remain in the country for the period indicated therein.</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>The maximum validity period is generally 3 years.</strong></p>
to 3 years
Duration of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
<p><strong>The period of stay is generally tied to the validity period of the visa itself and the purpose of the visit. The exact duration depends on the decision of the immigration officer and is indicated on the visa sticker or electronic visa.</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>! Absence from Colombia for more than 180 consecutive days leads to automatic visa cancellation.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>NB: Upon arrival in Colombia, the foreign national is required to register their visa with the migration authority (Migración Colombia) within 15 calendar days.</strong></p>
Individually
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
<p><strong>There is no standard procedure for automatic renewal. As long as the conditions are maintained, an application for a new visa may be submitted.</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>This can be done without leaving the country, but it is important to submit the documents before the current visa expires.</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>After 5 years of legal stay under this Migrant visa, the holder may apply for a Resident Visa (R).</strong></p>
multiple-entry
The ability to enter and exit the country an unlimited number of times, unless otherwise specified, within the visa's validity period.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
from 10 days to 1 month
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
<p><strong>The processing time for a Colombian visa can vary. </strong><strong>The exact time depends on multiple factors: the country where the application is submitted, the complexity of the case (standard or complex), the workload of the consulate, and whether the applicant submits the documents independently or through a specialist.</strong></p>
$250
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
<p><strong>The cost of a Colombian visa consists of two independent payments: the consular fee (paid to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for processing and issuing the visa) and, in some cases, the migration fee (paid to Migración Colombia upon entry or when obtaining the document).</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>The exact visa cost is not fixed and may vary depending on the nationality and applicable bilateral agreements. </strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>The general fee schedule for migrant visas (Type M) is as follows:</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>- Study fee: approximately $54 USD. This fee is paid upon submission of the application and is non-refundable in the event of a denial. </strong></p> <p><strong>- Issuance fee: approximately $195 USD. This fee is paid only after the visa has been approved.</strong></p>
A list of documents required for visa application. The exact list depends on the chosen visa type, the purpose of the visit, and the individual conditions of the applicant.
The essential minimum documents required for a visa application, such as a passport or visa application form. These are necessary regardless of the location, method, or conditions of the application.
Completed form
An online pre-registration with an electronic Entry permit - Check-MIG forms.
Passport
Validity period - at least 6 months at the time of application. At least 2 blank pages for visa stamps are also required.
Photograph
A digital photograph with strict technical parameters: the image size must be exactly 3 x 4 cm, the file format must be JPG, and the file size must not exceed 300 KB. The photograph must be taken against a uniform white background within the last 6 months. In the image, the face must be directed straight at the camera with a neutral expression (no smiling), and the eyes and ears must be fully visible and not covered by hair. The use of headwear and glasses is not permitted, with the exception of religious headwear that does not conceal the oval of the face.
Documents that specify, substantiate, and confirm the purpose of the visit, as well as provide necessary information about the applicant and their future activities in the country.
Motivation letter (Carta de Motivación)
An official letter from a university, research center, or company in Colombia that justifies the need to engage the specialist and describes their activities aimed at the internationalization of the country.
Contract (Contrato)
An agreement with a Colombian academic institution, government entity, or sponsoring company.
Compliance with national internationalization programs
In cases where the national government has established specific requirements for internationalization programs, the applicant must comply with these criteria.
Criminal record certificate
From the country (or countries) of residence for the last 3 years. The document must be apostilled and translated into Spanish by a certified translator.
Proof of qualifications
An apostilled and Spanish-translated copy of a master's, doctoral, or postdoctoral diploma in the fields of fundamental/applied sciences, engineering, mathematics, and related disciplines.
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
Travel insurance
It is recommended to choose a policy with coverage of at least 50,000 US dollars, including insurance for active leisure activities and evacuation cases.
Documents regarding migration status
If applicable. If the application is submitted from within Colombia or a third country, a document confirming legal stay in that country must be provided (copy of visa, entry stamp, residence permit, etc.).
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
The minimum criteria that each visa applicant must meet. If these criteria are not met, justifications and convincing evidence of intent to visit the country must be provided.
Clear purposes of the visit and documents confirming them, in accordance with the visa conditions.
Sufficient means to support oneself and their dependents for the duration of their stay in the country.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of the country.
The characteristics of a visa according to its classification by types, categories, and visit purposes. These are selected by the applicant during the application process, typically indicated on the visa application form and reflected in corresponding annotations on the visa itself.
Category code
A letter-based or alphanumeric code for a specific visa category, indicating its conditions or serving as an abbreviated name. This code is typically found on the visa or visa stamp.
M
Type of visa
The primary purpose of the visa and the conditions under which it is issued. This typically includes several general categories of visas and/or visit purposes based on the type of activity or reasons for entering the country.
Migrant visa
Category
The classification within a visa type that specifies more specific conditions, characteristics of obtaining, and using the visa. Categories may vary in terms of duration, stay conditions, and the rights granted by the visa.
Migrant visa
Links to official resources upon which the information presented on the website is based. Information portals of government bodies or diplomatic representations of the country responsible for visa issuance and immigration policy in general.
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support@terrana.orgLast updated 2026-04-20