Description of the visa, its purpose, conditions, peculiarities of issuance, and guidelines for utilization.
For foreigners who plan to work temporarily in Colombia under a contract with a local company. This is the equivalent of a work permit for a specific project or temporary position, where the relationship is based on a civil/commercial agreement rather than a standard employment contract. Unlike the full-fledged work visa (Migrant Worker Visa), which implies long-term employment and a path to permanent residency, this visa is more suitable for specialists hired for a limited period.
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.
from 6 months to 2 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.
$16 – $252
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.
from 6 months to 2 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 validity period of this visa is the period during which the visa can be used to enter the country. </strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>The exact validity period of the visa depends directly on the duration of the service contract. The decision is made by the immigration officer. </strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>The standard validity period of this visa ranges from 6 months to 2 years.</strong></p>
to 6 months
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 permitted period of stay is the number of days during which one may remain in Colombia the period of validity of the visa.</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>The maximum permitted period of stay is 180 calendar days within any 365-day period. This limit is cumulative. The foreign national may remain in the country for 180 consecutive days or split them across multiple trips, but the total number of days per year must not exceed 180.</strong></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>
Not applicable
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>The 180-day limit is not subject to extension.</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 14 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 this 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> <p> </p> <p><strong>The minimum recommended timeframe for independent submission is 2-3 months before the intended travel date.</strong></p>
$16 – $252
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 class="ds-markdown-paragraph"><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 class="ds-markdown-paragraph"> </p> <p class="ds-markdown-paragraph"><strong>The exact visa cost is not fixed and may vary depending on the nationality and applicable bilateral agreements. However, the following general ranges for Type V visas can be used as a reference:</strong></p> <p class="ds-markdown-paragraph"> </p> <p class="ds-markdown-paragraph"><strong>- Study fee: from 16 to 54 USD (or from 12 to 42 euros for citizens of Europe and Cuba);</strong></p> <p class="ds-markdown-paragraph"><strong>- Issuance fee: from 51 to 252 USD (or from 17 to 101 euros).</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.
Passport
Validity period - at least 6 months at the time of application. At least 2 blank pages for visa stamps are also required.
Application form
Completed online application form. The form must be completed in Spanish or English on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia (Cancillería).
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 del Empleador)
An official letter from the legal representative of the company. It must include: justification of why a foreign national is required for this position, a detailed description of the duties, and the applicant's qualifications.
Contract summary format (Formato Resumen de Contrato)
A special form established by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It must clearly indicate the start and end dates of the work. The form is signed by both parties.
Contract (Contrato de Servicio, Obra o Labor)
A service or work agreement. The contract must include a clause stating that it becomes effective only after visa approval.
Financial guarantees of the company
Bank statements or certificates for the last 6 (six) months, demonstrating an average monthly income of no less than 100 minimum wages (SMLMV). In 2026, 1 SMLMV = 1,750,905 COP, thus 100 SMLMV ≈ 175,090,500 COP.
Proof of qualifications
An apostilled and Spanish-translated copy of the diploma or, in the case of an unregulated profession, certificates confirming work experience.
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
Yellow fever certificate
A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for individuals traveling from or transiting through yellow fever endemic regions, regardless of their mode of entry.
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.
Proof of financial means
Proof of income for the last 6 months. The requirement is a monthly income of no less than 10 Colombian minimum wages (SMLMV). In 2026, 1 SMLMV = 1,750,905 Colombian pesos. This requirement may be met using either the applicant's own funds or those of the inviting party.
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.
Strong ties to the country of origin and compelling reasons to return there, ensuring compliance with the terms and duration of stay.
Valid permanent resident status or proof thereof; all preliminary procedures for visa application have been completed.
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.
V
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.
Visitor 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.
Visitor 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 2026-04-27