Last updated 2026-06-11
Business visa V Colombia
Visitor visa for business
Visa overview
Issued to foreign nationals for short-term business activities in Colombia. It is designed for business travel, not for employment with a Colombian company or for earning local income. This visa allows: meetings with partners, suppliers, or clients; analysis of the competitive environment, demand, and pricing; legal formalization of commercial agreements; opening a bank account or legal entity; overseeing projects or investments; participation in business events.
Visa validity period
2 years
Consular fee
$16 – $252
Time frames and cost
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 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. The standard validity period of this visa is 2 years.</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>This means that from the date of visa issuance, the applicant has 24 months to make the trip.</strong></p>
3 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 continuously in Colombia from the moment of each entry.</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>The initial permitted period of stay is generally 90 days. However, it is important to remember that the applicant may not remain in Colombia for more than 180 days (continuously or with interruptions) within 1 year.</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>An extension is only possible in exceptional cases, if serious circumstances arise that make it impossible to leave the country before the expiration of the authorized stay.</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 5 days to 4 months
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 business visa can vary significantly — from a few days to several months. 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 3-4 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). 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>
Documents
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.
Mandatory
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.
Supporting
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.
Application letter
An official letter from the applicant providing a detailed description of the purpose of the trip, planned activities, timeline, and itinerary.
Criminal record certificate
A certificate from the country of origin, issued no earlier than 3 months prior to the application submission. The document must be apostilled and translated into Spanish by a certified translator.
Additional
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.
Proof of accommodation
Confirmed hotel booking, rental contract, proof of residential property or staying with a private host covering the whole duration of the stay.
Travel itinerary
Documents confirming planned activities and travel arrangements, such as tickets, event registrations, travel itinerary, etc.
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.
Invitation from a Colombian company
If applicable. A letter from a legal entity in Colombia, signed by a company representative (with fingerprint). The letter must include: company details (including NIT), the foreign national's full personal information, a description of the activities, their duration, the type of relationship with the company, as well as the inviting party's commitment to guarantee the applicant's departure from the country.
Company bank statements
If applicable. For the last 3 months, demonstrating the financial solvency of the inviting legal entity.
Criminal record certificate
A certificate from the country of origin, issued no earlier than 3 months prior to the application submission. The document must be apostilled and translated into Spanish by a certified translator.
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.).
Documents certifying qualifications
These may be required to justify the applicant's specialized knowledge or expertise.
*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.
Requirements
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.
Visa Information
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.
English international
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
Sources
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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