The Colombia Migrant Visa (Type M) lets you live, work, study, or reunite with family in Colombia.
The Type M Visa also provides a legal way to settle in Colombia long-term.
Find out more about the Colombia Type M Visa here, including requirements and application steps.
What Is the Colombia Migrant Visa?
The Colombia Migrant Visa (Type M) allows foreigners to stay in Colombia for medium to long periods of time. It’s typically issued for up to 3 years and is renewable as long as the conditions remain valid.
The Type M Visa is ideal for those who have stable ties to Colombia, such as a Colombian spouse, job, or business investment.
Here’s an overview of the key details for the Type M Visa:
Continue to the sections below to find out more about who’s eligible and the application process.
Who Can Apply for Colombia Migrant Visa?
The Migrant Visa is for foreigners who have long-term reasons to stay in Colombia.
You may qualify if you fit into one of these categories:
- Parent of a Colombian child
- Spouse or partner of a Colombian citizen
- Religious worker or member of a mission
- Refugee or person under international protection
- Investor who owns property or a business in Colombia
- Student enrolled in a recognized Colombian institution
Each category has specific documentation requirements. All applicants must prove their legal stay in Colombia (if applying within the country) and show proof of finances.
What Documents Do You Need to Apply for Colombia Migrant Visa?
Applicants must upload all required documents to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs online platform.
Common requirements include:
- Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages and 6 months’ validity)
- Recent passport-size photo (white background, JPG format)
- Visa-specific documents, such as: Marriage or birth certificates (for family-related visas), employment contract or letter (for work visas), proof of investment or property ownership (for investor visas) or enrollment certificate (for student visas)
- Proof of legal entry or stay in Colombia (for in-country applicants)
- Bank statements or proof of income showing financial solvency
- Visa application form completed online
- Payment receipt for the visa fee
All foreign documents must be apostilled and translated into Spanish by a certified translator.
Application Steps for the Colombia Migrant Visa
Applying for the Type M visa can be done entirely online through Colombia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website:
- Prepare your documents: Gather digital copies (PDF/JPG) of all required documents.
- Complete the online application form: Fill out the form accurately.
- Pay the visa processing fee: This fee is non-refundable.
- Wait for approval or request for additional documents: The review process usually takes up to 30 days.
- Pay the visa issuance fee: Once approved, you’ll receive an email to complete the payment.
- Receive your visa by email: Print or store the digital visa for travel and registration.
- Register your visa with Migración Colombia: within 15 days of arrival or issuance.
Can I include family members on my Colombia Migrant Visa application?
Yes, dependents (spouse, children, or parents) can be included as beneficiaries on a Type M visa.
Each dependent must submit a separate application linked to the main applicant’s visa. Family members typically receive a beneficiary visa with the same validity period.
Benefits of the Colombia Migrant Visa
Holding a Type M visa allows you to:
- Live and work legally in Colombia
- Enroll in schools or universities
- Access local healthcare and social services
- Open bank accounts and sign contracts
- Travel freely in and out of Colombia during validity
- Apply for permanent residency after 5 continuous years
For travelers who only plan a short-term visit, completing the Colombia Check-MIG form before entering or leaving Colombia is often enough instead of applying for a visa.
How to Transition From a Colombia Migrant Visa to Permanent Residency
After 5 consecutive years of holding a Type M visa (without long absences from the country), you could be eligible to apply for a Colombia Resident Visa (Type R). This visa gives you indefinite residency and allows you to live permanently in Colombia.
You must demonstrate:
- Continuous residence in Colombia
- Financial stability and compliance with tax regulations
- No criminal record or major immigration violations
Once granted, the Resident Visa must be renewed every 5 years, but you’ll no longer need to reapply for temporary visas.
