Colombian Residency Guide
This is a Colombian Residency Guide that will help you through the process of achieving permanent residency and citizenship in Colombia. You must start with a Colombian Migrant visa, then you can accumulate the years needed to secure permanent residency and, eventually, Colombian citizenship. Ready to take the first step toward your new life in Colombia? Explore our detailed residency guide below. This Colombian Residency Guide explores the The Top 10 Colombian Migrant visas available for expats in Colombia, highlighting the requirements and benefits of each, to help you find the best option for your journey to becoming a Colombian resident and eventually a citizen. Colombia, with its rich culture, diverse landscapes, and welcoming people, has become an increasingly popular destination for expats. If you are considering making Colombia your new home, understanding the Top 10 Colombian Migrant Visa options that offer a path to residency and citizenship is crucial.
According to the 5477 de 2022 Colombian Resolution over visas, applicants for permanent residency must meet specific requirements. These include holding a qualifying Migrant Visa for the required period, demonstrating a stable income or investment, providing a clean criminal record, and showing proof of residence in Colombia. Additionally, applicants must submit relevant documentation such as a valid passport, visa application forms, and supporting evidence for their specific visa category. One important requirement for a residency visa is to accumulate time with a migrant visa, as illustrated in the table below. You may not have a lapse in time between visa renewals, or your accumulated time will reset to zero. One of the best benefits of permanent residency is that once you have permanent residency, you will only need to update your visa every five years and prove that you have come to Colombia at least one day every two years; then, you will be issued a new 5-year visa stamp. Full Colombian residency is required for 2-5 years, depending on the Colombian Migrant visa you used to obtain the visa before you can proceed to citizenship. Only once you have citizenship can you obtain a Colombian ID card as a citizen. With Colombian residency, you obtain a “Residente” title on your foreigner identification card. This Colombian Residency Guide will provide all the essential information you need.
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Colombian Migrant (M) Visa - Marriage Visa
The Colombian Marriage Visa is one of the most straightforward options for those married to Colombian nationals. Basic Requirements: You must provide a marriage certificate, proof of your spouse’s Colombian citizenship, and evidence of your relationship’s authenticity. This visa allows you to reside in Colombia for up to three years and can be renewed. After holding the Marriage Visa for three years, you can apply for a Resident Visa, which is a significant step towards citizenship. This visa is a valid visa towards the path of Colombian Residency. This Colombian Residency Guide covers everything you need to know about the Marriage Visa.
Colombian Migrant (M) Visa - Business Owner Visa
If you plan to start a business in Colombia, the Colombian Business Owner Visa is an excellent option. Basic Requirements: You need to demonstrate a substantial investment in a Colombian business, provide a detailed business plan, and show financial statements proving the business’s viability. This visa allows you to reside in Colombia and manage your business. After five years of holding this visa, you can apply for a Resident Visa, which is the gateway to citizenship. This visa is a valid visa towards the path of Colombian Residency. The Business Owner Visa is thoroughly explained in our Colombian Residency Guide.
Colombian Migrant Visa - Work Visa
The Colombian Work Visa is for individuals with a job offer in Colombia. Basic Requirements: Your employer must sponsor your application, and you need to provide a valid job offer, employment contract, and proof of the company’s legal status in Colombia. This visa allows you to work and live in Colombia and can be renewed. After five years of continuous employment and holding the Work Visa, you can apply for a Resident Visa, leading to citizenship. This visa is a valid visa towards the path of Colombian Residency. The Work Visa details are covered in this Colombian Residency Guide.
Colombian Migrant (M) Visa - Pension Visa
Designed for retirees, the Colombian Pension Visa is ideal if you have a stable pension income. Basic Requirements: You must demonstrate that you receive a monthly pension of at least three times the minimum legal monthly salary in Colombia, provide pension statements, and a letter from the pension authority. This visa allows you to live in Colombia and is renewable. After five years, you can apply for a Resident Visa, paving the way to citizenship. This visa is a valid visa towards the path of Colombian Residency. Our Colombian Residency Guide includes detailed information on the Pension Visa.
Colombian Migrant (M) Visa - Real Estate Investment Visa
For those interested in investing in real estate, the Colombian Real Estate Investment Visa offers a pathway to residency and citizenship. Basic Requirements: You must show proof of a significant investment in Colombian property, including purchase documents and financial records. This visa is renewable, and after five years, you can apply for a Resident Visa. This visa is a valid visa towards the path of Colombian Residency. The Real Estate Investment Visa is a key component of this Colombian Residency Guide.
Colombian Migrant Visa - Entrepreneurs Visa
The Colombian Entrepreneurs Visa is designed for individuals who wish to establish or invest in a business in Colombia or engage in independent professional activities. Basic Requirements: You must provide a detailed business plan, proof of investment, financial means to support yourself, and qualifications relevant to the business or professional activity. After five years of maintaining the business and holding this visa, you can apply for a Resident Visa, leading to citizenship. This visa is a valid visa towards the path of Colombian Residency. The Entrepreneurs Visa is a crucial component of this Colombian Residency Guide.
Colombian Migrant Visa - Mercosur Visa
Citizens of Mercosur member countries can apply for the Colombian Mercosur visa, which allows them to live and work in Colombia. Basic Requirements: You must provide proof of citizenship from a Mercosur member country, a valid passport, and proof of financial stability. It is renewable and offers a pathway to residency and citizenship after two years. This visa is a valid visa for the path of Colombian Residency. The Mercosur Visa is an important part of the Colombian Residency Guide.
Colombian Migrant Visa - Civil Union Visa
Similar to the Marriage Visa, the Colombian Civil Union Visa is for individuals in a civil union with a Colombian national. Basic Requirements: You must provide a civil union certificate, proof of your partner’s Colombian citizenship, and evidence of your relationship’s authenticity. This visa allows you to reside in Colombia for up to three years and can be renewed. After holding the Civil Union Visa for five years, you can apply for a Resident Visa, which is a significant step towards citizenship. This visa is a valid visa towards the path of Colombian Residency. The Civil Union Visa is an essential part of this Colombian Residency Guide.
Colombian Migrant Visa - Parent Visa
The Colombian Parent Visa is available to parents of Colombian nationals. Basic Requirements: You must provide your child’s Colombian birth certificate, proof of your relationship with the child, and evidence of financial support. This visa allows you to reside in Colombia and is renewable. After holding this visa for two years, you can apply for a Resident Visa, which leads to citizenship. This visa is a valid visa towards the path of Colombian Residency. The Parent Visa is thoroughly explained in this Colombian Residency Guide.
Conclusion
Choosing the right visa is a crucial step in making Colombia your new home. Each Migrant Visa category offers different paths to residency and citizenship, catering to various needs and circumstances. Obtaining Colombian residency provides significant benefits, including a “Residente” title on your foreigner identification card, which offers legal rights similar to those of Colombian citizens. The Resident Visa is the final step for those who have fulfilled the requirements of their Migrant Visa and are ready for permanent residency and citizenship. After obtaining permanent residency, it only takes two years as a parent or spouse to qualify for citizenship. Most other persons must wait five years to apply for citizenship. By understanding the requirements and benefits of each visa, you can make an informed decision and smoothly transition to life in Colombia. Explore your options, gather the necessary documentation, and embark on your journey to becoming a Colombian resident and, eventually, a citizen. This Colombian Residency Guide provides all the information you need to get started.
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