Immigration Law

1. Initial Consultation and Advice
A lawyer assesses your specific situation and advises on the most suitable visa type for your goals (e.g., work, investment, retirement, family reunification).
They explain eligibility requirements, timelines, and associated costs.
2. Document Preparation
Gathering Required Documents: Lawyers help identify and collect all necessary documents, including passports, criminal background checks, proof of income, investment documentation, marriage or birth certificates, and academic credentials.
Translations: In Colombia, all documents must be in Spanish. Lawyers coordinate with certified translators to ensure compliance.
Apostille and Legalization: For foreign documents, a lawyer ensures they are properly apostilled or legalized according to Colombian requirements.
3. Application Submission
Lawyers assist in filling out and submitting the visa application through the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs online portal.
They ensure all forms are completed correctly, reducing the likelihood of errors or rejection.
4. Representation and Communication
Liaison with Authorities: Lawyers communicate directly with Colombian immigration authorities or consulates on your behalf, addressing any issues or additional requirements.
Follow-Ups: They monitor the application status and provide updates, ensuring the process moves smoothly.
5. Resolving Complications
If your application is delayed or denied, a lawyer can identify the reasons and take corrective actions, such as submitting additional documentation or appealing the decision.
6. Assistance with Biometrics
Once the visa is approved, a lawyer guides you through the biometrics registration process, which is mandatory for most visa types. This may involve visiting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Colombia or a Colombian consulate abroad.
7. Post-Visa Services
Cedula de Extranjería (Foreigner ID): After receiving your visa, a lawyer assists you in registering with Migración Colombia to obtain your foreigner identification card. This is essential for legal residency and day-to-day activities in Colombia.
Renewals and Extensions: Lawyers help track visa expiration dates and handle renewals or extensions as needed.
8. Legal Advice on Residency and Citizenship
For long-term residents, a lawyer provides advice on transitioning from a Migrant Visa to a Resident Visa and eventually applying for Colombian citizenship.
Why Hire a Lawyer for a Visa Application?
Expertise: Lawyers understand the nuances of Colombian immigration laws and keep up with policy changes.
Time-Saving: They streamline the process and reduce delays caused by errors or missing information.
Language Barrier: Lawyers bridge communication gaps for non-Spanish speakers.
Legal Protection: They ensure your application complies with Colombian law and protect you from potential legal issues, such as fraud or misrepresentation.
While hiring a lawyer is not mandatory, their expertise can be invaluable, especially for complex cases or when pursuing investment, retirement, or business visas.



Colombia offers a variety of visas for foreigners, tailored to different purposes such as tourism, work, investment, study, or residency. Below is an overview of the primary types of visas available in Colombia:

1. Visitor Visa (Tipo V)
This is a short-term visa for individuals visiting Colombia for specific purposes.

Common Uses:
Tourism: Most tourists from many countries (e.g., U.S., EU, Canada) don’t need a visa and can stay for up to 90 days, extendable to 180 days per year.
Business Visits: For attending conferences, meetings, or short-term business engagements.
Medical Treatments or Transit: Includes those receiving medical care or transiting through Colombia.
Duration:
Up to 2 years (though most Visitor Visas are shorter).
2. Migrant Visa (Tipo M)
This visa is intended for foreigners planning to stay in Colombia for longer periods but who don’t qualify for permanent residency yet.

Common Types of Migrant Visas:
Marriage or Family Visa: For foreigners married to a Colombian citizen or with a Colombian child.
Work Visa: For individuals with a job offer from a Colombian employer.
Student Visa: For foreigners enrolled in academic or vocational programs.
Entrepreneurship Visa: For those planning to start a business in Colombia.
Retirement Visa (Pensionado): For retirees receiving a monthly pension of at least 3 times the Colombian minimum wage (about $870 USD as of 2025).
Investment Visa: For property or business investments of at least 350 times the Colombian minimum wage (around $101,000 USD as of 2025).
Duration:
Typically valid for up to 3 years and renewable.
3. Resident Visa (Tipo R)
This visa is for foreigners seeking long-term or permanent residency in Colombia.

Eligibility:
Long-Term Stay: After holding a Migrant Visa for at least 5 years (or 2 years for marriage visas).
Significant Investment: For individuals who invest 650 times the Colombian minimum wage (about $190,000 USD as of 2025) in real estate or a Colombian business.
Returning Colombians: For Colombians who renounced their citizenship and wish to return.
Benefits:
Permanent residency with no need for renewals.
After 5 years, visa holders may apply for Colombian citizenship.
4. Special Stay Permits
These are temporary permits for individuals in specific situations, such as refugees, asylum seekers, or those with humanitarian needs.

Key Points About Colombian Visas:
Online Application: Visa applications can typically be submitted online via the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Biometrics: After initial approval, you may need to visit a Colombian consulate or office for biometric registration.
Residency Pathway: Migrant and Resident Visas can lead to Colombian citizenship, provided you meet the legal residency requirements.
Language Requirements: For citizenship, basic Spanish proficiency and knowledge of Colombian culture are required.
Colombia’s visa system is designed to accommodate a range of needs, making it an attractive destination for retirees, digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and investors.