The Colombia Golden Visa allows foreign investors to gain residency in this vibrant Latin American country through money contributions.
The sum of investment depends on a minimum monthly wage in Colombia and is changing every year. In 2023 the minimum investment is $29,000. With a Golden Visa, you can live in Colombia for as long as your visa is valid and potentially obtain permanent residency or citizenship.
In the article, we dive into the application process and requirements for obtaining a Colombia Golden Visa.
How to Get Colombian Investment Golden Visa and Citizenship
Requirements for Colombia Golden Visa
Investors obtain a Golden Visa or Migrant (M) visa. Its type depends on the investment option.
M‑6 Visa: Business investment. As per Colombian law, foreigners contributing to businesses contributing significantly to the economy are eligible for investor visas. It is allowed to invest in either new or existing companies.
M‑10 Visa: Real estate investment. Another way to obtain a Colombian investment visa is through investing in real estate, a common option. Purchasing property allows you to secure your resident visa and offers potential returns on your foreign investment.
There is no fixed sum of investment. It depends on the minimum wage in Colombia. You need to invest:
100 times the Colombian minimum monthly salary — for an M‑6 Visa;
350 times the Colombian minimum monthly wage — for an M‑10 Visa.
Required Sum of Investment
The investor must:
be over 18;
have a clean criminal record;
be able to prove the legality of sources of investment money;
have health insurance;
have a passport valid for at least 180 days and with at least 2 blank pages;
undergo Due Diligence.
Application Process for Colombia Golden Visa
Getting a Colombian Investment Visa is not hard, but you need to be meticulous with your preparation.
You can finish your Colombia visa application at any consulate worldwide or within Colombia itself. The process takes 1—2 months.
1 day
Open a bank account
Open a bank account in Colombia to transfer the investment capital. You’ll need a valid ID, address proof, and income or wealth evidence.
Open a bank account in Colombia to transfer the investment capital. You’ll need a valid ID, address proof, and income or wealth evidence.
1—2 weeks
Make an investment
Choose an investment option and a project. Register with the Chamber of Commerce if you invest in a business.
After you’ve invested, obtain a certificate from a public accountant in Colombia confirming that you have made the investment.
Choose an investment option and a project. Register with the Chamber of Commerce if you invest in a business.
After you’ve invested, obtain a certificate from a public accountant in Colombia confirming that you have made the investment.
1—2 weeks
Prepare documents
These will generally include:
an application form;
passport valid for at least 180 days and with at least 2 blank pages;
digital photo, white background, size 3×4cm;
proof of investment;
proof of financial means;
health insurance.
These will generally include:
an application form;
passport valid for at least 180 days and with at least 2 blank pages;
digital photo, white background, size 3×4cm;
proof of investment;
proof of financial means;
health insurance.
1 day
Apply online
Apply for the M visa online at the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. You will need to fill out the form and upload the required documents.
Then pay the non-refundable visa application fee. It can be done online with a credit card.
Apply for the M visa online at the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. You will need to fill out the form and upload the required documents.
Then pay the non-refundable visa application fee. It can be done online with a credit card.
1—3 weeks
Wait for approval
After applying, you must wait for it to be processed. If your application is approved, you will receive an email with your visa attached, which you should print out.
After applying, you must wait for it to be processed. If your application is approved, you will receive an email with your visa attached, which you should print out.
15 days
Register the visa
After you receive your visa, if you are in Colombia, you have 15 days to register your visa with Migración Colombia to get a Cedula de Extranjeria (foreigner ID card).
If you receive the visa while outside Colombia, you have 60 days to enter Colombia and then 15 days to register the visa.
After you receive your visa, if you are in Colombia, you have 15 days to register your visa with Migración Colombia to get a Cedula de Extranjeria (foreigner ID card).
If you receive the visa while outside Colombia, you have 60 days to enter Colombia and then 15 days to register the visa.
After 3 years
Renew the visa
The M visa is valid for 3 years. You can renew it and apply for permanent residence 2 years later.
The M visa is valid for 3 years. You can renew it and apply for permanent residence 2 years later.
6 Benefits of the Colombian Golden Visa
The specific benefits of the M visa will depend on the category but generally include the following:
Length of stay. The M visa typically allows the holder to stay in Colombia for up to three years, which is longer than most tourist visas.
Business activities. Under the M‑6 visa, you can conduct business activities related to your investment.
Multiple entries. The M visa generally allows multiple entries into Colombia, meaning you can leave and re-enter the country without restrictions during the validity period of your visa.
Path to residency. After five years of holding an M visa, you can apply for a Resident ® visa, which is a step towards permanent residence and, eventually, citizenship.
Access to services. As a legal resident, you may access certain social and healthcare services in Colombia, which rank among the top globally according to the World Health Organization.
Living in Colombia. Investing in Colombia offers numerous lifestyle advantages too. As a holder of the investor’s visa, you can enjoy all the cultural richness this diverse nation offers — be it music, food, or festivals.
Colombia is a country located in the northwestern part of South America. It is known its for rich biodiversity, with varied landscapes that include tropical rainforests, mountains, grasslands, and deserts
Path to Permanent Residence and Citizenships
After holding your TRV for five consecutive years without interruption, you may apply for a Permanent Residency Visa (PRV). It gives you full rights as any other Colombian citizen, excluding voting rights until the naturalization process is complete.
To qualify for citizenship, one must hold permanent residence for at least 5 years. Applicants must pass a test demonstrating proficiency in the Spanish language and basic knowledge of Colombia’s history and constitution to complete the naturalization process. They are also not allowed to be absent from Colombia for more than 365 days consecutively.
Key Takeaways: Colombia Golden Visa
Colombian Golden Visa equals a temporary residence permit and can be obtained by investment in real estate or a business.
There is no fixed sum of investment. It depends on the minimum monthly wage in Colombia.
The process of obtaining a Colombia Golden Visa takes 1—2 months.
Benefits of Colombia residency include extended length of stay, right to enter Colombia multiple times, a prospect of permanent residence and citizenship, and access to social services.
Download our complete guide to learn everything you need about 9 popular Golden Visa programs.
Benefits
Investment options
Eligibility requirements
Processing times
