Am I eligible for this visa?

If you incorporate a company in Colombia or buy shares in an existing Colombian company equivalent to at least 100 minimum wages, you can be eligible for this visa.

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What are its benefits and restrictions?

Up to three years validity

It allows you to live and work for your own company in Colombia for up to three (3) years. It also allows you to get a foreign ID card (Cédula de extranjería).

This visa admits beneficiaries

It allows you to bring your Spouse and children under 25 as beneficiaries once your visa gets approved.

Restricted work permit

You are allowed to work in Colombia exclusively for the company in which you have invested / incorporated.

Accrue time towards residency

It allows you to accrue time towards residency. After holding this visa for five (5) continous years, you will be eligible to apply for a Resident type visa.

If you remain outside the country for 6 consecutive months during the validity of your visa, your visa will be automatically canceled.

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What do I need to apply?

1. Motivational Letter

You will need to provide a signed letter in which you explain the official name of your company, the address, the NIT (Tax Identification Number), the main activity that the company will carry out, and how many jobs the company generates or plans to generate. It is advisable to mention the reasons for investing in Colombia, the expectations with the company, and a portfolio of products or services that the company will introduce to the market.

2. Proof of investment

Provide the documents that support the incorporation of the company or, when you invest in an operating company, the purchase of shares, for a value of at least 100 Colombian minimum wages.

Currently, in 2025, the minimum wage is $1,423,500 COP so $1,423,500 COP * 100 = $143,250,000 COP.

This is currently the minimum amount for investment. They will need to be reflected on the share composition of the company and provide the company's bank statements, reflecting the transaction.

The money must have entered the company in the required amount through a local or international bank transfer in the foreigner's name at the time of submitting the visa application.

In Colombia, the document that proves the existence of a company is called the Certificate of Existence and Legal Representation, and it can be obtained from the website of the Chamber of Commerce where the company is registered.

3. Certificate of Direct Foreign Investment

You get the Certificate of Direct Foreign Investment when you, your bank or your broker submits to the Central Bank some details about your international transaction(s).

If you have transferred your funds to invest in companies in Colombia through a brokerage agency (such as Acciones y Valores or Alianza), they will complete the required information on your behalf via Form 4 at the time of converting the currency to Colombian pesos, and you will be able to download the certificate from the Banco de la República website after a couple of days.

> [!NOTE] You will also need to show in this certificate that you have brought at least $143.250.000 (In 2025) with the destination to pay shares to the company.

Example:

4. Share composition certificate

In the case of joint-stock companies, such as the SAS, you will prove your participation in the company through a certificate of share composition, signed by a Colombian certified accountant. It must state the number of stocks and their value, which must not be less than the equivalent of one hundred (100) times the current legal monthly minimum wage (SMLMV) at the date of the application.

It is also highly recommended to provide a copy of the accountant's professional card, the accountant's professional background, and a copy of their cédula de ciudadanía.

For second and subsequent visas

Evidence of current operations

Demonstrate that the company maintains economic activity. This is achived by showing solvency through bank statements for the three months prior to the visa application; income tax declaration; social security contributions; lease agreement; and/or proof of payment of industry and commerce taxes. These requirements change depending on the business model.

It is crucial to demonstrate that the company has generated jobs, by providing social security payrolls and employment contracts for the employees. The spirit of this visa is the generation of employment for Colombians.