Who can apply for this type of visa?

This visa category is open to any foreigner who has purchased a property in Colombia for at least 350 Colombian minimun wages, or has invested in the Colombian stock market at least 650 Colombian minimum wages. We'll address in this post to the real estate investment visa.

What are its benefits and restrictions?

Up to three years validity

It allows you to live 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.

No work permit

This visa does not allow you to work in Colombia but it does allow you to study.

Accrue time towards residency

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.

What do I need to apply?

1. Certificate of ownership (”Certificado de libertad y tradición”)

This is an official document issued by the Public Registry of Property (Registro de Instrumentos Públicos). It provides detailed information about the legal status, ownership history, and any encumbrances or liens on a specific property.

You can get this certificate on this link [](https://certificados.supernotariado.gov.co/certificado) by typing the property registration number (“matrícula inmobiliaria”) of the property. It costs $21.900 COP (as of 2025).

This certificate should not be older than 90 days old at the time of your visa application.

This is an example of the “certificado de libertad y tradición”:

This certificate needs to show that you have purchased the property for a price of at least 350 Colombian minimum wages. At 2025, the minimum wage in Colombia is $1.423.500 COP. Therefore, the minimum amount is $498.225.000 COP for 2025.

In Colombia, the minimum wage increases a certain amount every year on January 1st.

It is also required to demonstrate that you are the exclusive owner of the property. If the property is registered under your name along with another individual's name, your application may be rejected.

2. Direct Foreign Investment Certificate

The Certificate of Foreign Investment is acquired by providing the Central Bank some details about the investment.

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.

An example:

3. Personal bank statements

Provide your bank statements from the three months prior to the visa application. Those statements must show that you have financial solvency to cover all your expenses in Colombia. Also it is recommended to provide information from your source of income.

4. Health insurance policy

You must have a health insurance policy that provides coverage in Colombia for risks including: accident, illness, maternity, disability, hospitalization, death, and repatriation, with at least one (1) year of validity.

We recommend Genki to fulfill this requirement, as it offers:

1. Monthly payments starting at 65 EUR.

2. The option to cancel at any time.

3. Quick and online purchase process (within one business day).

4. Issuance of a health coverage summary in Spanish.

5. Successful use by many of our clients in obtaining their visas.

If you are applying for a second time with this visa:

You will need to proof you have held the investment in your property. This is normally achieved by showing payment for the utilities, payment of property taxes, HOA fees payments, among others.

Additional recommendations

We emphasize the importance of including a motivation letter presenting your migratory profile to the authority, explaining who you are and why you decided to invest in Colombia. When signing Form 4, ensure that your names are correct, that the investment purpose is “real estate,” and that the exchange numeral is 4035.

Additionally, you may be required to submit your criminal background check from your country of origin, apostilled and translated.