This visa allows its holder to work in the exercise of religious ministry or to serve as a missionary of a religious entity duly recognized by the Colombian State.
It means that in order to work in a religious ministry or to serve as a missionary in Colombia, one must be affiliated with a religious organization that is officially recognized by the Colombian government. This recognition ensures that the individual is authorized to carry out their religious duties and activities within the country.
Remember that the main religion in Colombia is Roman-Catholic, if you are applying under a different church, you need to make sure that this church is officially recognized by the Colombian government. Here you will find the list of the almost 10,000 churches recognized by the Colombian Government:
The process of obtaining recognition for a religious organization in Colombia typically involves meeting certain legal requirements and going through an application process with the Colombian government. The specific steps and requirements may vary, but generally, the organization would need to submit documentation and information to demonstrate its legitimacy, structure, purpose, and activities.
This visa allows you to live and practice your religious mission in Colombia for up to two (2) years. It also allows you to get a foreign ID card (CĂ©dula de extranjerĂa).
With this visa you will be able to bring your family with you as beneficiaries. That is, you can bring your spouse and/or children to live with you, once the main visa is approved.
Please notice that this type of visa does not allow you to work in Colombia for other Colombian companies, and its work permit is restricted to the authorized activity and entity that the visa was granted for.
Since it is a visitor-type (V) visa, this won’t allow you to add time in order to apply for a residency or (R) visa.
This visa category is to be applied under the sponsorship of a Colombian legal entity, in the case, the Catholic church or a religious entity oficially recognized by the Colombian Government.
Certificate of recognition and legal representation of the respective religious organization issued by the Ministry of Interior or by the competent Diocese or Archdiocese. For other religious organizations, the Visa and Immigration Authority will consult their recognition and legal representation in the Public Register of Religious Entities of the Ministry. In the event that it is not possible to carry out such consultation, you be required to provide it.
Motivated letter from the legal representative of the religious organization informing that the applicant belongs to their hierarchy, specifying the type of employment relationship or contract, stating the purpose and activities of the foreigner intended in Colombia, and taking responsibility for the social security and health coverage of the foreigner.
The requesting entity or organization must demonstrate financial solvency through bank statements with an average balance of one hundred (100) times the current legal minimum wage for the six (6) months prior to the application.