This visa allows its holder to enter and stay in the country as a volunteer or student in religious formation or to carry out theological studies in an institute or organization affiliated with a church or religious denomination duly recognized by the Colombian State.
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 carry out your religious studies in Colombia for up to one (1) year. It also allows you to get a foreign ID card (CĂ©dula de extranjerĂa).
This visa doesn’t allow its holder to bring his/her family as beneficiaries and each family member must apply separately, or consider a different visa category.
The activity allowed to be carried out in Colombian territory is limited to the theological - religious studies. It doesn’t have a work permit and your church must inform the Colombian government in the event your relationship with said entity comes to an end.
Once the volunteering activity is completed, the foreigner must return to their country of origin or residence.
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 must be applied under the sponsorship of a Colombian legal entity, in this case, 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 will be required to provide it.
Motivated letter from the legal representative of the religious organization stating the purpose and activities of the foreigner intended in Colombia.
Letter of support from the religious institution for financial support, in which case, the requesting entity must demonstrate financial solvency through bank statements with an average balance of one hundred (100) times the current legal minimum monthly wage for the six (6) months prior to the application.
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.
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