Who can apply for this type of visa?

This visa was created to facilitate the mobility of entrepreneurs or business persons, in accordance with commitments made by Colombia under Trade Promotion Agreements signed and in force with other States.

This visa category is meant for foreigners who are passport holders from any of the countries that Colombia has suscribed a free trade agreement:

• Panama
• Caricom
  • Jamaica
  • Belize
  • Barabados
  • Dominica
  • Antigua y Barbuda
  • Trinidad y Tobadjo
  • Guayana
  • Granada
  • Monserrat
  • San Cristobal y Nieves
  • Santa Lucia
  • San Vicente y las Granadinas
• AELC - EFTA
  • Switzerland
  • Liechtenstein
  • Norway
  • Iceland
• Mercosur
  • Argentina
  • Brasil
  • Uruguay
  • Paraguay
• Venezuela
• Canada
• Bolivia
• Ecuador
• Chile
• South Korea
• Costa Rica
• Cuba
• El Salvador
• Guatemala
• Honduras
• United States of America
• Israel
• Peru
• United Kingdom
• Mexico
• European Union

You can find the full list here

What are the benefits and restrictions for this visa?

Up to two years validity

This visa allows you to stay in Colombia for up to two (2) years. It also allows you to get a foreign ID card (Cédula de extranjería).

This visa admits beneficiaries

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.

Restricted work permit

Please notice that this type of visa allows you only to perform the authorized activities for the sponsoring company.

No time accrue towards residency

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.

Requirements

This visa category is to be applied and sponsored by a legal entity. Who must provide the following documents:

1. Sponsoring Letter

• Provide a detailed letter from the legal entity’s representative. This letter should include:
• The legal entity’s full details, like tax ID and contact info if registered in Colombia.
• The foreign individual’s complete information.
• A supporting statement from the entity’s legal representative. This should detail the activities the foreigner will undertake in Colombia, how long they’ll stay, the nature of the relationship with the legal entity, who’s covering their expenses, and info about other foreigners supported by the entity. The entity must also promise to ensure the individual’s return or report any irregular stays.
• A description of the connection with the foreign individual, including any specific skills or qualifications they have.
• A written pledge of financial responsibility for the individual’s expenses and a commitment to inform authorities of any changes in their situation. This pledge should be signed, include a fingerprint, and be legally verified if signed abroad.

2. Certificate of Incorporation for Foreign Private Companies

If the entity is a private company based outside Colombia, provide a certificate of existence or legal representation. This document must be officially verified (apostilled or legalized) and translated into Spanish if necessary.

3. Proof of Economic Solvency

Show the legal entity’s financial stability with three months’ worth of bank statements prior to the application. Public entities are exempt from this. Individuals must prove they have an income at least three times the legal minimum wage.

How much does it cost?