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Obtaining a Colombian residency visa is a significant step for those looking to establish deeper roots in the country, whether for personal, professional, or family reasons.
Understanding the new requirements of Resolution 5477 is essential to ensure a smooth application experience. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about applying for a Colombian residency visa, helping you navigate the process with confidence.
What was changed in the resident visa by Resolution 5477 of 2022?
Let’s remember that on October 21, 2022, the Colombian government issued Resolution 5477 for Colombian visas. This resolution introduced new visas and requirements and changes for current visas, such as the Resident visa.
Previously, if a foreign citizen had a Colombian child could apply directly for a Resident visa, but the visa changed its category to Migrant, so if you are a parent of a Colombian child, you must apply for this visa first and after continuous years with this visa, you can apply to the Resident visa.
Another significant change for resident visas is the counting of accumulated time. For purposes of calculating accumulated time, continuity of time will be considered when a visa has been granted before the expiration of the preceding visa. The laissez-passer does not constitute a continuity factor for calculating accrued time.
The Colombian resident visa is issued to foreign nationals looking to live permanently in Colombia.
The R-type visa is split into four categories:
Renunciation of nationality.
For foreigners who were Colombians by birth or adoption renounced their Colombian nationality.
For accumulated time of permanence in Colombia.
This visa can be obtained after an uninterrupted living and/or working period in Colombia.
By application of the Temporary Statute of Protection for Venezuelan Migrants.
Venezuelan citizens with an ETPV permit can apply for a Colombian resident visa.
Special Resident of Peace.
This visa is designed for foreigners who were former members of the FARC-EP and have completed laying down their weapons.
For expats who want to migrate and settle in Colombia in 2025, the question is: what are the Colombian Resident Visa requirements? And which category of the R-type Colombian visa should you apply for? We’ve taken a look at all the Colombian resident visa requirements for expats planning their long-term future in Colombia.
Renunciation of nationality
For foreigners who were Colombians by birth or adoption renounced their Colombian nationality.
What are the visa requirements for renunciation of nationality in Colombia?
Accumulated time in Colombia
Expats can apply for a visa based on their accumulated time in Colombia. This visa can be obtained after an uninterrupted living and/or working period in Colombia.
For expats who have stayed in Colombia as a(n) political refugee, employee, entrepreneur, freelancer, investor, retired citizen, or permanent partner, this period is 5 years.
For those who’ve lived in Colombia with an M visa as a parent of a colombian child, apatrida, or as a citizen of the Mercosur and Andino trading bloc — the period is 2 years. Finally, the foreigner with an M marriage visa is three years.
The R-Type Visa is also indefinitely only if you have not been absent from Colombia for more than two straight years. Also, you must keep in mind that the Visa issued by the Colombian government is valid for five years. After that, you do a visa transfer process to renew the Cédula de Extranjería and the visa.
The accumulated time in Colombia visa requirements differ depending on the capacity by which you’ve been staying in Colombia. The Mercosur visa application, for instance, is different from the marriage visa.
Nevertheless, they all begin with an electronic application through the Cancillería and have the following general requirements:
What are the visa requirements for accumulated time in Colombia?
Before filling out your resident visa application after accumulating enough time living in Colombia, it’s important to get all your documentation in check. Applying for a certificate of migratory movements through Migración can be a cumbersome process.
To save yourself unnecessary pain, use a trustworthy Colombian visa agency with years of experience successfully transmitting expat resident visa applications.
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By application of the Temporary Statute of Protection for Venezuelan Migrants.
As of June 1, 2023, Venezuelan citizens with an ETPV permit can apply for a Colombian resident visa.
What are the visa requirements for the resident visa for venezuelans in Colombia?
Special Resident of Peace
According to the Resolution, this visa is designed for foreigners who were former members of the FARC-EP and have completed laying down their weapons.
What are the visa requirements for the resident visa for Special Resident of Peace in Colombia?
Costs, Validity, and restrictions
expatgroup.co can help you obtain your residency in Colombia
During these ten years, our agency has successfully processed more than 2400 visas, helping expats study, invest, and help those who see Colombia as their destination to retire and live.
Our services go beyond visa processing, as we have a wide variety of services, including investment advice, accounting, legal services, and health insurance, among others. In addition, we have a bilingual team willing to accompany you and guide you in all your requirements.
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