Colombia offers 7 visa and residency pathways for foreign nationals. This page compares all available routes side by side with current requirements.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Visa Programme | Min. Income | Savings | Processing | Difficulty | Family |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M-5 Worker Visa (Regular Employee) | — | — | 21-42d | 5/10 | Yes |
| M-11 Investor / Businessperson Visa | — | €38,889 | 28-56d | 6/10 | Yes |
| M-12 Digital Nomad (Remote Work) Visa | €8,000/mo | — | 28-42d | 4/10 | Yes |
| M-7 Intra-Company Transfer | — | — | 28-42d | 5/10 | Yes |
| M-3 Spouse / Family Reunification | €9,333/mo | — | 21-42d | 5/10 | Yes |
| M-10 Mercosur Migrant Visa | — | — | 14-28d | 5/10 | Yes |
| M-11 Retiree / Rentista Visa | €23,333/mo | — | 28-56d | 4/10 | Yes |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many visa pathways does Colombia offer?
Colombia offers 7 distinct visa and residency pathways for foreign nationals, including skilled worker, family, investor, and other categories.
What is the easiest visa to get for Colombia?
The easiest pathway depends on your profile. Working holiday visas (if available) have the lowest barriers. For professionals, employer-sponsored visas are the most common route.
How long does it take to get permanent residency in Colombia?
The path to permanent residency in Colombia typically takes 2-5 years depending on the visa category. Some skilled worker pathways offer faster PR routes.
Can I bring my family to Colombia?
Most long-term visa categories in Colombia allow family reunification for spouses and dependent children, though specific requirements vary by pathway.
Do I need a job offer to move to Colombia?
Not all pathways require a job offer. Colombia may offer self-employment, investment, digital nomad, or points-based pathways that don't require employer sponsorship.
Related: Colombia Guide · Cost of Living · Salaries · Colombia for Software Engineers · Colombia for Nurses · Colombia for Teachers · All Countries