Whether you're a digital nomad, foreign investor, or planning to settle in Colombia long-term — we handle the entire visa process on your behalf. Bilingual legal team, clear timelines, no surprises.
Colombia's visa system has three main categories. Your situation — how long you want to stay, whether you're working, investing, or joining a spouse — determines which applies.
Type V — Visitor Visa. The entry point for most expats. Includes the Nómada Digital category, designed for remote workers who earn income outside Colombia. Valid for up to 2 years, with multiple entry. Requirements include proof of income (typically USD 684/month or 3× minimum wage), a work contract or client invoices, and a Colombian address. We prepare and submit the complete application to the Cancillería.
Type M — Migrant Visa. For longer-term residents. Key subcategories include: Inversionista (for foreign nationals holding shares in a Colombian S.A.S. valued at 100 SMMLV or more), Cónyuge (spouse of a Colombian citizen or permanent resident), and Trabajador (employee of a Colombian company with a formal work contract). M visas can be renewed annually and, after five years, qualify you to apply for permanent residency.
Type R — Resident Visa. Permanent residency in Colombia. Issued after 5 continuous years on a Type M visa (or 2 years if married to a Colombian). Also available to nationals of Andean Community countries (Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia) after 2 years. Holders can work without restriction and are treated as nationals for most purposes. This is the path to long-term stability in Colombia.
Nota sobre "Golden Visa": Colombia does not have a formal golden visa program by that name, but the Type M Investor visa functions similarly — a qualifying investment in a Colombian S.A.S. (from approximately USD 28,000) gives you the right to live and work in Colombia and progress toward permanent residency.
We manage every document, every government interaction, and every deadline so you don't have to navigate it alone.
We compile and verify all required documents: apostilles, certified translations, income evidence, and supporting letters.
We submit the complete application to the Colombian Foreign Ministry's visa office and track it through to approval.
Registration of your foreign ID card with Migración Colombia within the mandatory 15-day window after visa approval.
We proactively manage renewal timelines and submit applications before expiry to avoid gaps in your immigration status.
Emergency safe-conduct permits when your visa has expired and you need to stay legally in-country while a new application is processed.
Multi-year planning: which visa to start on, when to switch categories, and how to build toward permanent residency efficiently.
A clear four-step process. The Cancillería typically takes 5–30 business days to process applications once submitted. Our preparation stage is usually 3–7 days.
We review your situation — nationality, income, stay duration, purpose — and advise on the most appropriate visa category and strategy.
We provide a precise checklist and guide you through gathering originals, obtaining apostilles, and arranging certified translations where required.
We submit the complete application through the Cancillería's online portal, handle any requests for additional information, and monitor the case status daily.
Once approved, your visa is endorsed in your passport. We immediately schedule your Cédula de Extranjería appointment and complete the registration process.
Maia Legal is the legal practice of the Maia Group — a Colombian holding company that has been operating across real estate, hospitality, and commerce for over five years. Our legal team has navigated Colombian immigration on behalf of clients from more than 30 nationalities, including nationals from the United States, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Argentina, Brazil, and across South-East Asia.
Our immigration work is led by Emanuel Roiser, who trained at Martínez de Hoz & Rueda (a Chambers-ranked Argentine firm) before joining Maia Group as Head of Legal Strategy. He brings the rigour of a top-tier corporate legal background to every immigration file.
We are based in Santa Marta (with a presence in Cartagena) and work primarily in English and Spanish. If you have been navigating Colombian immigration alone — or have received contradictory information from non-specialists — contact us for a free initial assessment of your situation.
Technically, a standard tourist entry stamp does not permit formal work — even remote work for foreign clients. The Digital Nomad visa (Type V) was created precisely for this situation. It is the legally compliant path for remote workers. Operating solely on tourist status for extended periods creates immigration risk.
The Cancillería charges a government fee of approximately USD 270 for most visa categories (subject to change). Our legal fees are separate and quoted at assessment. Total cost varies by visa type, the complexity of your documentation situation, and whether translations or apostilles are required.
No. Most visa categories can be applied for from abroad through the Cancillería's online portal. You can grant us power of attorney to act on your behalf. We handle the entire submission remotely — you only need to be present when collecting your Cédula de Extranjería after approval.
The minimum is three times the Colombian monthly minimum wage (approximately USD 684–750/month at current rates). You need to demonstrate this income through bank statements, employment contracts, or client invoices — covering a period of at least 3–6 months prior to application. Self-employed applicants can use invoices, contracts, or a combination.
Processing times vary. Straightforward applications typically take 5–15 business days. More complex cases, or periods of high volume (January–March, July–August), can take 20–30 business days. We monitor your application daily and follow up proactively. We also advise on timing your application to account for processing delays.
Message us on WhatsApp or book a free consultation. We'll assess your situation and give you a clear picture of the path forward — no obligation.