Types of Visas
Understanding Visas and Visa Types for Colombia
Colombia offers several visa types depending on the purpose of your stay, ranging from tourism to work and residency. The Colombian visa system is designed to categorize applicants based on the nature of their visit or long-term plans in the country. This article provides an overview of the main visa categories, including the V, M, and R visa types, as well as details on which visa is on a citizenship track.
Types of Visas
There are three main categories of visas in Colombia: the Visitor Visa (V), the Migrant Visa (M), and the Resident Visa (R). Each visa category serves different purposes and comes with its own set of requirements.
| Visa Type | Category | Description | Purpose | Citizenship Track |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V - Visitor Visa | Visitor | A short-term visa typically issued for tourism, business, or family visits. | For tourism, family visits, business activities, or temporary stays. | No, this visa is not on a citizenship track. |
| M - Migrant Visa | Migrant | Issued for individuals who are planning to stay in Colombia for longer periods or are seeking work, study, or investment opportunities. | For individuals seeking to live and work in Colombia for longer periods (e.g., through work, investment, marriage to a Colombian). | Yes, this visa can be a step towards permanent residency and citizenship. |
| R - Resident Visa | Resident | A permanent residency visa, typically issued after a period of time on a Migrant Visa (M) or for those with family ties in Colombia. | For individuals who wish to live permanently in Colombia (e.g., after 2 years on an M visa, through Colombian parentage, or marriage to a Colombian citizen). | Yes, this visa is directly on a citizenship track. |
Explanation of Visa Types
V - Visitor Visa
The V Visa is designed for short stays in Colombia. It is usually granted for tourism, family visits, or business-related activities. This visa is generally issued for a limited duration, typically up to 90 days, but can be extended depending on the circumstances. Individuals on a Visitor Visa are not allowed to engage in employment or other activities that would require a work visa.
- **Eligibility**: Tourism, business, family visits, short-term academic studies.
- **Duration**: 90 days (can be extended).
- **Citizenship Track**: No. The Visitor Visa is not a pathway to permanent residency or citizenship.
M - Migrant Visa
The M Visa is for those looking to stay in Colombia for a longer period. It includes categories for work, study, investment, marriage to a Colombian citizen, or the pursuit of other long-term goals. Migrant visas are generally granted for 1 to 3 years, depending on the applicant’s situation, and can be renewed.
- **Eligibility**: Employment, marriage to a Colombian citizen, investment, pensioners, and other long-term purposes.
- **Duration**: 1 to 3 years (can be extended or renewed).
- **Citizenship Track**: Yes. After two years of holding an M visa, individuals can apply for a Resident Visa (R), which can eventually lead to citizenship.
R - Resident Visa
The R Visa is the permanent residency visa. It is typically granted after the applicant has held an M Visa for a certain period (usually 2 years). The Resident Visa is also available to those who have Colombian parents or a Colombian spouse. The R Visa allows the holder to live in Colombia permanently, access most of the benefits of a Colombian citizen, and eventually apply for citizenship.
- **Eligibility**: Two years as a holder of an M visa, Colombian parentage, marriage to a Colombian citizen, or other qualifying scenarios.
- **Duration**: Indefinite (permanent residency).
- **Citizenship Track**: Yes. The Resident Visa is the final step before applying for Colombian citizenship, typically after five years of holding the R Visa.
Conclusion
Colombia's visa system includes a variety of categories depending on the purpose of your stay. The Visitor Visa (V) is for short-term stays, while the Migrant Visa (M) is for those seeking longer-term residency, work, or investment opportunities. The Resident Visa (R) is the final step towards permanent residency and citizenship. Understanding which visa is most appropriate for your situation is key to ensuring a smooth immigration process.