Work permits and visas in Colombia: An employer’s guide

Hiring in Colombia? Whether you’re bringing on a new team member or relocating someone from your existing workforce, you’ll need to follow the Colombian immigration laws and work permit rules.

Understanding which type of visa or work permit applies is key, since every worker needs the right documentation before they can legally work in Colombia. Add in local laws around immigration, tax, and employment, and things can get complicated quickly.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide. Here, you’ll find a comprehensive breakdown of visas and work permits in Colombia, from the different options available to practical tips. So let’s jump straight in.

Why is it important to obtain the right work visa in Colombia?

If you’re hiring or relocating employees in Colombia, it’s important to stay compliant with the country’s visa and work permit rules. Failing to do so can expose your business to financial penalties, legal risks, and even reputational damage.

To avoid complications, it's crucial to make sure that every team member has the right legal status to live and work in the country before they start, and that you seek professional advice where necessary.

See also: The complete employer’s guide to hiring in Colombia

Who needs a work visa in Colombia?

The following groups of people do not need a work visa or work permit:

• Colombian citizens (even if they currently live abroad)
• Permanent residents

All other foreign nationals must apply for and obtain a work visa if they intend to be employed in Colombia.

Note that Remote’s Relocation service can help advise on whether your employee is eligible to work in Colombia, and provide tailored guidance on visa and immigration requirements. Learn more.

Types of work visas in Colombia

In 2017, the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores implemented Resolution 6045, replacing the old TP-4 visa system. The new system offers several types of work visa types for foreign nationals, including:

Migrant Visa (M Visa)

The Migrant Visa, or M Visa for Work (Empleado Dependiente), is the standard route for employing foreign nationals in Colombia on a long-term basis, and applies when a foreign national has a formal employment contract with a Colombian company. Employers must be legally established in Colombia and demonstrate both financial solvency and compliance with local labour laws before this work permit can be granted. A key part of the process is submitting the signed employment contract, which must be registered with the Ministry of Labour, ensuring the terms of employment align with national labour standards.

This visa is typically granted for the duration of the employment contract, up to a maximum of three years, and it can be renewed as long as the work relationship continues. Holders of the M Visa have the right to live and work in Colombia under the terms of their contract, but the visa is employer-specific. If the employment ends, the visa becomes invalid, and the individual must either leave the country or apply for a new visa based on a new contract.

Over time, an employee holding this work permit may be eligible to apply for a Resident Visa, typically after five continuous years of legal residence in Colombia. This makes the M Visa a crucial stepping stone for long-term workforce planning when hiring international talent.

Visitor Visa (V Visa)

The Visitor Visa, or V Visa for Work or Services, is designed for foreign nationals who will be carrying out short-term assignments in Colombia, rather than entering into long-term employment.

It is, in effect, a temporary worker visa, and is commonly used for technical projects, consultancy, auditing, or specialised services (where the worker is engaged for a defined, temporary purpose). For example, a company bringing in overseas engineers to install equipment or a consultant contracted for a specific project would fall under this category.

The V Visa is usually valid for up to 180 days within a 12-month period, although it may sometimes be issued for shorter durations depending on the assignment. Unlike the M Visa, this visa does not establish a long-term employment relationship with a Colombian company, and does not offer a pathway to permanent residency.

Instead, it authorises the foreign national to provide services on a temporary basis, often under a service agreement or short-term contract. That said, employers are still responsible for ensuring compliance with immigration and labour rules during the assignment, including providing the necessary invitation letters, contracts, and corporate documents for the visa application.

Does Colombia offer a digital nomad visa?

Yes. Colombia officially introduced a digital nomad visa (known as the Visa V Nómadas Digitale) under Resolution 5477 in 2022. It offers remote workers a legitimate and streamlined way to live in Colombia while working for foreign employers or clients.

The visa enables workers to live and work remotely in Colombia for up to two years, and is tailored specifically for freelancers, remote employees, digital entrepreneurs, and content creators whose income is sourced exclusively from abroad. However, it’s important to note that it does not allow local employment or services rendered to Colombian companies.

To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a stable monthly income equivalent to three times Colombia’s minimum legal wage, and supply:

• Proof of remote work engagement
• Health insurance
• A valid passport (with at least six months of validity)
• Supporting documentation such as an employment contract from a foreign employer

Dependents may accompany the primary visa holder, though the income threshold may increase depending on family size.

Note that the visa application is completed online through Colombia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal, with processing typically taking around 30 days. Fees include an application charge and a visa issuance fee, with the visa delivered electronically once approved.

See also: Which other countries offer digital nomad visas?

What are the visa requirements in Colombia?

To bring a foreign employee into Colombia legally, you must ensure the candidate meets several essential criteria.

First, the applicant needs a valid passport with at least six months’ remaining validity. They must also provide a signed employment contract or formal job offer from a legally registered Colombian company.

Proof of qualifications is equally critical. The applicant must submit diplomas, certifications, or licenses, and (where required), these documents must be apostilled and translated into Spanish (sometimes with additional validation from the Ministry of Education or relevant professional councils).

Your candidate will also need to provide supporting documents such as a criminal record check, health insurance coverage, and bank statements demonstrating financial stability.

Finally, as the employer, you must demonstrate your company’s legal standing to sponsor such a hire. This means presenting your certificate of legal existence (Chamber of Commerce registration), valid tax ID (RUT), and proof of financial capacity to pay agreed salaries and benefits.

What is the application process for a Colombian work visa?

Having identified that the role requires international talent, you need to first prepare and issue a compliant employment contract. This contract, together with essential company documents, must be given to the applicant to form the backbone of their visa application. Once the employee completes and submits their application forms online through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal, they upload those documents and pay the applicable visa fees. 

Application processing times are typically around 15 to 30 business days, depending on the visa category. Note that you may receive follow-up requests for clarification or additional documents, so it’s essential to be responsive and communicate clearly.

Once approved, the visa is electronically issued and your employee can use it to enter Colombia. Note that, upon arrival, they must register with Migración Colombia within about 15 days to obtain their Cédula de Extranjería (the official foreigner ID that grants legal residency and work rights).

Remember that, throughout the visa’s validity, you remain responsible for maintaining compliance. This includes timely visa renewals, updating authorities if the employment relationship ends, and ensuring salary, social security, and labor obligations are met. If the employee remains legally resident for the required time, they may eventually qualify for a Resident (R) Visa, which confers permanent residency and broader work freedoms.

How can Remote help?

To hire or relocate employees to Colombia, you’ll need to have your own local entity there. This is a process that can be complex, lengthy, and expensive.

You also need to comply with relevant immigration laws and regulations to avoid potential penalties, as well as handle payroll, benefits, and all other HR requirements.

This is where Remote’s employer of record (EOR) service can be invaluable. We act as the legal employer in Colombia on your company’s behalf, and handle onboarding, payroll, and benefits. We help ensure that you are fully compliant with all local payroll tax and labor laws, and can onboard your employee in a matter of days, too, saving you time, money, and resources.

Alternatively, if you already have an entity in Colombia, we can assist in international employee relocation with case-by-case immigration assessments, and guidance on the visa process.

To learn more about the processes involved in relocating international employees, download Remote's Relocation Guide, or contact our Relocation team today.