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Key Takeaways
The M-5 Work Visa is Colombia’s main employer-sponsored visa for foreign nationals in long-term employment roles.
It’s tied to a specific employer and job, supported by a Colombian-law employment contract.
Employers must sponsor the application and register the employee for local social security after approval.
The application process is largely online but requires accurate, consistent documentation from both parties.
Ongoing compliance—renewals, reporting changes, and proper registration—is essential to avoid fines or visa cancellation.
What is the M-5 Work Visa, and Who is it For?
The M-5 Work Visa is Colombia’s primary long-term work visa for foreign nationals employed by a Colombian company. It allows non-Colombian professionals to live and work legally in Colombia while performing a specific role for a specific employer. The visa is employer-sponsored and tied to the approved job, making it a structured and compliant option for hiring international talent into local employment.
For employers, the M-5 Work Visa is the standard route when hiring or relocating foreign professionals into Colombia for medium- to long-term roles. It’s commonly used across sectors such as technology, engineering, energy, manufacturing, professional services, and senior management. Because the process is employer-led, companies must provide compliant contracts, register appropriately with Colombian authorities, and support the employee throughout the application. When handled correctly, the M-5 gives your hire a clear legal basis to work in Colombia – while keeping your business aligned with immigration and labour regulations.
Basic Eligibility Requirements for the M-5 Work Visa
The M-5 Work Visa is designed for foreign nationals who have a concrete employment relationship with a Colombian company. The visa is linked to a formal employment contract that must comply with Colombian labour law, including salary, benefits, and social security obligations. Because the visa is tied to the sponsoring employer, accuracy and consistency across documents are critical.
Employee Requirements
- A confirmed job offer and signed employment contract with a Colombian employer
- Relevant qualifications or professional experience for the role
- Agreement to work only in the approved role and for the approved employer
- A valid passport with sufficient remaining validity
- Compliance with general immigration and character requirements
Required Documents for Employees
- Valid passport
- CV/resume and proof of professional experience
- Education certificates or professional credentials (if required for the role)
- Signed employment contract compliant with Colombian labour law
- Recent passport-style photos
- Additional declarations or certificates as requested by Migración Colombia
Required Documents for Employers
- Company registration documents and proof of legal existence in Colombia
- Tax registration and compliance records
- Employment contract outlining role, salary, benefits, and duration
- Letter of responsibility/sponsorship for the foreign employee
- Commitment to register the employee for Colombian social security contributions
Step-by-Step Process for Sponsoring an M-5 Work Visa in Colombia
- The employer defines the role and prepares a compliant Colombian employment contract.
- The employer gathers company registration, tax, and sponsorship documents.
- The employee submits the M-5 Work Visa application online through Colombia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Authorities review the application and may request clarifications or additional documents.
- Once approved, the visa is issued electronically and linked to the employee’s passport.
- After arrival (or approval if already in-country), the employee registers with Migración Colombia and completes local formalities.
Costs & Fees Employers Are Responsible For to Sponsor an M-5 Work Visa
Colombia’s work visa costs are relatively transparent, but employers should budget for both government fees and the administrative effort required to remain compliant under local labour law.
Government Fees & Who Pays What
- Visa study fee: Paid when the application is submitted.
- Visa issuance fee: Paid after approval to issue the M-5 visa.
- Registration fee: Payable when registering the visa with Migración Colombia after issuance.
Employer Costs vs. Employee Costs
Costs Born By the Employer
- Internal resources to prepare contracts and sponsorship documentation
- Optional legal or immigration advisory fees
- Social security registration and employer contributions
- Relocation or onboarding support (if offered)
Costs Born by the Employee
- Visa application and issuance fees (if not employer-covered)
- Personal document preparation costs
Costs Covered by Both
- Post-approval registration and compliance steps
Renewal/Extension Fee
The M-5 Work Visa is typically issued for up to three years and can be renewed if employment continues. Renewals require updated documents and new fees, so employers should plan well ahead of expiry.
Employer Responsibilities to Ensure Compliance
Colombia enforces both immigration and labour regulations closely, so compliance doesn’t stop once the visa is approved:
- Ensure the employee works only for the sponsoring employer and in the approved role.
- Register the employee with social security (health, pension, and labour risk systems).
- Notify authorities of termination, role changes, or significant contract updates.
- Maintain compliant employment terms, including salary and benefits.
- Track visa validity and manage renewals or cancellations on time.
- Understand non-compliance risks, including fines, visa cancellation, and sponsorship restrictions.
Hire Global Talent Your Way with Playroll
Borders shouldn’t limit your hiring strategy. Playroll gives you two flexible options to hire globally. If relocation to Colombia is required, our visa sponsorship services support you through the M-5 Work Visa process – from contract setup to application and compliance.
If relocation isn’t necessary, Playroll’s Employer of Record solution lets you hire talent in their home country. We handle employment, payroll, taxes, benefits, and compliance so you can onboard quickly without setting up a local entity. Wherever your next hire is based, we make global employment simple.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Milani Notshe
Milani is a seasoned research and content specialist at Playroll, a leading Employer Of Record (EOR) provider. Backed by a strong background in Politics, Philosophy and Economics, she specializes in identifying emerging compliance and global HR trends to keep employers up to date on the global employment landscape.
M-5 Work Visa FAQs
Can employers sponsor workers on the M-5 Work Visa?
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Yes. Colombian employers can sponsor foreign nationals for an M-5 Work Visa by providing a compliant employment contract, company documentation, and a sponsorship commitment. The employer supports the application submitted to Colombia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
What compliance checks or reporting are required from employers?
Employers must register the employee with social security, ensure the employee works only in the approved role, and report termination or major employment changes. Accurate payroll, contract, and immigration records must be kept for inspections.
What happens if the visa is denied or delayed?
If an M-5 Work Visa application is delayed, the employee’s start date may need to be adjusted. If it’s denied, the individual cannot legally work in Colombia under that route, and employers may need to reassess the hiring plan or explore alternatives.
Can I hire the worker as a contractor instead of an employee?
Usually no. If the individual is working in Colombia under your direction, an employment-based visa and compliant employment relationship are generally required. Misusing a contractor model can increase immigration and labour-law risk. For more details, see our Misclassification Guide.
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