Colombia Work Permits & Visas: Employer Guide to Types & Sponsorship

Who Needs a Work Permit in Colombia?

Any foreign national who intends to work in Colombia must obtain a valid work permit or visa. This applies to employees who plan to engage in professional, technical, or service-related activities within the country. Employers hiring expatriates, contractors, or freelancers must ensure that these individuals possess the necessary authorization to work legally in Colombia. Depending on the employee's role, the type of permit or visa may vary.

Work Permits and Visas in Colombia

Difference Between Work Permits and Work Visas in Colombia

In Colombia, there is an important distinction between work visas and work permits:

Work Visa: A visa is a document that allows a foreign national to enter and stay in Colombia for a specific purpose and duration. Several types of visas may include work authorization.

Work Permit: Unlike many countries, Colombia does not issue standalone work permits. Instead, work authorization is integrated into certain visa categories. The work authorization specifies what type of work activities the visa holder can engage in (e.g., working only for a specific employer or having an open work permit).

This means that to work legally in Colombia, a foreign national must obtain a visa that includes work authorization. The type of work authorization depends on the visa category and may be restricted to specific employers or activities.

Types of Work Visas in Colombia

Main Visa Categories

Colombia has three main visa categories, each with multiple subcategories:

Visitor Visas (Type V) with Work Authorization

Technical Assistance Visa (Type V)

The Technical Assistance Visa allows foreign nationals to enter Colombia to provide specialized, short-term technical services. It is valid for up to two years, with duration typically aligned to the project or contract.

This visa is for work such as equipment installation, system maintenance, or product implementation. It does not permit general employment beyond the scope of the defined technical assistance. To apply, the employer must:

• Provide a technical services contract with detailed scope
• Demonstrate the need for foreign expertise
• Submit supporting documentation of the specialist’s qualifications

This visa gives you the flexibility to bring in foreign experts for short-term, technical projects without engaging in long-term employment commitments.

💡Best work permit option if: You are hiring a foreign technician or specialist to provide temporary, high-skill services that cannot be sourced locally.

Service Provider Visa (Type V)

The Service Provider Visa is granted to foreign nationals contracted to deliver specific services to Colombian companies. Valid for up to two years, it allows the visa holder to work under a civil or commercial contract, but not as a full-time employee.

The visa applies to fields such as consulting, auditing, creative services, or specialized project work. To apply, the employer must:

• Issue a formal services contract
• Describe the nature and duration of the work
• Submit documentation showing the applicant’s qualifications

This visa is useful for hiring foreign service providers or consultants for defined, non-permanent roles without incorporating them into payroll.

💡Best work permit option if: You’re engaging a foreign contractor or consultant to provide short- or medium-term services under a commercial agreement.

Digital Nomad Visa (Type V)

The Digital Nomad Visa enables foreign nationals employed by non-Colombian companies to live in Colombia while working remotely. It is valid for up to two years and is only available to nationals of countries that do not require a tourist visa to enter Colombia.

This visa does not allow employment with Colombian entities. To apply, the foreign national must:

• Provide proof of employment or contracts with foreign employers
• Demonstrate a monthly income of at least 3x the Colombian minimum wage (~$1,042 USD)
• Show valid health insurance coverage

This visa is relevant if you employ global remote workers who want to base themselves in Colombia, but it is not a pathway to formal employment within your Colombian entity.

💡Best work permit option if: You have remote team members who want to live in Colombia while continuing to work for your non-Colombian business.

Migrant Visas (Type M) with Work Authorization

M-5 Worker Visa

The M-5 Worker Visa is Colombia’s standard employment visa for foreign nationals hired directly by Colombian companies. It allows the holder to legally live and work in the country for the length of their employment contract, up to three years, and is renewable.

The visa is tied to a specific role and employer. The foreign employee must be on a Colombian payroll, and the employer is responsible for initiating and sponsoring the visa process. To obtain this visa, the sponsoring company must:

• Submit a valid employment contract
• Demonstrate financial capacity and legal registration in Colombia
• Provide documentation confirming the foreign national’s qualifications

This visa is your primary tool for legally employing international talent in Colombia under a local contract. It also offers a pathway to permanent residency after five years of continuous stay.

💡Best work permit option if: You are hiring a foreign national into a full-time, in-country role with your Colombian entity. This visa is essential for formal employment arrangements and long-term workforce planning.

M-1 Business Owner / Shareholder Visa

The M-1 Business Owner Visa is intended for foreign nationals who invest in or own a legally registered business in Colombia. It allows the visa holder to live in Colombia and actively manage or work within their own company for up to three years, renewable.

This visa does not authorize general employment, but permits the holder to perform executive or operational functions within their business. To qualify, the applicant must:

• Invest at least 100 Colombian minimum wages (approximately $104,000 USD)
• Present a business plan and commercial registration documents
• Demonstrate the company’s operational activity

This visa is best suited for relocating foreign founders, investors, or managing partners who will actively participate in local operations.

💡Best work permit option if: You are expanding into Colombia and want to bring in foreign executives or business partners to establish and manage a local subsidiary.

M-10 Independent Professional Visa

The M-10 Independent Professional Visa is designed for self-employed foreign professionals who provide services in Colombia based on their field of expertise. The visa is valid for up to three years and is renewable.

It does not permit traditional employment but allows the visa holder to work independently under civil or commercial service contracts. To qualify, applicants must:

• Prove professional qualifications in their field
• Submit signed contracts with Colombian clients
• Show evidence of sufficient income or financial support

This visa allows you to legally engage foreign consultants, freelancers, or specialists without placing them on payroll or providing visa sponsorship.

💡Best work permit option if: You’re working with independent foreign contractors who need legal status to operate and provide services within Colombia.

M-3 Spouse of Colombian Citizen Visa

The M-3 Visa is issued to foreign spouses of Colombian citizens and provides a broad open work permit, allowing the holder to engage in any legal work activity in Colombia. It is valid for up to three years and renewable.

To qualify, the foreign national must:

• Provide a marriage certificate
• Submit a letter of support from the Colombian spouse
• Demonstrate cohabitation and legal entry into the country

This visa is highly beneficial because it allows you to hire foreign professionals already residing in Colombia without needing to sponsor their visa.

💡Best work permit option if: You are hiring a foreign spouse of a Colombian citizen who already has open work authorization and does not require employer sponsorship.

M-6 Permanent Partner of Colombian Citizen Visa

The M-6 Visa is for foreign nationals in a permanent domestic partnership (not marriage) with a Colombian citizen. It provides an open work permit valid for up to three years, renewable.

Applicants must demonstrate a legally recognized partnership that has existed for at least one year, along with a notarized declaration of union. No employer sponsorship is required.

This visa allows you to onboard qualified foreign talent with pre-existing work authorization in Colombia.

💡Best work permit option if: You’re hiring a long-term partner of a Colombian citizen, offering a simple path to legal employment without processing a separate visa.

M-11 Mercosur Visa

The M-11 Mercosur Visa is available to nationals of Mercosur and associated countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, and others. It grants the right to live and work in Colombia for up to two years, with minimal documentation.

The visa acts as an open work permit, allowing the holder to engage in any legal employment activity in Colombia. Applicants must only prove nationality and provide a clean criminal record.

As an employer, this visa makes it easy to recruit regional talent without needing to sponsor a formal work visa.

💡Best work permit option if: You’re hiring professionals from Mercosur countries, enabling fast-track employment without extensive immigration procedures.

Resident Visa (Type R)

The Resident Visa (Type R) grants permanent residence and unrestricted work authorization in Colombia. It is issued to foreign nationals who have fulfilled the qualifying time on an eligible Migrant Visa (typically 2–5 years), or to those with Colombian children or who have renounced Colombian nationality.

The visa is valid for five years and is renewable. It allows holders to work in any field, for any employer, without additional permits.

As an employer, hiring someone with a Type R visa eliminates the need for visa sponsorship or renewal tracking.

💡Best work permit option if: You are employing a long-term resident of Colombia who already holds permanent status. It allows for low-risk, compliant hiring with no administrative burden.

Work Permit Application Process in Colombia (Step-by-step)

Colombia relies on work-authorizing visas, primarily in the Migrant (M) and Visitor (V) categories, rather than a separate work permit card. The process is mostly online and coordinated through the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but employers and employees both have clear responsibilities.

• Step 1: The employer defines the role and confirms that it complies with Colombian labor standards. This includes setting a lawful salary, drafting a compliant employment or services contract, and ensuring the position is suitable for sponsorship under an M or V visa category.
• Step 2: The employer gathers corporate documentation. This often includes the company’s tax ID (NIT), certificate of incorporation or existence and legal representation, recent tax or social security compliance evidence, and, where relevant, sector-specific licenses to show the business is active and in good standing.
• Step 3: The employee collects personal and professional documents. Typical items include a valid passport, CV, degree or professional certificates, professional license where required, recent photos, and, in some cases, a criminal record certificate and proof of health insurance valid in Colombia.
• Step 4: The employer prepares and signs the employment or service contract. The contract should clearly state job title, duties, salary, working hours, work location, and duration, and it must be consistent with the visa application (for example, an M work visa for an indefinite or fixed-term employment relationship).
• Step 5: The online visa application is submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Either the employer or the foreign national, depending on internal policy, uploads all supporting documents, pays the study fee, and selects the appropriate visa type such as Visa de Migrante trabajador or a relevant Visa de Visitante for short-term assignments.
• Step 6: Authorities review the application and may request additional information. The Ministry can ask for clarifications, updated documents, or confirmation of the employment relationship, and timely responses help avoid delays or refusals.
• Step 7: Once approved, the visa is issued electronically and, if required, stamped in the passport. After arrival in Colombia, some visa holders must register their visa with Migración Colombia and apply for a foreigner ID card (Cédula de Extranjería) within the prescribed timeframe.

Requirements and Eligibility for a Work Permit

Eligibility for a Colombian work-authorizing visa depends on the type of activity, the relationship with the sponsoring entity, and the applicant’s qualifications.

Common requirments inlcude:

• Valid passport and legal entry status: The foreign national must hold a passport with sufficient validity and, where applicable, enter Colombia with the correct entry authorization before changing status.
• Qualifying job offer or contract: A signed employment or services contract with a Colombian entity, aligned with the chosen visa category, is usually required to demonstrate the genuine need for the foreign worker.
• Employer’s good standing: The sponsoring company must be duly registered, up to date with tax and social security obligations, and able to demonstrate real operations in Colombia.
• Relevant qualifications and experience: For professional roles, authorities may expect degrees, licenses, or evidence of experience that matches the position, helping to show that the applicant can safely and competently perform the job.
• Financial means and salary compliance: The proposed salary should meet or exceed Colombian minimum wage and sector norms, and in some cases proof of the employer’s financial capacity or the worker’s own means may be requested.
• Clean criminal and immigration record: Depending on the case, a criminal record certificate and a history of compliance with immigration rules can be important to demonstrate low risk and good character.
• Health insurance coverage: Some visa types require proof of health insurance valid in Colombia to ensure the worker will not be left without medical coverage during their stay.

Work Permit Processing Time in Colombia

Processing times for Colombian work-authorizing visas can vary depending on the visa category, the volume of applications, and how complete the file is at the time of submission. Online processing has made many decisions relatively quick, but complex cases can still take longer.

The typical processing time for a work permit or visa in Colombia can vary depending on the specific M or V visa type, whether additional documents are requested, and the time of year. Generally, you can expect the following timelines:

• Temporary Residence or Work Permit: For most M work visas tied to an employer, processing is often around 2 to 6 weeks after all documents are submitted and fees are paid, assuming no major queries.
• Permanent Residence: For residence-type visas based on long-term stay or family or investment, processing can take 3 to 6 months or longer, particularly where detailed background checks and extensive documentation must be reviewed.
• Short-Term Business or Work Visas: Certain V visas for short business visits or brief technical assignments may be processed in about 1 to 3 weeks, provided the purpose is clearly documented and the file is complete.

Expected Processing Timeline: Employer vs Employee

From initial planning to the employee being work-ready in Colombia, you should budget several weeks for coordination between your company, the worker, and the authorities.

• Week 1: Employer confirms the role, selects the appropriate visa category, and requests initial documents from the candidate.
• Week 2: Employer and employee gather corporate and personal documents, finalize the contract, and prepare translations or legalizations if needed.
• Week 3: The online visa application is submitted, fees are paid, and any immediate clarifications requested by the system are addressed.
• Week 4: Authorities review the file; the employer and employee respond promptly to any additional document requests or questions.
• Week 5: Many straightforward cases receive a decision; if approved, the visa is issued electronically and travel planning can be finalized.
• Week 6: The employee arrives in Colombia, completes any required registration with Migración Colombia, and, where applicable, applies for the Cédula de Extranjería.

Who Does What During Colombia Work Permit Sponsorship?

• Employers are responsible for: Defining the role, selecting the correct visa category, preparing and submitting or supporting the visa application, paying agreed fees, and ensuring ongoing compliance with Colombian labor, tax, and immigration rules. They must also track visa expiry dates and initiate renewals or status changes in good time.
• Employee is responsible for: Providing accurate personal information and supporting documents, keeping their passport valid, and responding quickly to any additional information requests. They must also comply with the specific terms of the visa, including working only for the authorized employer, in the approved role, and for the permitted duration.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in Colombia

Many Colombian M work visas are granted for up to 1 to 3 years at a time, and renewals generally follow a similar process to the initial application. Employers and employees should start reviewing renewal needs at least 2 to 4 months before expiry to avoid gaps in status or work authorization.

Renewal requirements can include updated contracts, proof of continued corporate good standing, and evidence that the worker has complied with immigration rules. Because practice may vary and visa categories can change, companies should always confirm current renewal rules and timelines with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or a qualified local immigration advisor.

What Are the Fees for a Work Permit or Visa in Colombia?

The fees for obtaining a work permit or visa in Colombia vary depending on the visa type and the applicant's nationality.

The above fees reflect government fees for work permits and visas in Colombia, and is not associated with Playroll's fees for visa support services. Please contact our team for detailed information on our visa support services.

Visa Requirements For Digital Nomads in Colombia

The Digital Nomad Visa is officially categorized as a Visitor Visa (Type V) specifically designed for remote workers who are employed by companies outside of Colombia or who work as freelancers for foreign clients.

The Digital Nomad Visa offers a great opportunity for remote workers to legally stay in Colombia for an extended period while enjoying the country's affordable cost of living, vibrant culture, and growing digital infrastructure. Unlike the standard tourist entry (which allows stays of up to 180 days per year but doesn't permit any work), this visa specifically authorizes remote work activities while in Colombia.

Eligibility Requirements:

• You must be from a visa-exempt country (including the US, Canada, UK, EU countries, Australia, and many others)
• You must earn a minimum monthly income of at least 3 times the Colombian minimum wage (approximately 4,270,500 COP or about $1,042 USD per month as of 2025)
• You must have valid health insurance with coverage in Colombia for the duration of your stay
• You must be employed by a company outside Colombia or work as a freelancer with foreign clients

Key Features:

• Duration: Valid for up to 2 years (one of the longest digital nomad visas available globally)
• Work Restrictions: You cannot work for Colombian companies or clients
• Residency Path: This visa does NOT count toward permanent residency in Colombia
• Application Process: Can be completed online through the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website

Application Requirements:

• Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity)
• Digital ID-style photo with white background
• Letter explaining your remote work situation
• Proof of income (bank statements from the last 3 months showing the minimum required income)
• Employment contract or proof of freelance work with foreign clients
• Health insurance covering your stay in Colombia

Costs (as of 2025):

• Application fee: $16-52 USD
• Issuance fee: $67-245 USD
• Total government fees: Approximately $83-297 USD (plus any service fees if using an agency)

Employer Compliance & Obligations in Colombia

Hiring foreign talent in Colombia presents unique challenges. Here are common issues and tips for addressing them:

• Complex Paperwork: The visa process requires extensive documentation. Ensure all documents are complete and up-to-date.
• Language Barriers: Many official processes are in Spanish. Hiring a local lawyer or consultant can help streamline communication.
• Processing Delays: Applications may take longer than expected. Start the process early to avoid delays.

Hire Global employees without hassle with an EOR solution

Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be a logistical nightmare to hire and pay employees in different countries. That’s the advantage of using a trusted Employer of Record like Playroll. They can:

• Handle your international payroll: An EOR will act as your payroll provider, paying your employees on your behalf in the local currency. The company will also have in-depth knowledge of local tax codes, regulatory practices, and everything else that goes into managing global payroll.
• Alleviate compliance concerns: Different countries each have their own federal and local laws governing employee payments. An EOR helps ensure that you are compliant with the unique set of laws for any country in which your company operates. This is extremely important since a compliance slip-up can result in heavy fines or even a lawsuit.
• Hire and pay international contractors: Sometimes a particular project or role doesn’t require hiring a full-time employee. An EOR gives employers the flexibility to also hire contractors as needed, and avoid the potential for misclassification under local labor law.