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.
Types of Work Visas in Colombia
Colombia offers different types of work visas depending on the nature and duration of employment. Employers should select the appropriate visa type based on the employee’s role and intended stay.
| Visa Type | Description |
| M Visa (Migrant Visa) - Work | Issued to foreign nationals with a valid job offer or employment contract in Colombia, valid for up to 3 years. |
| V Visa (Visitor Visa) - Temporary Work | Suitable for short-term work assignments, valid for up to 2 years. |
| R Visa (Resident Visa) | For individuals who have held a Migrant Visa for an extended period and wish to obtain permanent residency. |
Common Hiring Scenarios for Colombia
When hiring talent in Colombia, employers typically choose one of three pathways depending on the role, duration, & legal requirements. Below are the most common models.
Use Case 1: Sponsoring a Foreign Employee via Work Permit or Visa
This is the most common route for companies hiring full-time foreign talent in Colombia. To sponsor this visa, an employer (or Playroll as the Employer of Record) must have a registered legal entity in-country and issue a compliant offer of employment.
Key Employer Considerations:
- Sponsorship is required — contractors or freelancers cannot apply under this visa.
- Employees must remain in the approved work location unless authorized to relocate or change employers.
- Processing timelines vary (around 15 to 30 business days on average), depending on the consulate or embassy.
This is best for: Long-term roles with in-office or hybrid presence in Colombia.
Use Case 2: Hiring a Foreign Contractor in Colombia
Independent professionals in Colombia can legally work with international clients without employer sponsorship, but must comply with local tax registration and reporting laws.
With Playroll’s Contractor Management solution, you can:
- Draft fully compliant local contractor agreements.
- Automate contractor invoicing and cross-border payments, in Colombian Peso (COP) or USD.
- Mitigate risk of permanent establishment and contractor misclassification.
This is best for: Freelancers, consultants or project-based roles, especially if the worker already lives in Colombia.
Use Case 3: Relocating an Existing Employee to Colombia
Transferring an existing team member to Colombia? You’ll still need to navigate the same visa and payroll setup process. Even if the employee works for you elsewhere, a local employer of record is required to stay compliant.
EOR’s, like Playroll, handle all local steps, including:
- Work permit sponsorship and immigration paperwork,
- Registration with local authorities and payroll systems,
- Enrollment in mandatory benefits and statutory schemes.
This is best for: Internal transfers or remote-first companies looking to expand into South America, or talent retention offerings for global mobility programs.
Requirements For a Work Permit in Colombia
To obtain a work permit in Colombia, employers must ensure that employees meet several requirements. These requirements are designed to verify the legitimacy of the employment and the qualifications of the applicant.
- Valid Passport: The applicant must have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay.
- Employment Contract: A formal job offer or employment contract with a Colombian company, detailing job responsibilities, salary, and duration.
- Educational and Professional Qualifications: Proof of qualifications, such as diplomas or certificates relevant to the job role.
- Certificate of Legal Existence: Issued by the Colombian Chamber of Commerce to verify the employer’s business legitimacy.
- Criminal Record Check: A police clearance certificate from the applicant's country of residence.
- Health Insurance: Proof of valid health insurance covering the duration of the stay in Colombia.
Colombia Work Permit Application Process
- Step 1: Secure a Job Offer or Contract – The employer must provide a signed employment contract or offer letter to the employee.
- Step 2: Gather Documentation – Collect necessary documents, including passport, qualifications, and criminal record check.
- Step 3: Submit Application – The application can be submitted online through the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
- Step 4: Pay Fees – The applicable visa fees must be paid upon submission of the application.
- Step 5: Attend Interview – If required, the applicant may need to attend an interview at a Colombian consulate or embassy.
- Step 6: Approval and Visa Issuance – Once approved, the work visa is issued and can be used to enter and work in Colombia.
Process for Visa Sponsorship In Colombia
Employers sponsoring foreign employees for work visas in Colombia must be registered and legally operating in the country. The sponsorship process involves several key steps to ensure compliance with Colombian labor laws and immigration regulations.
To begin, the employer must provide a formal employment contract or offer letter that clearly outlines the terms of employment, including the job position, salary, and duration of the contract. Additionally, the employer must submit proof of the company’s legal existence, which can be verified through a Certificate of Legal Existence issued by the Colombian Chamber of Commerce.
The employer must also justify the need for hiring a foreign national by demonstrating that no suitable local candidate was available for the role. This typically requires showing evidence that the company has made efforts to recruit locally and that the foreign candidate possesses unique skills or qualifications that cannot be met by the local workforce.
Once the necessary documents are gathered, the employer submits the visa sponsorship application to the Colombian authorities. The authorities may require additional supporting documentation or clarification before granting approval. After approval, the foreign employee will receive the work visa, enabling them to legally enter and work in Colombia.
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.
| Visa Type | Application Fee |
| M Visa (Migrant Visa) | $230 USD |
| V Visa (Visitor Visa) | $170 USD |
| R Visa (Resident Visa) | $420 USD |
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.
Processing Time for a Work Permit Or Visa in Colombia
Processing times for work permits and visas in Colombia typically range from 15 to 30 business days. However, the duration may vary depending on the type of visa, the completeness of the application, and any additional checks required. Employers should plan ahead and allow sufficient time for processing to avoid delays in onboarding employees.
Work Permit Renewal Periods in Colombia
Work permits in Colombia can generally be renewed before their expiration date. For the Migrant Visa (M Visa), renewals can extend the validity for up to 3 additional years, depending on the employment contract and the employee's ongoing work status in the country.
Employers must ensure that all supporting documentation, including updated employment contracts and proof of income, are submitted during the renewal process. It is recommended to begin the renewal process at least two months prior to the expiration date to avoid any gaps in the employee's legal working status in Colombia.
For other types of work visas, such as the V Visa (Visitor Visa), the renewal period may vary based on the specific work assignment and the duration of the job. Employers should closely monitor the expiration dates and ensure compliance with Colombian immigration requirements to maintain the employee’s legal status while working in the country.
Visa Requirements For Digital Nomads in Colombia
Colombia offers a digital nomad visa that allows remote workers to stay in the country while working for foreign companies.
- Valid Passport: The passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
- Proof of Income: Evidence of a steady monthly income of at least $900 USD.
- Health Insurance: Coverage for the entire stay in Colombia.
- Remote Work Contract: Proof that the applicant works remotely for a foreign employer or has their own business.
- Application Form: Complete the online visa application form.
- Motivation Letter: A brief explanation of the applicant's remote work and stay plans.
Common Challenges and Tips for Employers Hiring 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.
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