Apply for the Colombia Investor Visa
The Colombia Investor Visa allows you to buy real estate or invest in a local business and get residency in one of the most affordable countries in the Americas. No matter your goals, this visa can be your ticket to Colombian permanent residency and citizenship for as little as US$105,000.
Why Apply for the Colombia Investor Visa
Lower Cost of Living
Live on US$2,000 per month with luxuries most foreigners can’t afford back home (e.g. domestic help, private healthcare).
Healthcare Access
Colombia ranks higher than the US for healthcare quality (and procedures costs 2-5x less).
Minimal Presence
The Investor Visa requires one day of presence in-country per six months. Therefore, you can continue your life where you are or relocate to Colombia.
Path to Citizenship
After five years on the Investor Visa, you can qualify for permanent residency and, five years later, Colombian citizenship.
Proximity
Major Colombian cities are within a direct flight from Miami, New York, Chicago, Houston, and several other American cities. No jet lag or long haul travel required!
Ready to Explore Your Options in Colombia?
Who is the Colombia Investor Visa for?
Early Retirees
You have savings and are ready for a new phase of life – now, not in 10 years. This visa gives you immediate residency in a growing nation on track to permanent residency and citizenship.
Investors
You want to diversify your assets globally. With a real estate or business investment in Colombia, you gain a foothold in a rising market and a backup residency if things go sideways at home.
Lifestyle Optimizers
You’re tired of high costs, cold weather, and political chaos. Life in Colombia allows you to cut expenses in half while improving your quality of life.
Qualifying Investment
Invest at least ~US$105,000 in Colombian property or ~US$40,000 in a Colombian business.Â
Proof of Registration
Get certification showing that your funds were legalized in Colombia and that you own the property or shares you purchased.
Clean Record
You’ll need a background check or police certificate from your home country apostilled and translated for use in Colombia.
Financial Solvency
You must prove through bank statements that you can “support yourself” while living in Colombia.
Health Insurance
A valid health insurance plan (Colombian or global) is required to apply for your Colombian visa.Â
Passport Validity
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of application. Also, a recent, standard passport photo.
Continued Compliance
You must maintain your investment to remain eligible for visa renewal and permanent residency.
Request Your Colombia Investor Visa Infosheet
The Colombia Investor Visa Process
Step 1
Strategic Planning
Book a Freedom Consult. We’ll help you decide whether a property or business investment is best for your goals – or if there’s an entirely different yet better immigration path for your circumstances.
Step 2
Document Collection
We help you gather all required documents – criminal record, bank statements, insurance policy, etc. And if you don’t already have a property or business investment in mind, we can help you source it.
Step 3
Bank Account Setup
We open a Colombian bank account for you to legalize your funds when they enter the country. This is an extremely important step of the process. But don’t worry – We guide you through everything.
Step 4
Make Your Investment
Transfer your funds, purchase your property or shares in a Colombian company, and register the transaction with the Central Bank. You’ll need to prove your ownership when you apply for your visa, so proof is obligatory.
Step 5
Apply for the Investor Visa
The Freedom Files prepares and submits your whole visa application with all documentation, including your investment proof.
Step 6
Visa Approval
Congratulations! You’ll receive a Migrant (M) Investor Visa, which may be valid for up to three years. We track the process from submission to approval and ensure the best processing time possible.Â
Step 7
Enter Colombia
Upon arrival in Colombia (or if you were located in Colombia throughout your application process), you now have 15 days to apply for your foreign resident ID (Colombian cédula). The Freedom Files will schedule your appointment with Migración Colombia and organize your biometrics.
Step 8
Maintain Residency
In order to maintain your residency permit, you must keep your investment active and visit the country at least once every six months. If you do not meet these obligations, the Colombian government will not renew your visa.
Step 9
Upgrade to Permanent Residency
After five years on this temporary residency Migrant Investor Visa, you are eligible to apply for permanent residency (R visa) in Colombia. One step closer to citizenship!
Step 10
Citizenship Eligibility
After five years on permanent residency status, you may apply for Colombian citizenship, provided you meet integration, language, and presence requirements.
Other Colombian Visas
FAQs About the Colombia Investor Visa
How Much Does the Colombia Investor Visa Cost?
Government fees run around US$350 total. To handle Colombian bureaucracy and the government immigration process, the Freedom Files has professional fees for full support, including Premium and White Glove packages for more hands-off service.
When Can I Apply for Colombian Citizenship through the Investor Visa?
You can apply for permanent residency after five years on on the Investor Visa (M), provided you meet all requirements to renew the visa. After another five years of permanent residency (R), you can apply for citizenship with some extra steps like a Colombian civics exam.
Will Colombia Tax My US Income on the Investor Visa?
No, immigration status has no bearing on your tax liability. However, Colombia taxes worldwide income if you spend more than 183 days per 365-day period in Colombia. But if you remain outside the country for at least six months each year, you are not liable for Colombian tax.
How Long Does the Colombia Investor Visa Take to Process?
Once your investment is complete and paperwork submitted, Investor Visas are typically issued within 2-4 weeks. The entire process from start to finish can take 1-3 months, depending on a multitude of factors.
Can I Bring My Spouse or Kids on the Colombia Investor Visa?
Yes, spouses and dependents can apply for beneficiary visas once your investor visa is approved. The Freedom Files can help you with this additional process.
