⚠️ This is an UNOFFICIAL English guide. For official information, visit www.migracioncolombia.gov.co

🇨🇴 Migración Colombia Complete Guide

Step-by-step immigration assistance in English

Welcome to Colombia

This comprehensive guide provides detailed, step-by-step instructions for navigating Colombian immigration. From document checklists to cost breakdowns, we help English speakers understand the complete process for each visa type.

✈️ Check-MIG Step-by-Step Guide in English

⚠️ THIS IS NOT THE OFFICIAL CHECK-MIG FORM!

This guide explains what each field means in English.

You MUST fill out the official form here:

FILL OUT OFFICIAL CHECK-MIG FORM →

📋 Complete Field-by-Field Guide

Follow this guide while filling out the official Check-MIG form. Each section below corresponds to a page on the real form.

Step 1: Trip Type (Tipo de trayecto)
🔹 Tipo de Registro

What it means: Type of Registration

Your options:

  • Ingreso a Colombia = Entering Colombia (arriving)
  • Salida de Colombia = Leaving Colombia (departing)

💡 Most travelers only fill this out for ENTERING Colombia. Leaving is optional but recommended.

🔹 Medio de Transporte

What it means: Method of Transportation

Your options:

  • Aéreo = Air (airplane)
  • Terrestre = Land (bus, car)
  • Marítimo = Sea (ship, cruise)
  • Fluvial = River (boat)
Step 2: Travel Information (Información del viaje)
🔹 Ciudad de Ingreso al País / Puerto de Ingreso

What it means: City/Port of Entry to Colombia

Common options:

  • Aeropuerto Internacional El Dorado = Bogotá Airport
  • Aeropuerto Internacional José María Córdova = Medellín Airport (Rionegro)
  • Aeropuerto Internacional Rafael Núñez = Cartagena Airport
  • Aeropuerto Internacional Alfonso Bonilla Aragón = Cali Airport
  • Select from dropdown - they have all major airports/borders
🔹 Fecha de Viaje

What it means: Travel Date (date you're arriving/departing)

💡 Format: DD/MM/YYYY (day/month/year)

🔹 Vuelo / Número de Vuelo

What it means: Flight Number

Important: Enter ONLY the number part (e.g., for "AA123" just enter "123")

💡 The system auto-fills other details once you enter the flight number

🔹 País de Procedencia

What it means: Country of Origin (where you're flying from)

Common countries in Spanish:

  • Estados Unidos = United States
  • Canadá = Canada
  • Reino Unido = United Kingdom
  • Australia = Australia
  • España = Spain
  • Francia = France
  • Alemania = Germany
  • Brasil = Brazil
  • México = Mexico
Step 3: Personal Information (Datos personales)
🔹 Nombres

What it means: First Name(s) - exactly as shown in passport

🔹 Apellidos

What it means: Last Name(s) - exactly as shown in passport

🔹 Tipo de Documento

What it means: Type of Document

Options:

  • Pasaporte = Passport (most common for foreigners)
  • Cédula de Ciudadanía = Colombian National ID
  • Cédula de Extranjería = Foreign Resident ID Card
🔹 Número de Documento

What it means: Document Number (your passport number)

🔹 Nacionalidad

What it means: Nationality

Select your country from dropdown (in Spanish - see country list above)

🔹 Fecha de Nacimiento

What it means: Date of Birth

💡 Format: DD/MM/YYYY

🔹 Sexo

What it means: Gender

Options: Masculino (Male) | Femenino (Female)

🔹 Correo Electrónico

What it means: Email Address

💡 IMPORTANT: Your confirmation will be sent here!

Step 4: Lodging Information (Datos de hospedaje)
🔹 Departamento

What it means: Department (like a state/province)

Common departments:

  • Cundinamarca (Bogotá area)
  • Antioquia (Medellín area)
  • Bolívar (Cartagena area)
  • Valle del Cauca (Cali area)

💡 Select from dropdown based on where you're staying

🔹 Ciudad

What it means: City (where you're staying)

💡 Only cities in the department you selected will show

🔹 Dirección

What it means: Address (hotel name or street address)

Example: "Hotel Hilton Bogotá" or "Carrera 7 #32-16"

💡 If visiting multiple cities, use your FIRST hotel address

🔹 Teléfono

What it means: Phone Number

Format: Colombian format (e.g., +57 300 123 4567) or hotel phone

Step 5: Additional Questions (Preguntas)
🔹 ¿Viaja con menores de edad?

What it means: Are you traveling with minors?

Options: Sí (Yes) | No (No)

💡 If Yes, you'll fill out a separate section for each child

Final Step: Submit (Enviar)
🔹 Captcha

Complete the captcha verification

🔹 Terms & Conditions

Check the box to accept terms

🔹 GUARDAR Y ENVIAR PREREGISTRO

What it means: "Save and Send Pre-Registration"

💡 Click this to submit your form!

⚡ Important Tips:
  • Fill out 72 hours to 1 hour before your flight
  • Use the SPANISH version of the form (English version has bugs)
  • Save/screenshot your confirmation email!
  • Print or have it on your phone for immigration
  • It's 100% FREE - don't pay scam sites
  • Only fill out for ENTERING Colombia (exit is optional)
Go Fill Out Official Check-MIG Now →

Complete Visa Guides

✈️

Tourist Visa Extension

Staying longer than your initial 90-day tourist stamp

View Complete Guide

📋 Step-by-Step Process

  • Check your current stamp expiration date (in your passport)
  • Apply for extension at least 2 weeks before expiry (can apply up to 5 days before)
  • Go to Migración Colombia website
  • Create account or log in with existing credentials
  • Fill out tourist extension form (Solicitud de Prórroga de Permanencia)
  • Upload passport photo page (clear scan/photo)
  • Pay fee online via PSE (Colombian bank transfer) or credit card
  • Receive confirmation email with appointment or approval
  • If appointment required, bring printed approval and passport
  • Receive new stamp for additional 90 days

📄 Required Documents

  • Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity remaining)
  • Digital photo/scan of passport photo page
  • Credit card or Colombian bank account for payment
  • Email address for confirmation
💰 Total Cost: Approximately $106 USD (varies with exchange rate)
Official fee: ~$100 USD | Processing: Usually same day online
⏱️ Timeline: Instant to 24 hours for online approval | May require in-person visit to Migración office

💡 Pro Tips & Common Mistakes

  • Don't wait until the last day - system can be slow, payment issues happen
  • You can only extend ONCE per calendar year (total max 180 days as tourist)
  • If you overstay, you'll be fined ~$30-100 USD per day when departing
  • Take screenshot of approval email - sometimes emails don't arrive
  • Colombian bank PSE payment is cheaper than credit card
  • If extension denied, you must leave Colombia and re-enter
  • Extension does NOT restart the 180-day annual counter
⚠️ Important: You cannot extend beyond 180 days total per calendar year as a tourist. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Colombia and return (or apply for a different visa type).
💼

Work Visa (Tipo V)

Getting legal permission to work in Colombia

View Complete Guide

📋 Step-by-Step Process

  • Secure job offer from Colombian employer (company must be registered)
  • Employer initiates visa process on your behalf (YOU cannot apply yourself)
  • Gather required documents (see below)
  • Employer submits application through Cancillería website
  • Get background check apostilled from your home country
  • Translate all documents to Spanish (official translator required)
  • Wait for Ministry approval (2-4 weeks typically)
  • Pay visa fee once approved
  • Visit Colombian consulate in your country OR apply for visa online if already in Colombia
  • Receive Tipo V visa stamp/card valid for contract duration (up to 2 years)
  • Enter Colombia and register with Migración within 15 days

📄 Required Documents

  • Valid passport (6+ months validity)
  • Employment contract signed by both parties
  • Employer's business registration (Cámara de Comercio)
  • Employer's tax documents (RUT)
  • Background check from your country (apostilled + translated)
  • Proof of qualifications (degree, certifications - apostilled + translated)
  • Passport-sized photo (white background)
  • Proof of health insurance covering Colombia
💰 Total Cost: Visa fee: $200-400 USD (depends on nationality)
Apostille: $50-150 USD | Translation: $50-200 USD | Lawyer (optional): $500-1500 USD
⏱️ Timeline: 2-8 weeks total | Background check: 1-2 weeks | Approval: 2-4 weeks | Embassy appointment: 1-2 weeks

💡 Pro Tips & Common Mistakes

  • Start background check early - this is the slowest part (FBI checks can take 6+ weeks)
  • Make sure employer is legitimate and in good tax standing - rejected apps are common
  • You CAN be in Colombia on tourist visa while waiting for work visa approval
  • After 2 years continuous work visa, you can apply for Tipo R (residency)
  • Changing jobs requires new visa application - cannot transfer
  • Some professions require additional licensing (doctors, lawyers, engineers)
  • Freelancers/independent contractors may need different visa type
⚠️ Critical: If your employer goes out of business or terminates your contract, your visa becomes invalid within 30 days. You must find new employer and reapply, or leave Colombia.
❤️

Marriage/Partner Visa (Tipo M)

Living in Colombia with your Colombian spouse or partner

View Complete Guide

📋 Step-by-Step Process

  • Get married in your home country OR Colombia (civil marriage required)
  • Obtain official marriage certificate
  • Get marriage certificate apostilled in issuing country
  • Translate marriage certificate to Spanish (official translator)
  • Gather spouse's documents (cédula, birth certificate)
  • Complete visa application at Cancillería website
  • Upload all documents and pay fee ($250-400 USD depending on nationality)
  • Wait for approval (typically 2-4 weeks)
  • Receive Tipo M visa (valid up to 3 years initially)
  • Enter Colombia and register at Migración office within 15 days
  • After holding visa, can apply for Tipo R (permanent residency)

📄 Required Documents

  • Valid passport (6+ months validity)
  • Marriage certificate (apostilled + translated to Spanish)
  • Spouse's cédula (Colombian ID card) - copy
  • Spouse's birth certificate - recent copy
  • Background check from your country (apostilled + translated)
  • Proof of relationship (photos together, communication records, joint accounts)
  • Passport-sized photo (white background)
  • Letter from spouse explaining relationship (in Spanish)
  • Proof of spouse's income/employment (if applicable)
💰 Total Cost: Visa fee: $250-400 USD | Apostille: $50-150 USD | Translation: $100-300 USD | Notary fees: $50-100 USD
⏱️ Timeline: 4-8 weeks total | Document gathering: 2-3 weeks | Approval: 2-4 weeks | Processing: 1 week

💡 Pro Tips & Common Mistakes

  • Common-law/civil unions accepted - don't need official marriage if you can prove 2+ years cohabitation
  • For civil union route, need notarized declaration and proof of living together
  • Take LOTS of photos together over time - this is crucial evidence
  • Social media posts, messages, travel together all strengthen application
  • Marriage visa is FASTEST path to permanent residency
  • After holding M visa, can convert to R visa without 2-year wait
  • Spouse interviews sometimes required - be prepared to answer relationship questions
  • Getting married in Colombia is faster/easier than abroad in many cases
⚠️ Be Aware: Marriage fraud is taken seriously. Migración may investigate suspicious relationships. Need genuine proof of ongoing relationship, not just a marriage certificate.
🏠

Residency Visa (Tipo R)

Long-term or permanent residence in Colombia

View Complete Guide

📋 Multiple Pathways to Tipo R

  • Via Marriage: Hold Tipo M for any duration, then apply
  • Via Work: Hold Tipo V (work visa) for 2+ continuous years
  • Via Investment: Invest $160,000+ USD in property/business in Colombia
  • Via Pension: Prove monthly pension income of 100+ minimum wages (~$2,500 USD/month)
  • Via Parent: If you have Colombian parent, can apply directly
  • Via Child: If you have Colombian child, can apply for residency

📋 Step-by-Step Process (Investment Route Example)

  • Purchase property worth $160,000+ USD OR invest in Colombian business
  • Register property with notary public (escritura pública)
  • Obtain recent property valuation certificate (certificado de libertad)
  • If business investment, get company registration and proof of investment
  • Gather all required documents (see below)
  • Apply online at Cancillería website
  • Upload proof of investment, passport, background check, etc.
  • Pay visa fee ($400-800 USD depending on nationality)
  • Wait for approval (4-8 weeks)
  • Receive Tipo R visa - valid indefinitely (no expiration)
  • Must visit Colombia at least once every 2 years to maintain residency

📄 Required Documents (Investment Route)

  • Valid passport (6+ months validity)
  • Property deed (escritura pública) + English translation
  • Certificate of property title (certificado de libertad y tradición)
  • Property tax payment receipts (impuesto predial)
  • Independent property appraisal showing $160k+ value
  • Background check (apostilled + translated)
  • Proof of legal funds (bank statements showing purchase money origin)
  • Passport-sized photo
💰 Total Cost: Visa fee: $400-800 USD | Property investment: $160,000+ USD | Legal fees: $1,000-3,000 USD | Translation/apostille: $200-500 USD
⏱️ Timeline: 6-12 weeks total | Document preparation: 2-4 weeks | Application review: 4-8 weeks

💡 Pro Tips & Common Mistakes

  • Property route is popular - beach/city condos easily hit $160k threshold
  • Multiple properties can be combined to reach $160k (all must be in your name)
  • Tipo R never expires BUT you lose it if absent from Colombia 2+ consecutive years
  • After 5 years of R visa, eligible to apply for Colombian citizenship
  • R visa holders can work without restrictions (unlike other visa types)
  • Pension route requires proving guaranteed monthly income - not savings
  • For pension route, social security/government pensions work best
  • Business investment must create jobs for Colombians to qualify
⚠️ Critical Information: Tipo R can be revoked if you commit serious crimes in Colombia or if you obtained it fraudulently. Also, while it doesn't expire, you must visit Colombia at least once every 2 years or it becomes invalid.
🎓

Digital Nomad/Remote Work

Working remotely for foreign companies while living in Colombia

View Complete Guide

📋 Step-by-Step Process

  • Confirm you meet income requirements (3x Colombian minimum wage = ~$850 USD/month)
  • Gather proof of remote employment or freelance contracts
  • Obtain bank statements showing consistent income (last 3-6 months)
  • Get employment letter from company (stating you work remotely)
  • OR if freelancer, gather client contracts and payment records
  • Get background check from home country (apostilled + translated)
  • Apply online at Cancillería website
  • Select "Visa Visitante (V)" and subcategory for digital nomad/remote work
  • Upload all documents + proof of income
  • Pay visa fee ($150-250 USD depending on nationality)
  • Wait for approval (2-4 weeks)
  • Receive Tipo V visa valid for up to 2 years

📄 Required Documents

  • Valid passport (6+ months validity)
  • Employment letter from foreign company (on letterhead, notarized)
  • OR freelance contracts with multiple clients
  • Bank statements (last 6 months showing consistent income)
  • Proof of minimum income ($850 USD/month equivalent)
  • Background check (apostilled + translated to Spanish)
  • Proof of health insurance valid in Colombia
  • Passport-sized photo (white background)
  • Letter explaining your remote work situation (in Spanish)
💰 Total Cost: Visa fee: $150-250 USD | Background check + apostille: $100-200 USD | Translation: $100-200 USD | Health insurance: $50-200 USD/month
⏱️ Timeline: 3-6 weeks total | Document gathering: 1-2 weeks | Application review: 2-4 weeks

💡 Pro Tips & Common Mistakes

  • Income requirement is LOW - only $850/month makes this very accessible
  • You CANNOT work for Colombian companies on this visa - only foreign clients/employers
  • Can bring spouse and dependent children on same visa
  • After 2 years of digital nomad visa, can apply for Tipo R (residency)
  • Medellín and Bogotá have huge digital nomad communities
  • No tax obligation to Colombia if income is from outside (consult tax advisor)
  • Freelancers need to show multiple clients/contracts for stability
  • Bank statements must be in English or Spanish (official translation needed)
  • Some people apply while on tourist visa and wait in Colombia for approval
⚠️ Important Restriction: Digital nomad visa does NOT allow you to work for Colombian companies or earn Colombian-sourced income. All income must be from foreign sources.
🛡️

Asylum & Refugee Status

Seeking protection and legal status in Colombia

View Complete Guide

📋 Step-by-Step Process

  • Enter Colombia legally (or if already here, within 2 months of arrival)
  • Contact UNHCR Colombia or legal aid organization immediately
  • Schedule appointment with Cancillería (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
  • Prepare written statement explaining persecution/danger in home country
  • Gather any evidence: threats, police reports, news articles, photos, medical records
  • Attend interview at Cancillería with legal representative
  • Submit asylum application (Solicitud de Reconocimiento de la Condición de Refugiado)
  • Receive temporary permit while application is reviewed (Salvoconducto)
  • Wait for decision (can take 3-12 months)
  • If approved, receive refugee status and work authorization
  • Register with Migración Colombia and receive refugee ID

📄 Required Documents

  • Valid passport OR any identity document from home country
  • Written testimony explaining persecution (can be handwritten)
  • Evidence of persecution: threats, police reports, hospital records, etc.
  • Proof of identity and nationality
  • Any available travel documents
  • Photos or documentation of threats/violence (if available)
  • Contact information in Colombia (address, phone)
💰 Total Cost: Application: FREE (no fees for asylum seekers) | Legal representation: FREE through UNHCR partners
⏱️ Timeline: 3-12 months for decision | Temporary permit issued within days | Interview within 1-2 months

💡 Pro Tips & Important Information

  • FREE legal help available - contact UNHCR Colombia: +57 601 639 4000
  • Must apply within 2 months of arriving in Colombia
  • Valid reasons: political persecution, violence, war, discrimination based on race/religion/nationality/political opinion
  • Economic hardship alone does NOT qualify for refugee status
  • While waiting, you receive Salvoconducto (temporary permit) allowing you to stay legally
  • If approved, can eventually apply for Colombian residency/citizenship
  • Colombia has granted asylum to many Venezuelans and other nationalities
  • Refugee status allows legal work authorization in Colombia
  • Can bring family members under your refugee protection

📞 Free Support Organizations

  • UNHCR Colombia: +57 601 639 4000 | www.acnur.org
  • Colombian Commission of Jurists (CCJ): Legal aid for refugees
  • Caritas Colombia: Humanitarian assistance
  • Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS): Support and integration programs
⚠️ Critical: This is a humanitarian protection for people fleeing serious danger. Do NOT apply for asylum unless you genuinely face persecution. False claims can result in deportation and ban from Colombia.

Essential Official Resources

⚡ Laws Change Frequently

Immigration requirements and fees are updated regularly. Always verify current information on official government websites. For complex situations, consult a licensed Colombian immigration attorney.