Colombia — Complete Emigration Guide 2026
53,057,212 people · Capital: Bogotá · South America
Updated H2 2026 · Compiled from official government sources, re-checked on a rolling basis
Overview
Colombia is located in South America, with a population of 53,057,212. Its currency is the Colombian peso. Our database tracks 32 visa pathways for Colombia, each linked to a named source.
See also: Colombia country profile
Popular routes to Colombia: Venezuela to Colombia (Immigration)
Compiled from official government sources, re-checked on a rolling basis. See our methodology and data sources.
Visa Pathways (32)
Sponsored Employment (2)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary service provider | €872/mo | €224 | 24 mo | 90d |
| Visa M Trabajador | €1,046/mo | €266 | 36 mo | 90d |
Digital Nomad (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa V Trabajador Remoto / Nómadas Digitales | — | €210 | 24 mo | 28d |
Entrepreneur & Business (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa M Profesional independiente | — | €0 | 36 mo | — |
Investment / Golden Visa (2)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa M Inversionista / Resident Investor’s Visa | — | €0 | 36 mo | — |
| Visa R Residente — Vía Inversionista Directo (≥650 SMMLV) | — | €444 | 60 mo | — |
Passive Income (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa V Rentista | — | €218 | 24 mo | — |
Retirement (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retirement Visa (Pensioner) | €1,322/mo | €266 | 36 mo | — |
Study (2)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic exchange and studies in art or trades | — | €65 | 24 mo | — |
| Elementary, middle, and undergraduate students | — | €65 | 36 mo | — |
Working Holiday (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa V Vacaciones y Trabajo | — | €0 | 12 mo | 56d |
Family Reunification (6)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Father or mother of a Colombian national | — | €309 | 36 mo | — |
| Parent or child of Colombian national by adoption | €2,180/mo | €309 | 36 mo | 30d |
| Spouse or permanent companion of Colombian national | — | €309 | 36 mo | — |
| Visa M Cónyuge o Compañero(a) Permanente de Colombiano(a) | — | €257 | 36 mo | — |
| Visa M Padre/Madre o Hijo(a) de Colombiano(a) por Adopción | €50/mo | €257 | 36 mo | 30d |
| Visa R Residente — Vía Cónyuge/Padre de Colombiano (post 2 años visa M) | — | €444 | 60 mo | — |
Spouse & Partner (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carta de Naturalización — Vía Cónyuge/Padre de Colombiano (2 años) | €755/mo | €482 | — | — |
Free Movement (2)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa M Comunidad Andina — Trabajador Migrante Andino | — | €257 | 36 mo | 30d |
| Visa M Mercosur (nacional de Estado Parte o Asociado) | — | €275 | 36 mo | — |
General Residence (2)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qualified resident | — | €429 | 60 mo | — |
| Visa R Residente — Vía Estándar (post 5 años visa M) | — | €444 | 60 mo | 60d |
Permanent Settlement (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accumulated time of permanence | — | €418 | 60 mo | — |
Naturalisation & Citizenship (3)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carta de Naturalización — Vía Estándar (5 años) | — | €482 | 24 mo | 60d |
| Carta de Naturalización — Vía Latinoamericano/Caribeño (1 año) | €38/mo | €482 | — | 30d |
| Colombian citizenship | — | €186 | — | 30d |
Artists & Entertainers (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audiovisual and/or digital production | — | €224 | 12 mo | 30d |
Religious Workers (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa V Religioso | — | €257 | 36 mo | 30d |
Media & Journalists (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Journalistic Coverage Visa (V) | — | €224 | 12 mo | 30d |
Cultural Exchange (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volunteering | — | €214 | 24 mo | — |
Humanitarian & Protection (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permiso por Protección Temporal (PPT) — ETPV Venezolanos | — | — | 120 mo | — |
Tourism & Short Stay (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa V Visitante — Turismo/Negocios | — | €75 | 6 mo | 30d |
Cost of Living
| Item | Colombia | W. Europe Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR) | €450 | €1,200 | -62% |
| Rent (3BR) | €950 | €2,000 | -52% |
| Groceries | €180 | €350 | -49% |
| Transport | €35 | €80 | -56% |
| Utilities | €110 | €150 | -27% |
| Dining (meal) | €4 | €15 | -73% |
Salary & Employment
| Sector | Median (gross, €/yr) |
|---|---|
| Construction | €13,000 |
| Education | €11,000 |
| Engineering | €22,000 |
| Finance | €20,000 |
| Healthcare | €7,000 |
| Hospitality | €9,000 |
| IT | €12,000 |
| Retail | €8,500 |
Shortage Occupations
- Software Developer (IT)
- Systems Engineer (IT)
- Registered Nurse (Healthcare)
- Civil Engineer (Engineering)
- Petroleum Engineer (Engineering)
- Data Analyst (IT)
- Project Manager (Finance)
Tax
Healthcare
Education
| University | QS Rank | English Progs | Tuition (Intl) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Universidad de los Andes | 278 | 65 | €4,500 |
| Pontificia Universidad Javeriana | 361 | 48 | €5,200 |
| Universidad Nacional de Colombia | — | 42 | €2,800 |
| Universidad del Rosario | — | 55 | €4,800 |
| Universidad EAFIT | — | 52 | €4,200 |
Practical Info
Banking
Driving
Phone & Internet
Credentials
Quality of Life
Official sources
The visa data on this page is compiled from official government sources — 31 of the 31 pathways link directly to the government page they were verified against, and 39 financial requirements below carry the exact quote from the official source. Values that fail verification are removed, not guessed — see the live verification freshness index.
- cancilleria.gov.co · 6 pathways · verified 2026-06-23
- cancilleria.gov.co · 3 pathways · verified 2026-06-23
- suin-juriscol.gov.co · 2 pathways · verified 2026-06-25
- cancilleria.gov.co · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-09
- icbf.gov.co · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-09
- icbf.gov.co · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-22
- funcionpublica.gov.co · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-09
- cancilleria.gov.co · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-22
- funcionpublica.gov.co · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-09
- cancilleria.gov.co · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-23
- cancilleria.gov.co · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-20
- cancilleria.gov.co · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-23
Verified requirements — exact official citations
Each figure below was verified verbatim against the official page linked, on the date shown.
Visa V Trabajador Remoto / Nómadas Digitales · 2 verified requirements
Requirement: “Stanford Baker verbatim: 'visa issuance fees ranging $170–$230 USD'; Global Citizen Solutions corrobora 'approximately USD 230'. EUR ≈ 210.” — icbf.gov.co
Minimum income: “Demostrar mediante extractos bancarios contar con ingresos minimos equivalentes a tres (3) Salarios Minimos Legales Mensuales Vigentes (smlmv)” — icbf.gov.co, 2026-07-09
Medical treatment · 2 verified requirements
Requirement: “Visitante - Tratamiento médico: COLOMBIA Y RESTO DEL MUNDO (USD) Estudio 56 Visa 183 | EUROPA Y CUBA (EUR) Estudio 44 Visa 141” — cancilleria.gov.co, 2026-07-09
Savings / proof of funds: “Document certifying the foreigner’s economic solvency or that of the person who guarantees the expenses required for the stay in Colombia during the time required for the treatment.” — cancilleria.gov.co
Spouse or permanent companion of Colombian national · 2 verified requirements
Requirement: “Migrante - Cónyuge de nacional colombiano(a): COLOMBIA Y RESTO DEL MUNDO (USD) Estudio 56 Visa 279 | EUROPA Y CUBA (EUR) Estudio 44 Visa 191” — cancilleria.gov.co, 2026-07-09
Minimum income: “Page resolved to 'Datos de Contacto' (contact channels of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs); does not contain the spouse-visa criteria or any income requirement” — cancilleria.gov.co
Elementary, middle, and undergraduate students · 2 verified requirements
Requirement: “Visitante - Estudiante: COLOMBIA Y RESTO DEL MUNDO (USD) Estudio 16 Visa 51 | EUROPA Y CUBA (EUR) Estudio 12 Visa 40” — cancilleria.gov.co, 2026-07-09
Savings / proof of funds: “Documents showing the financial solvency of the foreigner for his/her stay in Colombian territory.” — cancilleria.gov.co, 2026-07-06
Visa M Pensionado · 2 verified requirements
Requirement: “Stanford Baker verbatim 'Government issuance fee: ~USD 240' + tasa estudio USD 52 = USD 292 ≈ EUR 266.” — cancilleria.gov.co
Minimum income: “monto no inferior a tres (3) salarios mínimos legales mensuales vigentes” — cancilleria.gov.co, 2026-06-28
Father or mother of a Colombian national · 2 verified requirements
Requirement: “Migrante - Madre o padre de nacional colombiano: COLOMBIA Y RESTO DEL MUNDO (USD) Estudio 56 Visa 279 | EUROPA Y CUBA (EUR) Estudio 44 Visa 191” — cancilleria.gov.co, 2026-07-09
Minimum income: “Para a categoria 'For a foreigner who is the father or mother of a Colombian national' os requisitos não incluem rendimento — só 'Payment for visa study of USD 50', passaporte, fotos, formulário DAS, registo civil colombiano do filho e carta autenticada do pai/mãe colombiano;…” — cancilleria.gov.co
Visa M Cónyuge o Compañero(a) Permanente de Colombiano(a) · 2 verified requirements
Requirement: “Tasa estudio USD 52 + expedición USD 230 = USD 282 ≈ EUR 257.” — cancilleria.gov.co
Minimum income: “[Cónyuge de nacional colombiano(a)] Requisitos específicos: 1. Copia auténtica del registro civil de matrimonio colombiano ... 2. Carta de solicitud suscrita por el cónyuge colombiano ... (A categoria cônjuge de nacional NÃO lista requisito de solvencia económica, ao contrário…” — cancilleria.gov.co
Visa V Rentista · 2 verified requirements
Requirement: “Visitante - Rentista: COLOMBIA Y RESTO DEL MUNDO (USD) Estudio 56 Visa 183 | EUROPA Y CUBA (EUR) Estudio 44 Visa 141” — cancilleria.gov.co, 2026-07-09
Minimum income: “La cuantia ingresos por rentas no podra ser inferior a diez (10) salarios minimos legales mensuales vigentes (multiplo SMMLV, sem valor EUR fixo)” — cancilleria.gov.co
Visa R Residente — Vía Cónyuge/Padre de Colombiano (post 2 años visa M) · 2 verified requirements
Requirement: “Residente - Tiempo acumulado de permanencia: COLOMBIA Y RESTO DEL MUNDO (USD) Estudio 56 Visa 408 | EUROPA Y CUBA (EUR) Estudio 44 Visa 314” — cancilleria.gov.co, 2026-07-09
Minimum income: “Carta de solicitud de visa en la que se explique la fuente de ingresos para el sostenimiento propio y de sus beneficiarios, cuando aplique; y se describa de qué manera se mantienen las circunstancias o condiciones que dieron lugar al otorgamiento de las visas previas sujetas a…” — cancilleria.gov.co
Carta de Naturalización — Vía Estándar (5 años) · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “Estudio + expedición carta naturalización ≈ USD 530 ≈ EUR 482.” — cancilleria.gov.co
Visa M Mercosur (nacional de Estado Parte o Asociado) · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “Tasa USD ~302 ≈ EUR 275.” — cancilleria.gov.co
Colombian citizenship · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “Res.16157/2025 fee COP 808,558; 5yr residency (1yr LatAm/Carib); Spanish exam non-natives; age≥18” — icbf.gov.co
Visa M Padre/Madre o Hijo(a) de Colombiano(a) por Adopción · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “Tasa USD ~282 ≈ EUR 257.” — cancilleria.gov.co
Carta de Naturalización — Vía Latinoamericano/Caribeño (1 año) · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “Mismo costo ≈ EUR 482.” — funcionpublica.gov.co
Volunteering · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “Visitante - Voluntarios o cooperantes: COLOMBIA Y RESTO DEL MUNDO (USD) Estudio 56 Visa 183 | EUROPA Y CUBA (EUR) Estudio 44 Visa 141” — cancilleria.gov.co, 2026-07-09
Carta de Naturalización — Vía Cónyuge/Padre de Colombiano (2 años) · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “Mismo costo ≈ EUR 482.” — funcionpublica.gov.co
Visa R Residente — Vía Estándar (post 5 años visa M) · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “Tasa USD ~488 ≈ EUR 444.” — cancilleria.gov.co
Visa V Religioso · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “Visitante - Religioso: COLOMBIA Y RESTO DEL MUNDO (USD) Estudio 56 Visa 183 | EUROPA Y CUBA (EUR) Estudio 44 Visa 141” — cancilleria.gov.co, 2026-07-09
Accumulated time of permanence · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “Residente - Tiempo acumulado de permanencia: COLOMBIA Y RESTO DEL MUNDO (USD) Estudio 56 Visa 408 | EUROPA Y CUBA (EUR) Estudio 44 Visa 314” — cancilleria.gov.co, 2026-07-09
Academic exchange and studies in art or trades · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “Visitante - Estudiante: COLOMBIA Y RESTO DEL MUNDO (USD) Estudio 16 Visa 51 | EUROPA Y CUBA (EUR) Estudio 12 Visa 40” — cancilleria.gov.co, 2026-07-09
Parent or child of Colombian national by adoption · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “Migrante - Madre o padre de nacional colombiano: COLOMBIA Y RESTO DEL MUNDO (USD) Estudio 56 Visa 279 | EUROPA Y CUBA (EUR) Estudio 44 Visa 191” — cancilleria.gov.co, 2026-07-09
Visa M Refugiado (Asilo) · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “Migrante - Refugiado: COLOMBIA Y RESTO DEL MUNDO (USD) Estudio 0 Visa 0 | EUROPA Y CUBA (EUR) Estudio 0 Visa 0” — cancilleria.gov.co, 2026-07-09
Audiovisual and/or digital production · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “Visitante - Producciones cinematográficas o documentales: COLOMBIA Y RESTO DEL MUNDO (USD) Estudio 56 Visa 183 | EUROPA Y CUBA (EUR) Estudio 44 Visa 141” — cancilleria.gov.co, 2026-07-09
Visa M Trabajador · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “Tasa USD 52 + USD 240 = USD 292 ≈ EUR 266.” — suin-juriscol.gov.co
Permiso por Protección Temporal (PPT) — ETPV Venezolanos · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “Decreto 216/2021 — registro y emisión GRATUITOS (free of charge for beneficiaries).” — portal.migracioncolombia.gov.co
Journalistic coverage · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “Visitante - Cubrimiento periodístico: COLOMBIA Y RESTO DEL MUNDO (USD) Estudio 56 Visa 183 | EUROPA Y CUBA (EUR) Estudio 44 Visa 141” — cancilleria.gov.co, 2026-07-09
Temporary service provider · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “Visitante - Prestador de servicios-obra o labor: COLOMBIA Y RESTO DEL MUNDO (USD) Estudio 56 Visa 183 | EUROPA Y CUBA (EUR) Estudio 44 Visa 141” — cancilleria.gov.co, 2026-07-09
Qualified resident · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “Residente - Tiempo acumulado de permanencia: COLOMBIA Y RESTO DEL MUNDO (USD) Estudio 56 Visa 408 | EUROPA Y CUBA (EUR) Estudio 44 Visa 314” — cancilleria.gov.co, 2026-07-09
Visa M Comunidad Andina — Trabajador Migrante Andino · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “Migrante - Andino (sujeta a reciprocidad): COLOMBIA Y RESTO DEL MUNDO (USD) Estudio 56 Visa 279 | EUROPA Y CUBA (EUR) Estudio 44 Visa 191” — cancilleria.gov.co, 2026-07-09
Visa V Visitante — Turismo/Negocios · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “Tasa expedición V Turismo USD 82 ≈ EUR 75. Pago en frontera/consulado.” — cancilleria.gov.co
Frequently Asked Questions
How many visa pathways does Colombia have?
Our database tracks 32 visa pathways for Colombia across 20 categories, the largest being Family Reunification, Naturalisation & Citizenship, Sponsored Employment. Each entry links directly to an official government source.
What is the minimum income for the Retirement Visa (Pensioner)?
The Retirement Visa (Pensioner) lists a minimum income of EUR 1,322 per month, according to the official source (last checked 2026-06-21).
What is the average salary in Colombia?
The average gross salary in Colombia is EUR 472 per month. The statutory minimum wage is EUR 274 per month.
How much does rent cost in Colombia?
A one-bedroom apartment in Colombia averages EUR 450 per month, and a three-bedroom apartment averages EUR 950 per month.
What is the top income tax rate in Colombia?
The top personal income tax rate in Colombia is 39%. The standard VAT rate is 19%.
How long does it take to qualify for citizenship in Colombia?
Among the pathways we track, the Carta de Naturalización — Vía Latinoamericano/Caribeño (1 año) lists 1 years to citizenship. Timelines vary by route and personal circumstances — check the official source for your case.
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