Residence in Colombia: permits and requirements
Living legally in Colombia is possible through 5 permit types: permanent, other, family, investment. Each program has its own requirements; below are the duration, renewal, costs and documentation according to the country's official sources.
Temporary Stay Permit (PTP)
Residence type #1 of 5
Temporary stay authorization for foreign nationals in Colombian territory, up to 2 years depending on the category.
Requirements
- Legal entry into Colombian territory
- Verifiable means of subsistence
- No serious criminal record
Documentation
- Valid passport with visa or valid Entry Permit
- Criminal record certificate from the country of origin
- Colombian judicial record certificate
- Medical certificate
Frequently asked questions about residence in Colombia
How many types of residence permits are there in Colombia?
Colombia offers 5 residence permit types, grouped into the categories permanent, other, family, investment. Each permit has its own requirements, duration and documentation, detailed in this fact sheet according to the country's official sources.
How long do residence permits in Colombia last?
Durations vary by permit type: 2 years (Resolution 5397/2021, Venezuelan regime); Indefinite (V-RE visa issued for 5 renewable years; Resolution 5477/2022); 2 years (M-Mercosur visa; Res. 8483/2023 art. 71); Same validity as the principal (beneficiary visa; Res. 8483/2023 art. 3). The exact details of each type appear in the corresponding fact sheet.
Can residence permits in Colombia be renewed?
It depends on the type: 4 of 5 permits are renewable. Each fact sheet on this page indicates whether the permit in question allows renewal.
What documentation is usually required to reside in Colombia?
Although each permit requires its own file, the most recurrent documents are: Certificado de antecedentes penales; Valid passport; Proof of address. The complete list by residence type appears in each fact sheet, together with the corresponding official link.
Does residence in Colombia lead to nationality?
Yes, through the Naturalization by residence pathway, which requires 5 years (2 years for spouses/permanent partners of Colombians, parents of Colombian children, or Spanish nationals) of legal residence. The complete requirements are in the nationality fact sheet of Colombia.
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Anything to correct or add about Colombia?
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