COLOMBIAN INVESTMENT VISAS OPTIONS: WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Three Colombia Investment Visas

Thinking about moving to Colombia? You might be surprised to learn that there are three (3) Colombian investment visa options. Whether you're planning to purchase property, launch a new venture, or invest in an existing business, there's likely a visa that fits your goals. In this article, we’ll walk you through each of the three options.

In Colombia, all investment visas fall under the “M” (Migrant) category. However, the type of investment you are pursuing determines which visa is best suited to your needs. Below, we break down the 3 options so you can see which aligns best with your goals.

Option 1: M Visa via Real Estate Investment

If you're thinking about buying property in Colombia, this visa could be a perfect fit. It's become an increasingly popular option for real estate investors, offering options such as: buying and renting out properties on Airbnb, starting a hostel, or owning a farm.

To qualify, you must purchase real estate in your name worth at least 350 times the Colombian minimum monthly wage (SMLMV). While the exact amount in U.S. dollars fluctuates with the exchange rate, this amounts to roughly USD $126,000.

Pro Tip Number 1: Get familiar with the acronym SMLMV — Salario Mínimo Legal Mensual Vigente (Current Legal Monthly Minimum Wage). Many visa requirements and government fees are based on multiples of the SMLMV rather than fixed amounts, since the figure is updated annually. Don’t be surprised if you see “SMLMV” listed instead of an amount in dollars or pesos.

Option 2: M Visa via Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

This visa is designed for those who plan to bring capital directly into Colombia for investing in a business or an asset.

To qualify, the investment must be at least 650 SMLMV, or approximately USD $235,000.

Option 3: M Visa for Business Owners or Shareholders

This visa is ideal if you’ve started a business in Colombia or you’ve acquired shares in a Colombian business.

The minimum investment for this visa is only 100 SMLMV, or approximately USD $36,000. This is an amount much lower than the FDI or real estate options outlined above, however it carries some notable restrictions.

Key Difference: This third visa option allows you to work legally in Colombia, but only within the company you’ve invested in (as a shareholder, partner, or owner). It does not allow for employment in Colombia outside of that company.

Benefits Common to All Three Investment Visa Options:

• Usually issued for three years

• They are renewable

• They make you eligible for residency after five years

What About Family Members?

All three visas types also allow you to apply for dependent visas for:

• Your spouse or permanent partner

• Children under 25

• Children of any age with physical or mental disabilities

  
  

Pro Tip Number 2: Don’t focus solely on the visa. The visa is just one piece of the puzzle. Just like in any other country, once in Colombia, you’ll have to comply with tax laws, banking regulations, and corporate legal framework.

Why choose us as your attorneys?

With over 20 years of experience, our fully bilingual attorneys have helped countless clients successfully establish their businesses in Colombia. We offer comprehensive support, from company registration and tax compliance to immigration matters, so you can focus on growing your business and enjoying your time in Colombia.

Let us guide you through the process. Contact us today!