Colombia Investor Visa: how it works and what you need

Colombia's investor visa is a migrant visa (type M) for foreigners who bring capital into the country. It is not a "golden visa" you buy from the government: the visa follows a real, registered investment that stays in your name while the visa is valid.

It is a strong option if you plan to buy a home or apartment in Colombia anyway, or if you are setting up or buying into a Colombian company.

Amounts are tied to Colombia's minimum monthly wage (SMMLV), which changes every January. 2026 SMMLV: COP 1,750,905. Exchange rates move, so plan with a margin above the minimum.

1. Valid passport with at least 180 days of validity.
2. Proof of the investment.
   • Real estate: the certificate of title (certificado de tradición y libertad) showing the property exclusively in your name and the registered value.
   • Direct investment: the Banco de la República exchange records showing the registered investment.
3. Banco de la República foreign investment registration, made when the money entered Colombia through the formal exchange market.
4. Bank statements from the last 3 months.
5. Health insurance valid in Colombia for the whole stay, covering accident, illness, maternity, disability, hospitalization, death or repatriation.
6. Passport-style photo and the online application through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Cancillería).

1. Plan the investment with a lawyer before moving money. How the funds enter Colombia decides whether the investment can be registered. Money that arrives as a personal transfer without the right exchange declaration can leave you unable to use it for the visa.
2. Transfer the funds through the formal exchange market and file the foreign investment declaration.
3. Buy the property or make the investment. For real estate this includes the title study, promise agreement, deed at a notary and registration in your name.
4. Get your certificates: certificate of title and Banco de la República records.
5. Apply online with Cancillería and pay the fees.
6. Receive the visa (up to 3 years) and then register to get your foreigner ID card (cédula de extranjería).

1. Bringing the money in without registering it as foreign investment.
2. Buying the property in a spouse's name, in a company's name or in shared ownership when the visa needs it in the applicant's exclusive name.
3. A registered value below the minimum because of the exchange rate or because the deed shows a lower price.
4. Selling or changing the investment during the visa without reporting it. Any change must be reported immediately, and when you renew you must prove you kept the investment.

Time as the main holder of the M investor visa counts toward a resident visa (Visa R) once you reach 5 years. Keep your investment and your visa history clean from day one.