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COLOMBIA – Holders of Permanent Resident (R) Visas Issued Before October 2022 Must Transfer by October 21, 2024
July 16, 2024
By: Diana Monsalve and Agustina Dorado
In line with Resolution 5477 of 2022, which brought substantial changes to the Colombian immigration system, individuals holding Permanent Resident (R) Visas issued before this resolution came into effect are required to transfer their visa within two years, specifically by October 21, 2024.
The new rule mandates that in order to maintain its validity, Permanent Resident (R) visa holders must request a transfer of their visa every five years, at least one month before the expiration date. Previously, transferring the Permanent Resident (R) visa was voluntary, as the visa itself was indefinite despite the expiration date on the label.
Once the visa transfer is completed, applicants must also apply for a new immigration card that corresponds to the new visa characteristics.
The Permanent Resident (R) visa offers significant advantages. Except for pensioners, it includes an open work permit, allowing the main holder to engage in any lawful activity within Colombia, subject to compliance with regulations governing specific professions or activities.
Furthermore, holders and beneficiaries of the Permanent Resident (R) visa can access Colombian nationality through naturalization within two to five years of residing in Colombia with this visa type, depending on individual circumstances.
Under Colombian regulations, eligibility for a Permanent Resident (R) visa can be achieved by continuously holding certain other visa types for a specified period. Resolution 5477 of 2022 also revised the criteria for applying for the Permanent Resident (R) visa based on accumulated time holding other visas. Some visas previously counting towards residency no longer do. However, the resolution provides a transition period allowing visas that accumulated time for residency under the previous rules to count towards the new requirements, provided there is a minimum of two years of effective stay in Colombia at the time of the Resident Visa application.
The resolution also clarifies that continuity of time for visa accumulation exists if a new visa is granted before the preceding visa expires. It specifies that temporary permits do not count towards continuity.
If you hold a Permanent Resident (R) visa and wish to maintain it, contact us to assist with the visa transfer process. For those with other visa types aspiring to apply for the Permanent Resident (R) visa based on accumulated time, planning your migration route in light of these changes is crucial.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us via [email protected]
