Key Facts
- Country Name: Republic of Colombia
- Capital: Bogotá
- Population: 48,400,388 (Nov 2015 estimate)
- Language: Spanish
- Time Zone: COT (UTC -5)
- Dialing Code: +57
- Currency: Colombian Peso (COP)
This FAQ has been created as an introductory guide to immigration procedures for Colombia. Since rules and requirements in every country are constantly changing and each case must be assessed on its own merits, for in-depth and up-to-date advice, please contact us.
Please note, we can only advise on matters relating to immigration and are unable support you with employment in a new region. We do however have a network of trusted partners that can support your move, so please visit Our Partners page for further information.
There are a number of professions in which the skills of foreign workers are in demand. These are mostly in areas such as the medical profession, as well as in education and construction.
The oil and gas industry, and mining industry does recruit foreign workers, however this is generally through intra-company transfers from branches overseas.
Opportunities are more regularly available to those who have knowledge of Spanish on some level. Most expats travel to Colombia to work as English teachers. There are also opportunities in the oil and gas industry, construction and medicine.
There are a number of options for long term assignments in Colombia, with the option of applying overseas at a Colombian diplomatic post or upon arrival in Colombia (Post-Arrival Change of Status).
The temporary work visa is the category in for employers based in Colombia to sponsor qualified skilled workers to work on a temporary basis. These are split into two categories:
Temporary Work Visa TP-4: Non-Regulated Professions
Temporary Work Visa TP-4: Regulated Professions (engineers, Economics, Law, Medicine, Business Administration)
Please also note there is a separate category intended for applicants who enter the country to provide specialised technical assistance to a private or public Colombian entity known as a “TP-13 Technical Assistance” visa. This is a short term, non-renewable visa valid for 180 days.
Processes and requirements may vary slightly according to the type of work permit being applied for, the nationality of the applicant, the country of application and personal circumstances of the assignee and any family dependants. We therefore recommend that you contact us for up-to-date information.
The general process will include:
Submission of an application for a Temporary Work Visa, post-entry registration with the Agency of National Migration in order to apply for an Alien ID Card. Those applying to switch status post-arrival will also need to obtain a Temporary Visitor Permit (PIP) at the port of entry.
Requirements will vary according to type of work permit, country of application, and nationality of the applicant and any dependants.
However, applicants will be required to submit a variety of personal documents to support the application which include, but are not limited to:
Passport plus a copy of the information page and last entry to Colombia, copies of any previous visas for Colombia, degree certificate, Proof of Blood Type, a completed Ebola questionnaire; as well as a variety of corporate documents which may include: Chamber of Commerce Certificate, financial statements, supporting letter, tax return, bank receipts and contract summary form. Birth certificates and marriage certificates of family dependants will also be required.
Some personal documents will also need to be legalised prior to submission. Some documents will also need to be translated. Newland Chase can assist with this.
Temporary Work Visa TP-4: Non-Regulated Professions:
Consular: 2 weeks to 3 months until entry to Colombia, and a further 2 weeks to 1 month before the whole process is completed.
In-Country: 1 to 2 weeks until entry to Colombia, and a further 1 to 3 months before the whole process is completed.
Temporary Work Visa TP-4: Regulated Professions:
Consular: 1 to 3 months until entry to Colombia and a further 2 weeks to 1 month before the whole process is completed.
In-Country: 1 to 2 weeks until entry to Colombia, and a further 1 to 3 months before the whole process is completed.
TP-13 Technical Assistance:
Consular Application: 2 weeks to 1 month until entry to Colombia, and a further 2 weeks to 1 month before the whole process is completed.
In-Country: 1 to 2 weeks until entry to Colombia, and a further 2 weeks to 1 month before the whole process is completed.
Temporary Work Visa TP-4 Non-Regulated – initially granted for up to 3 years and can be renewed.
Temporary Work Visa TP-4 Non-Regulated – initially granted for up to 1 year, renewable for an additional one year. After this, a permanent professional permit must be applied for.
TP-13 Technical Assistance – Granted for up to 180 days, with multiple entries, non-renewable
You may apply for a change of status post-arrival in Colombia, as above.
Those who have held a TP-4 Visa for an uninterrupted period of five years can apply for a permanent residency visa (Visa de Residente).
Holders of the following visas can also apply for permanent residence after residing in Colombia for an uninterrupted period for 5 years:
TP-3 – Student
TP-7 – Retired, business owner, property owner, medical treatment
Holders of a TP-10 – Spouse/ partner of a Colombian national can apply for permanent residence after 3 years of uninterrupted residence.
Some supporting documentation will require legalisation, which, depending on the country of origin, may take several weeks.
As such, you would be advised to start the visa application process well in advance of the desired date of relocation. Check with Newland Chase for all up-to-date information on visa requirements and for assistance with ensuring a successful application.