Essential Guide to Colombia Work Visas for Expats in 2025

A work visa is a legal authorization granted to foreigners who wish to engage in paid employment in the country. Earlier, a Colombian work visa was known as TP-4 work visa. However, the country changed its visa rules in 2017. As per the new guidelines, the work visa falls under the Migrant visa category (Type M). The M-5 work visa is valid for the duration of the contract or a maximum of three years. Note that the TP-4 work visa cannot automatically be converted to a Type M work visa. For this, a foreigner must apply through the Colombian embassy or consulate in their home country or at the office of the immigration department if they are in Colombia. The application process for a Colombian work visa is relatively easy if foreign applicants satisfy all the requirements notified by the foreign ministry. Foreigners can apply for a work visa if their educational qualifications and experience credentials match their employer’s requirements, and the employers must prove that there is a genuine need to hire foreign talent. Applicants also should submit relevant certificates to prove their qualifications and experience.

The applicants for the work visa can either complete the application form online or fill out the physical form. They have to personally visit the Colombian embassy on a later date scheduled by the mission\'s staff to drop off the application form and other supporting documents. They will have to also provide biometric information and attend an in-person interview. The Colombian embassy staff has the authority to approve or reject a visa application. It is important for the applicants to provide true information at the time of the interview. All the documents and data submitted before the Colombian missions will be verified by a competent authority and if found fraudulent, the application will be rejected. At times, visa applications will be sent back to the applicants for more information. Note that the processing fee will not be reimbursed if the application is rejected. Citizens of foreign countries holding a Colombian work visa will have to register it at the office of Colombian immigration within 15 days of their arrival in Colombia, or they could be fined. The office will issue a temporary ID card to them.

Colombia is a sought-after employment market for an increasing number of foreign nationals. The country is blessed with natural resources and enjoys a relatively stable economy. The cost of living is also not high. However, finding a job in Colombia is still a tough task for foreign nationals, especially those who do not have Spanish language proficiency. Securing a job before arriving in the country is challenging. Employers need to explain to the authorities why they are hiring a foreigner over a Colombian citizen, and smaller businesses are often hesitant to sponsor work visas. The authorities are encouraging Colombians to learn English, leading to increased job opportunities for English teachers. Additionally, the Colombian digital nomad visa allows remote workers from visa-free countries to work from Colombia without a visa, provided they only work remotely and not for Colombian employers.