Colombia business visa application, requirements, price, and processing time

Colombia is a South American country with a rich history dating back centuries before the first Spanish conquistadors landed. The country may have a terrible past of organized crime, but there is more to Colombia than drugs and war. This South American country is home to some of the most unique flora and fauna on the continent. It also has a very rich culture and an amazing social scene that draws millions worldwide. Many foreign nationals who visit Colombia do so with a Colombia business visa because it is a top business destination on the continent as well.

If you want to visit for a business-related activity, you need a business visa to get into the country. Keep reading to know how to successfully apply for the visa.

Do You Need A Colombia Business Visa To Enter Colombia?

You need a business visa to enter Colombia if you are coming for business-related activities. The only visitors who don’t require a business visa are citizens from visa-exempt countries.

What Is A Colombia Business Visa?

A business visa is a special travel document issued to foreigners for business-related activities. There are three categories of this Colombian business visa, and we briefly explain them below.

Business Owners Visa: This type is a visa with a 1-3 year validity and is the lower level version.

Investment Visa: This one is for investors who can make significant investments in the Colombian economy

Migrant Business Visa: The migrant Visa is for foreigners who can invest up to 100 million Pesos and above into the Colombian economy

Permanent Residency Visa: This one has a minimum requirement of 600 million Pesos of foreign investment and above and guarantees the holder a permanent stay in Colombia without limitations.

You should also know that the Colombian visa is also divided into two categories called the temporary and permanent visa class. All the visas, excluding the permanent residency visa, are under the temporary legal representative category.

The Validity of A Business Visa

The average temporary business visa is valid for three years maximum, and they start counting from the day they are used, regardless of whether you visit the country or not. However, they lose their validity automatically if you stay out of Colombia for more than 6 months at a time.

As for a permanent residency visa, you can enter and leave the country as you like, but you can’t stay for more than 2 years at a time; otherwise, you would violate the terms of the visa. Also, note that business visas are renewable a month before they expire.

Where Can You Apply For A Business Visa?

You can apply for a business visa at the Colombian consulate in your country or online. If you want a longer-term visa of one year and above, you may have to visit the consulate to kick-start the application process. For short-term visas, you can apply for it visa VisaHQ.  Just follow these steps.

• Log onto VisaHQ

• Choose Colombia as your destination and select your citizenship from among the list of countries on the portal

• Complete the application form by filling in all the required fields with accurate data

• Scan and upload the necessary documents where required

• Pay the visa fee using a debit or credit card and submit it for processing

The Colombian authorities will take between 3-5 working days to process your application and send the visa to your registered email address if your application is successful. To avoid rejection or delay, endeavor to provide only valid documents and accurate information. Also, note that the visa fee is nonrefundable.

Documents Required For Colombia Business Visa

Here are the documents you must submit when applying for a business visa. Note that only valid documents are accepted.

Valid Passport: A copy of your passport bio page must be scanned and uploaded on the application form portal. Only passports with at least 6 months of validity are allowed.

Previous stamps/Visa: If you have visited Colombia before, you must provide a scanned copy of the old visa and a stamped page of your passport where the visa was affixed.

Recent Photograph: 2 copies of recent photographs showing your face clearly.

Proof of Funds: A statement of account showing proof of funds and sufficient balance to meet the financial requirements for the type of business visa you are applying for.

Letter of Request: A letter of request showing your company name, tax identification number, company address, certificate of incorporation, and other relevant documents.

Declaration Form: A foreign exchange declaration form

Note that other documents will be required of you besides the ones listed above. Kindly do your due diligence and compile all the documents you need before you start the visa application process.

For a short-term Colombia Business Visa that is obtainable online, visit VisaHQ to access the application form.