I. Main Visa and Work Permit Types

The table lists only the main types covered by this guide and is not an exhaustive list of all visa categories.

1. Short-Term Tourist and Business Visits

Whether a short-term visitor is visa-exempt depends on the individual’s nationality and any additional conditions. The actual permitted stay is subject to the entry authorisation. The V category is a family of visitor visas, and some subcategories may authorise specific work. It is therefore incorrect to interpret every V visa as either permitting work or prohibiting all work. Any work must match the approved entity, occupation and activity.

Whether an activity is a visit should be determined from the actual work involved, rather than merely the itinerary name or where salary is paid. Installation, repair, training and on-site client services should be assessed carefully to confirm whether a visa with work authorisation or a specific exemption is required.

2. V Visa for Services, Works or Assignments

This visa applies to an individual temporarily performing a contract for services, works or an assignment in Colombia with clear start and end dates.

Application documents include an official contract summary, an explanatory letter from the employer or host party, and bank evidence for the previous six months. The bank evidence must show an average monthly income of 100 times the SMMLV. The applicant must also demonstrate the individual’s qualifications and explain why a Colombian national was not hired. The individual must hold the qualifications required for the role and Colombian health insurance covering the entire stay. Regulated professions require separate authorisation.

A V visa for services, works or assignments may be approved for up to two years, with the actual period determined by the contract and approval decision. Work rights are limited to the approved entity, position or activity. If the contracting party, activity or position changes materially, the applicable new authorisation must be obtained. A short-term assignment status must not be used for continuing ordinary employment.

3. M Worker Visa

The M worker visa applies to a foreign employee who signs an employment contract with a Colombian legal entity and works in Colombia on a long-term basis.

A private employer must provide an official contract summary, position description and bank evidence for the previous four months showing an average monthly income of 100 times the SMMLV. The employee must demonstrate that they are qualified for the role through education documents bearing an Apostille and accompanied by a translation, or through evidence of verified experience. Regulated professions require prior authorisation from the relevant professional council. The contract, position, entity and approved activities must remain aligned.

An M worker visa may be approved for up to three years, but the actual validity period cannot exceed the employment contract or approval decision. A continuous absence from Colombia of more than 180 days may cause the visa to expire automatically.

Before renewal, the employment contract, financial capacity of 100 times the SMMLV and professional authorisation must be reassessed. When the employer, position or activity changes, a new visa application or amendment is generally required, and the employee must not start the new work before obtaining the necessary authorisation. When the contract ends, the employer must meet reporting and return-travel obligations. A single post-employment grace period should not be assumed.

II. Entry, Family and Other Arrangements

Visa, work-approval and residence documents should reflect the genuine activity and align with each other’s validity periods. Whether a holder of a V visa for services, works or assignments may bring dependent family members is subject to the rules of the specific issued subcategory. Beneficiary family members do not usually obtain the right to work automatically.

Eligible family members of an M worker visa holder may apply for a beneficiary visa but generally may not work. A family member who intends to work must obtain a visa that provides their own work authorisation. Study, transit and other personal statuses must also meet their own requirements; the principal applicant’s permit cannot be used directly as a family member’s entry or employment document.

III. Renewals, Changes, Departure and Status Maintenance

An unexpired document does not mean the holder may work for any new employer. Colombia does not have a single post-employment grace period that can be assumed to apply to everyone. Where a transition arrangement exists, it should be assessed against the actual approval and remaining authorised stay.

IV. How sailglobal Can Help

If you plan to send personnel to Colombia for a business visit, local employment, a short-term project or accompanying family arrangements, contact sailglobal. Based on the individual’s status, role responsibilities, contractual relationship and itinerary, we can help you understand the applicable route and application requirements.

Visa, work-permit and residence applications are independently assessed by the relevant competent authorities. sailglobal does not guarantee approval outcomes or fixed issuance dates.