Republic of Colombia · residence general · Leads to settlement
Visa M (Migrante)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
The Migrant (M) visa - the establishment-intent category whose continuous holding accrues toward a Resident (R) visa in Colombia.
- Processing time
- Indicative only - confirm current timelines on the official Cancilleria visa page.
- Government fees
- Indicative only - a study fee and an issuance fee apply; confirm current amounts on the official page.
- Typical duration
- Granted for up to three years depending on the subcategory and renewable; continuous holding accrues toward the Resident (R) visa. Confirm current validity on the official page.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Overview
Under Resolucion 5477 of 2022, the Visa M (Migrante) is the category for foreign nationals who intend to establish themselves in Colombia. It groups several subcategories - including spouse or partner of a Colombian, business owner or investor, employee, pensioner and others - each with its own requirements. Crucially, the M visa constitutes proof of residence with intent of permanence: holding one or more M visas continuously for the qualifying period accrues toward eligibility for the Resident (R) visa. The Visa M is issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓The applicant qualifies under one of the Migrant (M) subcategories defined by Resolucion 5477 of 2022.Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Colombia) ↗
- ✓The applicant intends to establish themselves in Colombia rather than visit temporarily.Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Colombia) ↗
- ✓The subcategory-specific requirements (e.g. marriage, investment, employment or pension proof) are met and evidenced.Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Colombia) ↗
- ✓A valid passport and the documentation required by the chosen subcategory are presented.Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Colombia) ↗
Common blockers
- !The applicant does not fit any Migrant subcategory and should instead use a Visitor (V) or Resident (R) visa.Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Colombia) ↗
- !Breaks in continuous M-visa holding can interrupt the time accruing toward an R visa.Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Colombia) ↗
- !Subcategory-specific thresholds (such as investment or income) are not met or evidenced.Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Colombia) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Valid passport and completed visa application form with a recent photograph.Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Colombia) ↗
- ·Documents proving the qualifying ground (marriage certificate, investment registration, employment contract or pension proof).Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Colombia) ↗
- ·Proof of financial means as required by the subcategory.Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Colombia) ↗
- ·Any apostilled or legalised civil-status or company documents the subcategory requires.Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Colombia) ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Identify which Migrant (M) subcategory under Resolucion 5477 of 2022 you qualify under and confirm M time accrues toward the R visa, using the official Cancilleria page.
Build the evidence pack
Assemble the passport, application form and the qualifying-ground documents (and apostilles or legalisations) for your subcategory.
Submit through the official channel
Apply through the Cancilleria online visa system following the Migrant subcategory instructions.
After approval
Register the visa and the cedula de extranjeria as required, and maintain continuous holding to build time toward a Resident (R) visa.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicantUse official Visa M (Migrante) route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Visa M (Migrante).
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Colombia) · verified
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Related routes
Visa M Inversionista / Socio o Propietario
The Migrant (M) visa for foreign investors and business owners or partners in a Colombian company.
Visa M Conyuge o Companero de Nacional
The Migrant (M) visa for the spouse or permanent partner of a Colombian national.
Visa R (Residente)
The Resident (R) visa - Colombia's permanent-residence category, granting an open work permit and the right to settle.
Frequently asked questions
How does the Visa M lead to permanent residence in Colombia?+
The Migrant (M) visa is the establishment-intent category, and continuously holding one or more M visas for the qualifying period accrues toward eligibility for the Resident (R) visa. Avoiding breaks in your M status protects that accrued time. Confirm the current qualifying period on the official Cancilleria page.
What subcategories fall under the Visa M?+
The Migrant type groups several subcategories, including spouse or partner of a Colombian, business owner or investor, employee and pensioner, each with its own requirements. Check which one fits your situation on the official Cancilleria page.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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