If you are a foreigner and want to live in Colombia, you must apply for a residency permit. This document allows you to stay in the country for a specific time and provides other benefits, such as the right to work. Different types of residency permits are available, so it is crucial to choose the one that best suits your needs. This article will explain the process of obtaining a Colombia permanent residency permit.
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What is Colombia’s permanent residency permit?
There are a few different types of permanent residency permits in Colombia. The most common one is the cedula de extranjeria, a document proving your legal status in the country. To apply for the cedula, you must first have a temporary residency permit. Other types include the cedula de residencia and the cedula de permanencia.
Who needs a Colombia permanent residency permit?
A few different categories of people need a Colombia permanent residency permit. The most common are people who want to retire in Colombia, investors, and people with special skills or talents that are needed in Colombia. In addition, there are other less common reasons someone might need a permanent residency permit, such as being the spouse or child of a Colombian citizen.
Requirements for Colombia permanent residency
To apply for permanent residency in Colombia, foreigners must meet specific requirements. For example, the most common way to obtain residency is through marriage to a Colombian citizen. Still, other options include having a child born in Colombia or investing a certain amount of money in the country. In addition, applicants must have a clean criminal record and be able to provide proof of sufficient financial resources.
Unlike a tourist visa, obtaining residency can be long and complicated, so starting the application process well in advance is essential. Applicants must provide several documents, including their passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), police record, and proof of financial resources. There is also a fee associated with applying for residency, which varies depending on the visa type.
Categories of Colombia residency permit
The Colombian citizen visa is divided into five categories. To qualify for a Colombian resident visa, you will need to meet the requirement of one of the categories.
Returning Colombians:
An individual with previous Colombian citizenship but living abroad had to abandon their original citizenship to comply with foreign laws when becoming a citizen in a new nation—affected by foreign nationals who were required to handle clearance concerns or join specific armed forces or security firms.
Parent of a Colombian:
A parent of a Colombian child by birth or adoption may apply for residency, whether father or mother.
Longtime M-1 or m-3 visa holders:
Any foreigner who has held the residency visa category M-1 or M-3 for two consecutive years of uninterrupted stay may apply for a Colombia resident visa. The M-1 visa is for marriage, and the M visa is a Mercosur visa.
Long-time M-4 to M-11 Visa Holders:
A foreigner with a migrant visa of the category M-4 to M-11 for an uninterrupted period of 5 years can apply for a Colombia resident visa. These visa categories include retirement, student, and work visas.
Beneficiary of visa type R:
Spouses, children, and parents of the principal Residency Beneficiary visa holder may apply for a Residency. Children up to twenty-five years old may apply. Exceptions apply to Beneficiaries who are mental or physically disabled. Parents of principal visa holders also may apply based on age and physical and mental disability.
Required Documents for the type R resident visa
- Photocopy of passport
- Proof of legal entry
- Photocopy of previously obtained visa
- Proof of income earnings
- Notarized letter by the spouse
- Copy of cedula
- Copy of child’s birth certificate
- Passport photo
- Proof of investment issued by the department of international exchange
How to apply for the permanent residence visa
The Colombia visa application process is simple because it can be completed online. You can apply for a Colombia resident visa using the Tramite Visa online.
All required documents must be scanned in PDF format for this application and a passport photo in JPEG format. There is a guide for applying online on this site.
You might need to go to a local Colombian consulate in another country to obtain the visa added to your passport when traveling to Colombia with a migrant and investor visa. Once your initial Colombian investment visa has been approved and added to your passport, you’re ready to depart for Colombia as a migrant and investor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easy to get citizenship in Colombia?
There is no easy answer to this question. It depends on a variety of factors, including your nationality, the length of time you have been living in Colombia, and whether you have children who are Colombian citizens. Generally speaking, it is easier to obtain citizenship if you are married to a Colombian citizen.
Can a foreigner live in Colombia?
Yes, foreigners can live in Colombia as long as they have the appropriate visa. Unfortunately, there are numerous visas available, so it is important to research which one is best for your needs.
How long do I have to live in Colombia to become a citizen?
There is no set amount of time required to become a Colombian citizen. Generally, applicants must be legal residents in Colombia for a certain time before applying for citizenship. The specific requirements vary depending on the applicant’s nationality.
How long can I legally stay in Colombia?
This question lacks a clear solution because it depends on many variables, including your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Generally, visitors from most countries can stay in Colombia for up to 90 days without a visa. However, if you intend to stay for more than 90 days or are not a citizen of a visa-exempt country, you must obtain a visa; you will need to apply for a visa at a Colombian embassy or consulate.
How can I stay in Colombia long-term?
There is a variety of ways that you can stay in Colombia long-term. One way is to get a work visa. You can also get a student visa or a retirement visa. If you are married to a Colombian citizen, you can also get a permanent residency visa.
How long can a foreigner stay in Colombia?
A foreigner can stay in Colombia for up to 180 days. After that, they must apply for a visa to stay longer.
Can a foreigner open a bank account in Colombia?
Yes, foreigners can open bank accounts in Colombia. To do so, you will need to provide your passport and proof of residence in Colombia. However, the process is relatively simple, and most banks have English-speaking staff who can assist you.
Can foreigners buy property in Colombia?
Yes, foreigners can buy property in Colombia. The process is relatively simple, and several restrictions depend on the type of property purchased. For example, foreigners are not allowed to purchase land within 100 kilometers of the border and must obtain a visa to purchase the property.
Is Colombia a good place to live?
There isn’t a single, universal response to this query, as the best place to live in Colombia will vary depending on your individual needs and preferences. However, in general, Colombia is a great place to live, with plenty of opportunities for work, travel, and adventure. The country is home to diverse landscapes and cultures, making it an interesting and exciting place to explore. Additionally, the cost of living in Colombia is relatively low compared to other countries in the region.
How do I marry a Colombian citizen?
To marry a Colombian citizen, you will need to meet certain requirements, including having a valid passport, being of legal age to marry, and meeting any other requirements set by the Colombian government. You will also need to file a marriage application and undergo a background check. After meeting all of the requirements, you will be able to marry your Colombian spouse in Colombia or abroad.
What happens if I overstay in Colombia?
The consequences of overstaying in Colombia depend on your visa status. If you are on a tourist visa, student visa, or work visa, you will be fined and may be deported.
Does Columbia offer dual citizenship?
Yes, Columbia offers dual citizenship to students who are citizens of countries that have a treaty with Columbia. Students must complete a form and provide proof of their citizenship to the International Student and Scholar Services office.
Can I get a Colombian passport?
Yes, you can get a Colombian passport. To be eligible, you must be a Colombian citizen and have resided in Colombia for at least two years.
Conclusion
In conclusion, obtaining a Permanent Residency in Colombia is a great way to secure your status in the country and enjoy all of the benefits that come with it. Furthermore, you can start a new life in Colombia with a few easy steps. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!
