Colombia Work Visa Essentials

When applying for a work visa to Colombia from India, you will generally need to provide a comprehensive set of documents to support your application. The following checklist covers the most common documents needed:

1. Contract Summary:
   • Obtain the contract summary format from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
   • Ensure signatures from the legal representative of the contracting entity and the foreigner.
   • Record essential data regarding the work activity in Colombia.
2. Motivation Letter from the Employer:
   • Detailed letter covering the foreigner’s suitability, functions, training, and reasons for not hiring a Colombian citizen.
   • Specify the number of direct jobs generated by the company.
3. Financial Documentation:
   • Certifications or bank statements in the employer’s name for the last four months.
   • Demonstrate an average monthly income of at least one hundred current legal monthly minimum wages (SMMLV).
4. Educational and Professional Documentation:
   • For unregulated professions: Copy of apostilled or legalized professional title, translated title, or labor and experience certifications.
   • For regulated professions: Process the permit or license with the Professional Council.
5. Valid Passport:
   • Ensure the foreigner’s passport is valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay in Colombia.
6. Passport-Sized Photographs:
   • Provide recent passport-sized photographs meeting specified requirements.
7. Visa Application Form:
   • Complete and sign the visa application form available on the official consulate or embassy website.
8. Health Insurance:
   • Submit proof of health insurance coverage for the entire duration of the foreigner’s stay in Colombia.
9. Criminal Record Certificate:
   • Obtain a recent criminal record certificate from the appropriate authorities in the foreigner’s home country or country of residence.
10. Visa Fees:
    • Pay the applicable visa fees. Check with the consulate or embassy for the current fee structure and payment methods.
11. Visa Interview Appointment Confirmation:
    • Confirm the visa interview appointment if required.
12. Additional Requirements (if applicable):
    • Check for any additional requirements specified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or relevant authorities.

Note:

• Make sure all your documents are in their original form.
• Follow the specific requirements from Colombian immigration authorities.
• Keep an eye out for any updates or changes in the application process from the official Colombian consulate or embassy.

Note: Always confirm the specific requirements with the Colombian embassy or consulate as they may be subject to change.

Before submitting your visa application, please review the list of required documents carefully. The guidelines provided on this website will assist you in preparing your documents accurately, reducing the chances of your application being rejected due to incorrect or incomplete documents.

Colombian Online Visa Application Portal

• The Visa Online service enables you to apply for a visa conveniently from your home or office, accessible 24/7 worldwide.
• Please ensure that the information you provide in this online form is accurate and free of errors. Any inaccuracies may result in the rejection of your application without a refund.
• Before you begin, make sure you have a recent color photo (3x4cm, white background, head-on, no accessories) in JPG format (max 300 KB), and individual PDF documents (in black and white, readable).
• The total weight of all attached documents should not exceed 5MB.
• Allow at least 30 minutes to complete the online application.
• If you’ve already applied online and know your application number, you can use this service to update your information.

The process for applying for a Colombian Work Visa from India typically involves the following steps:

1. Employment Offer:
   • Secure a job offer from a Colombian employer. The employer should provide a letter of invitation or an employment contract specifying the terms of your employment.
2. Online Application:
   • Use the Visa Online service accessible 24/7 from any location worldwide.
   • Carefully read and provide accurate information in the online application form.
   • Avoid typing mistakes, as inaccuracies may result in application refusal without a refund.
   • Allocate at least 30 minutes for the online application process.
3. Required Documents:
   • Before starting the application, ensure you have a recent color photo (3x4cm, white background, head-on, no accessories) in JPG format (max 300 KB).
   • Submit individual documents in PDF format, ensuring readability and preferably in black and white.
   • The total weight of attached documents should not exceed 5MB.
4. Payment:
   • Check accepted payment methods on the official website under “Costs and Means of Payment.”
5. Application Update:
   • If you have an existing online application, use the application number to update information through the online service.
   • If you forget the application number, contact citizen service lines: Bogotá: +57 (1) 3826999, Free national line: 01 8000 938 000.
6. Visit Consulate Office:
   • You will be notified via email about the status of your visa application.
   • Visit the Consulate only if your online application has been accepted to receive the visa stamp on your passport.
   • Note: If you’re applying from within Colombia, choose the Ministry of Foreign Affairs office in Bogotá as your visa application location.
7. Notification of Status:
   • Regularly check your email for updates on the status of your visa application.
8. Collect Visa:
   • If your visa is approved, follow the instructions in the notification to collect your passport with the visa stamp from the Consulate.
9. Travel Arrangements:
   • Once you have the visa, make necessary travel arrangements, such as booking flights and accommodation.
10. Arrival in Colombia:
    • Ensure you have all necessary documents, including your passport with the visa stamp, upon arrival in Colombia.

Validity: Up to three (3) years.

Important notes:

• Find the closest Colombian Consulate to your location, either in your country or a neighboring one.
• Look up a list of Colombian Diplomatic Missions abroad. Contact the Consulate to get details on what documents you need to submit.
• Remember to make electronic copies of these documents in PDF format.
• You only need to visit the Consulate to obtain the visa stamp on your passport if your application is accepted.
• A visa doesn’t automatically grant entry to Colombia; it only permits travel to a designated entry point. Upon arrival, foreigners must seek permission based on the issued visa.
• If you’re applying from within Colombia, choose the Ministry of Foreign Affairs office in Bogotá as your visa application location.
• Personal visits to the Visa Office in Bogotá are unnecessary unless explicitly instructed via email; otherwise, the visa application process remains online.

Note: It’s crucial to check for updates on the official website of the Colombian embassy or consulate, as well as any changes in immigration policies or visa requirements. Additionally, consulting with legal or immigration professionals may provide further assistance in navigating the visa application process.