Colombia Business Visa — Requirements, Cost, Processing Time
Key highlights
- Ideal for market research, business meetings, and negotiations
- Part of the Visitor (V) Visa category issued for up to 2 years
- Allows multiple entries into the country during the validity period
- Suitable for commercial representatives and trade show attendees
- Required for stays exceeding the standard 90-day visa-free allowance
- Online application process with document uploads in PDF format
- Potential for inclusion of dependent family members
- Key requirement for those establishing commercial relations in Colombia
Processing time
5-15 working days
The 15-day window begins only after the application is 'accepted for study' and the initial fee is paid. Individual consulates may have different timelines.
Estimated cost
~$230 - $335+
- Visa study/Application fee (varies by nationality)$52-54
- Visa issuance fee (once approved)$177-280
Requirements
- Applicant must not intend to establish permanent residence in Colombia
- The hosting Colombian company must be legally constituted and active
- Personal bank statements must show an average monthly balance of 10 times the Colombian minimum wage
- Support letters must explicitly state that the foreign company or applicant is responsible for all costs
- All documents in languages other than Spanish must be officially translated
- Passport must have at least 180 days of validity remaining at the time of application
- The invitation letter must be signed by the legal representative of the Colombian entity
- Digital documents must be in PDF format and under 5MB in size per file
- Evidence of a return or onward travel ticket may be requested by the visa officer
- Applicants must provide a clear 'purpose of stay' statement in the online form
Documents you'll need
- Valid passport with at least two blank pages and 6 months validity
- Digital passport-style photograph (3cm x 4cm, white background)
- Letter of invitation from a registered Colombian company
- Certificate of Existence and Legal Representation of the Colombian company (Camara de Comercio)
- Excerpts of personal bank statements for the last six months
- Letter from the foreign employer detailing the purpose of the trip and source of funding
- Evidence of health insurance with coverage for repatriation and medical emergencies in Colombia
- Copy of the biographical page of the passport (scanned in PDF)
How to apply, step by step
- 1
Document Preparation
Gather all required documents, ensuring the invitation letter is current and the Colombian company's 'Camara de Comercio' certificate is less than 30 days old.
- 2
Online Application Submission
Access the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website to fill out the online application form and upload your PDFs.
- 3
Initial Fee Payment
Pay the non-refundable 'Study Fee' via the online portal or at a designated bank/consulate to trigger the review process.
- 4
Application Review
A visa officer will review your file; they may request additional documents or an interview during this stage.
- 5
Visa Issuance Payment
Once you receive an approval notification via email, you must pay the secondary 'Issuance Fee' within 15 days.
- 6
E-Visa Receipt
The visa is issued electronically (e-visa). Download and print the PDF to carry with your passport.
- 7
Cédula Registration (if applicable)
If your visa is valid for more than 3 months, you must visit a Migración Colombia office within 15 days of entry to obtain your ID card.
Tips to avoid refusal
- Ensure your invitation letter specifically mentions the ID or NIT number of the Colombian company.
- Do not book non-refundable flights until the visa is granted, as processing times can vary.
- Check that the scan of your passport is high-quality; blurry images are a common cause of rejection.
- Translate your 6-month bank statements into Spanish using a certified translator to avoid delays.
- If you are a freelancer, provide proof of contracts or a portfolio of your professional work.
- Be truthful about your length of stay; asking for 2 years when your project is 2 weeks may lead to scrutiny.
Frequently asked questions
Related visa guides
PermitlyHQ provides informational software tools only and does not offer legal, immigration, or consulting services. Visa policies change frequently — always verify current requirements with the official embassy or consulate before applying.