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
Visa policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or consulate before applying. PermitlyHQ provides general guidance and is not a substitute for legal or immigration advice.