Colombia: New Immigration Law Introduces Digital Nomad and Other Visas, Visa Process Changes, Among Other Changes
October 24, 2022
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At a Glance
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs published a new immigration law that introduces the following key changes effective October 22, 2022:
- New visa subcategories, including a new Digital Nomad Visa;
- Decreased maximum stay in Colombia for technical visitors;
- Increased timeframe by which authorities must adjudicate a visa application;
- New documentary requirements for certain visa applications; and
- Stricter eligibility criteria for Resident Visas, among other changes.
Until October 21, 2022, the existing visa categories, requirements, processes, and processing times remain unchanged.
The situation
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Colombia published a new immigration law which will take effect on October 22, 2022. Until October 21, 2022, the existing visa categories, requirements, processes, and processing times remain unchanged. All applications filed on or after October 22, 2022, will need to meet the new rules.
A closer look
Under the new law, the current visa system structure, which is divided into three main visa types – Visitor Visas, Migrant Visas and Resident Visas – remains unchanged. However, the new law creates additional visa subcategories and introduces process changes including:
| New Policy | Details | Details |
| New visa for digital nomads, among other new visa subcategories |
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| New Technical Visa subcategory with a shorter maximum period of stay |
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| New Resident Visa for eligible Venezuelan nationals |
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| Increase in visa adjudication time |
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| Stricter documentary requirements for visa applications |
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| Stricter notification timeframe for changes of employer or other circumstances |
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| Stricter eligibility criteria for Resident Visas (permanent residence) |
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Background
Colombians elected a new government in June. The outgoing government published these reforms that, while signaling a trend toward increasing restrictions to more broadly protect local workers, are also in line with this administration’s mission to attract foreign direct investment and talent to the country and facilitate the transfer of knowledge to the Colombian labor force.
Looking ahead
During the initial implementation period of the law, foreign nationals and employers should expect delays with application processing, increased scrutiny of applications, and discretionary application of the law.
General policy changes and reforms may be forthcoming after the new administration takes office on August 7, 2022. Fragomen will report on relevant developments.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
