Colombia: New Nationality-based Visa Category and Permanent Residence Available for Nationals of Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru
January 7, 2022
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At a Glance
- Colombia has implemented the previously-approved Andean Immigration Statute and is now offering a new nationality-based, two-year visa category and the option to apply for permanent residence after two years for eligible nationals of Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru and their families.
- The visa is similar to the Mercosur Visa in that it offers a simplified application process, without the need for employer sponsorship and a route to permanent residence after two years.
The situation
Colombia has implemented the previously-approved Andean Immigration Statute, allowing eligible nationals of Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru to obtain a nationality-based two-year visa to live and work in Colombia and subsequently obtain permanent residence.
A closer look
Details of the new visa category and permanent residence option include:
| New Visa | Details | Impact |
| Andean Migrant Visa (Visa Migrante Andino). This visa allows nationals of Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru and their families to live and work in Colombia for up to two years without company sponsorship. | In order to obtain the Andean Migrant Visa, applicants must submit their passport which must be valid for at least six months; criminal clearance certificates from their country of citizenship (Bolivia, Ecuador or Peru) or countries of residence in the five years prior to arrival in Colombia (apostilled/legalized) and from Colombia; and a letter stating their purpose for establishing residence in Colombia as well as proof of sufficient funds, among other documents. | Nationals of Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru as well as their families have a new option to live and work in Colombia without requiring a specific employment relationship. |
| Migrant Resident Visa (Visa Residente Andino). Foreign nationals are eligible to apply for a Migrant Resident Visa, which grants permanent residence, after holding an Andean Migrant Visa for two years. | Applicants must show a passport valid for at least six months and economic solvency. They are also required to submit their application at least 90 days prior to the expiration of their Andean Migrant Visa. | Nationals of Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru and their families have a new, faster route to permanent residence in Colombia as permanent residence through other non-nationality-based routes takes longer. |
It is not yet known if Colombia will implement a special processing desk or streamlined process for Andean Community nationals and their families. Until then, foreign nationals should submit their Andean Migrant Visa application electronically to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as they would for other visa types. The Ministry generally takes 5-8 days to process visa applications.
Background
The Andean Immigration Statute is intended to strengthen intraregional integration between Colombia and the other member countries of the Andean Community. Previously, the M-3 Mercosur Visa was the only nationality-based residence visa available to nationals of Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru (as well as nationals of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay) in Colombia.
Looking ahead
Further details are expected when the government publishes official resolutions. Interested foreign nationals should contact their immigration professional for case-specific advice.
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].
