Important Updates
Important Updates
September 10, 2025 | SwedenSweden: Online Submission of Passport Details Now Possible for Work, Student Permit Applicants
September 12, 2025 | Netherlands, Germany, United StatesLabor Law Magazine: Travel Under Trump
September 11, 2025 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Significant Increase in Employer Sponsor License Revocations
September 10, 2025 | CanadaCanada: New Labour Market Impact Assessment Advertising Rule
September 10, 2025 | Denmark, Norway, SwedenFragomen Brings Its Short-Term Business Travel Solution, Nomadic, to the Nordics
September 10, 2025 | SwedenSweden: Online Submission of Passport Details Now Possible for Work, Student Permit Applicants
September 12, 2025 | Netherlands, Germany, United StatesLabor Law Magazine: Travel Under Trump
September 11, 2025 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Significant Increase in Employer Sponsor License Revocations
September 10, 2025 | CanadaCanada: New Labour Market Impact Assessment Advertising Rule
September 10, 2025 | Denmark, Norway, SwedenFragomen Brings Its Short-Term Business Travel Solution, Nomadic, to the Nordics
September 10, 2025 | SwedenSweden: Online Submission of Passport Details Now Possible for Work, Student Permit Applicants
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

Details on New Immigration Law Released

December 14, 2017

insight-news-default

Country / Territory

  • ColombiaColombia

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Executive Summary

On December 15, 2017, as part of its immigration system overhaul, Colombia will:

  • Simplify the visa system by reducing the number of visa types from 21 to three (each with the corresponding sub-categories), but will not substantially alter the entry rules for most foreign nationals;
  • Codify rules and procedures such as mandating a timeframe by which authorities must adjudicate a visa application and requiring foreign nationals to apply for a new visa if their circumstances change; and
  • Extend the time that technical visitors can remain in Colombia from 180 days to up to two years.

 

While this is largely a reorganization and will not significantly alter the rules or processes for most foreign nationals seeking to work in Colombia, employers and foreign nationals should pay particular attention to the details and completeness of their applications.

All applications filed on or after December 15 will need to meet the new rules. Some delays can be expected as a result of the temporary suspension of the online system.


The situation

Colombia is introducing changes to its immigration law and processes. Effective December 15, 2017, all new visa applications for Colombia must comply with the new immigration law.

Main changes

  • Visa type restructure. The new law restructures the visa system, replacing 21 visa categories with Visitor (V), Migrant (M), and Resident (R) categories.
    • Impact. This is largely a reorganization and will not significantly alter the rules or processes for most foreign nationals seeking to work in Colombia.

 

  • Technical visitors. Short-term technical visitors will still be able enter under a Visitor visa. The maximum amount of stay will be increased from 180 days to up to two years.
    • Impact. Fewer renewals will be needed for longer stays.

 

  • Codified adjudication time. Under the new law, immigration authorities must adjudicate a complete visa application within five business days of submission. Where additional documentation/information is requested, authorities must adjudicate the application within 30 days of receipt of that material. Previously, authorities would take one to two weeks to adjudicate applications.
    • Impact. Decision-ready applications will be adjudicated faster.

 

  • Codified denial and appeal rules. The new law explicitly states that:
    • applications may be denied at the authorities’ discretion;
    • all decisions are final and appeals will not be accepted; and
    • if an application is denied, the foreign national cannot submit a new application for six months.
      • Impact. A complete and accurate application is essential.

 

  • Codified rules on circumstance changes. Foreign nationals who are authorized to work under certain subcategories of the Visitor and Migrant visas, such as the V-13 and M-5 categories, can only legally perform the job and can only work for the sponsoring company listed on their original visa application.

 

A foreign national will have 30 business days to secure a new visa before they can change their role or employer. If a new visa is not granted in this time, the foreign national must depart Colombia.  The foreign national will not be allowed to legally work in Colombia until they secure a new visa with their updated information.

Failure to secure a new visa or depart the country within the permitted 30 days can result in penalties and may necessitate a regularization process.

  • Impact. Employers will need to review their processes to monitor and track changes in foreign nationals’ circumstances.

 

  • Labor/services contract requirement. Companies seeking to hire foreign nationals under the Visitor visa, subcategory 13 (V-13), are advised to submit either a labor or services contract with their application until the related requirement is clarified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
    • Impact. Employers must allow additional time for preparation of required documentation.

 

Key rules that remain unchanged

  • Entry permits. Entry permits for visa-exempt nationals, called PIP, will remain unchanged by the new immigration law.  
  • Professional permits, degree validations and professional licenses. Foreign nationals who hold a foreign bachelor’s degree must still undergo the respective professional permit/degree validation process even if their visa allows them to work.  Affected foreign nationals should contact their immigration professional about this requirement.
  • SIRE. Employers must still notify the government of all employment/assignment start and end dates for foreign nationals under V, M, R and Entry Permits within 15 calendar days of the event. These notifications must be completed on Colombia’s online government immigration system, called SIRE (Sistema de Información de Registro de Extranjeros). Additional personal notification obligations apply for certain M and R visas.

 

Implementation and transitional measures

  • Transition. Visas valid prior to December 15 will continue to be valid. Applications pending on December 15 may require reapplication according to the new law.
  • Delays. As a reminder, foreign nationals and employers should expect delays with the new platform and with application processing during the initial implementation period.
  • Increased scrutiny. Foreign nationals and employers should expect increased scrutiny of applications as well as discretionary application of the law during the initial implementation period. Please consult your immigration provider for any questions during this transition period.

 

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].

Country / Territory

  • ColombiaColombia

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

Labor Law Magazine: Travel Under Trump

Senior Associate Oliver L. Ashworth and Director David Iannella discuss recent US immigration and visa changes and what German businesses and travelers should know.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Brings Its Short-Term Business Travel Solution, Nomadic, to the Nordics

Fragomen announces the expansion of Nomadic to the Nordics, providing end-to-end support for short-term business travel and cross-border compliance.

Learn more

Blog post

Costa Rica Investment Residency Explained: Requirements and Options

Immigration Supervisor Michael Salas Guzman discusses Costa Rica investment residency options and requirements for foreign investors, retirees and rentiers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gulf Business: Why Immigration Due Diligence is as Critical as Financial Scrutiny in the GCC

Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Khan discusses why immigration due diligence is important in GCC mergers.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Welcomes Partner Karolina Schiffter to Poland Practice, Adds to Poland Presence with New Offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk

Fragomen announces the opening of new offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk, welcoming Partner Karolina Schiffter to its Poland practice.

Learn more

Blog post

How to Get Luxembourg Citizenship: Requirements, Benefits & Application Process

This blog post by Manager Virginie Todesco and Immigration Consultant Chiara Caredda, available in English and Portuguese, outlines the requirements, benefits and application process for obtaining Luxembourg citizenship.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan Named 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs Winners

Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan were recognized at the 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Archana Iyer Wins "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards

Partner Archana Iyer won the "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times of India: A War on Fraud: USCIS to Train Special Armed Agents with Powers to Arrest Applicants and Lawyers

Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses how USCIS’s new rule could potentially increase enforcement and affect how applicants interact with the US immigration system.

Learn more

Blog post

Red Carpet or Red Tape? Indonesia’s Immigration Strategy After the Election

Assistant Business Immigration Manager Raga Rasuanta discusses Indonesia’s post-election immigration strategy and its shift toward balancing openness to global talent with increased regulatory scrutiny.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年8月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Center for Strategy and Applied Insights Names Leah Rogal Senior Director

Fragomen announces the appointment of Leah Rogal as Senior Director of its Center for Strategy and Applied Insights.

Learn more

Media mentions

Labor Law Magazine: Travel Under Trump

Senior Associate Oliver L. Ashworth and Director David Iannella discuss recent US immigration and visa changes and what German businesses and travelers should know.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Brings Its Short-Term Business Travel Solution, Nomadic, to the Nordics

Fragomen announces the expansion of Nomadic to the Nordics, providing end-to-end support for short-term business travel and cross-border compliance.

Learn more

Blog post

Costa Rica Investment Residency Explained: Requirements and Options

Immigration Supervisor Michael Salas Guzman discusses Costa Rica investment residency options and requirements for foreign investors, retirees and rentiers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gulf Business: Why Immigration Due Diligence is as Critical as Financial Scrutiny in the GCC

Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Khan discusses why immigration due diligence is important in GCC mergers.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Welcomes Partner Karolina Schiffter to Poland Practice, Adds to Poland Presence with New Offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk

Fragomen announces the opening of new offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk, welcoming Partner Karolina Schiffter to its Poland practice.

Learn more

Blog post

How to Get Luxembourg Citizenship: Requirements, Benefits & Application Process

This blog post by Manager Virginie Todesco and Immigration Consultant Chiara Caredda, available in English and Portuguese, outlines the requirements, benefits and application process for obtaining Luxembourg citizenship.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan Named 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs Winners

Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan were recognized at the 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Archana Iyer Wins "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards

Partner Archana Iyer won the "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times of India: A War on Fraud: USCIS to Train Special Armed Agents with Powers to Arrest Applicants and Lawyers

Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses how USCIS’s new rule could potentially increase enforcement and affect how applicants interact with the US immigration system.

Learn more

Blog post

Red Carpet or Red Tape? Indonesia’s Immigration Strategy After the Election

Assistant Business Immigration Manager Raga Rasuanta discusses Indonesia’s post-election immigration strategy and its shift toward balancing openness to global talent with increased regulatory scrutiny.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年8月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Center for Strategy and Applied Insights Names Leah Rogal Senior Director

Fragomen announces the appointment of Leah Rogal as Senior Director of its Center for Strategy and Applied Insights.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.