Reminder - Immigration Consequences for Colombian Companies Failing to Renew Commercial Registration
March 29, 2019

At a Glance
Colombian companies who fail to renew their commercial registration (Matrícula Mercantil) by March 31, 2019 may be unable to sponsor foreign nationals for visas, among other immigration consequences.
The situation
As a reminder, Colombian companies who fail to renew their commercial registration (Matrícula Mercantil) by March 31, 2019 may be unable to sponsor foreign nationals for visas, technical permits, professional permits and other immigration processes.
Background
Employers must renew their commercial registration every year before March 31. Employers must have a Certificate of Existence and Legal Representation with an updated commercial registration to sponsor visas and permits for foreign nationals. The commercial registration renewal is normally handled by local companies’ corporate or tax advisors.
Impact
Employers should work with their corporate or tax advisors to renew their commercial registration as soon as possible to obtain the updated Certificate of Existence and Legal Representation. Updating the commercial registration after the March 31 deadline could significantly delay visa and permit application approvals as immigration authorities will not approve applications until an updated Certificate of Existence and Legal Representation is submitted.
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].
Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions
Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Amanda Ong highlight rising UK construction sponsor licence risks and how businesses can stay compliant.

Media mentions
Co-Chair Enrique Gonzalez highlights approaches for companies navigating changes to the H-1B visa process.

Video
Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit.

Awards
Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp is a finalist for the 2025 National Law Journal Awards category, "DC Managing Partner of the Year."

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper highlights that new $100K H-1B fees could affect US employers, with possible exemptions for critical roles.

Media mentions
Partner Louise Senior highlights the impact of record-breaking UK sponsor licence revocations and the steps hospitality businesses can take to manage compliance.

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper explores the impact of H-1B visa changes on companies and their talent strategies.

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper explains that while new H-1B fees affect future petitions, US opportunities for international talent remain highly valued.

Media mentions
Fragomen explores in an article how international recruitment can help solve Germany’s public sector staffing crisis and support the future of essential services.

Blog post
Assistant Manager Charo Medida explains the work permit requirements for employers and professionals under the UAE Golden Visa programme.

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper explains how proposed H-1B fee and lottery changes impact hiring of skilled international talent across sectors.

Media mentions
Partner Haider Hussain underlines the role of talent mobility in shaping future growth sectors in the Kingdom.

Media mentions
Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Amanda Ong highlight rising UK construction sponsor licence risks and how businesses can stay compliant.

Media mentions
Co-Chair Enrique Gonzalez highlights approaches for companies navigating changes to the H-1B visa process.

Video
Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit.

Awards
Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp is a finalist for the 2025 National Law Journal Awards category, "DC Managing Partner of the Year."

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper highlights that new $100K H-1B fees could affect US employers, with possible exemptions for critical roles.

Media mentions
Partner Louise Senior highlights the impact of record-breaking UK sponsor licence revocations and the steps hospitality businesses can take to manage compliance.

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper explores the impact of H-1B visa changes on companies and their talent strategies.

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper explains that while new H-1B fees affect future petitions, US opportunities for international talent remain highly valued.

Media mentions
Fragomen explores in an article how international recruitment can help solve Germany’s public sector staffing crisis and support the future of essential services.

Blog post
Assistant Manager Charo Medida explains the work permit requirements for employers and professionals under the UAE Golden Visa programme.

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper explains how proposed H-1B fee and lottery changes impact hiring of skilled international talent across sectors.

Media mentions
Partner Haider Hussain underlines the role of talent mobility in shaping future growth sectors in the Kingdom.