Reminder - Immigration Consequences for Colombian Companies Failing to Renew Commercial Registration

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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.

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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].