Work Visa in Colombia (Type M)

If you’re planning to work, teach, provide technical services, or support a local business, the Colombian Work Visa is the key to starting your professional journey in Colombia safely and legally.

What Is the Colombian M Work Visa?

The M Visa – Worker Category is designed for foreigners who want to provide paid services in Colombia. It can be granted for up to three (3) years, depending on the length of your employment contract.

This visa allows you to:

• Live and work legally in Colombia.

• Sign employment or service contracts.

• Enter and leave the country freely during its validity.

Who Can Apply for a Work Visa in Colombia?

You can apply for a Type M Work Visa if you have a valid labor or service contract with a legally established Colombian company.
Acceptable types of contracts include:

• Fixed-term contracts

• Indefinite-term contracts

• Service provider agreements

• Technical assistance contracts

Minimum Requirements for Employers:

• The company must be legally incorporated in Colombia.

• Must demonstrate an average monthly turnover of at least COP 130,000,000 during the last six months.

• Must prove that the foreign employee’s position is essential and of national interest.

• In some cases, provide a copy of the company’s latest income tax return.

Employers and foreign workers must comply with Colombian labor laws, professional licensing requirements, and reporting obligations under national immigration regulations.

Work Visa Requirements in Colombia

To apply for a Type M Work Visa, you’ll need the following documents:

• A passport valid for at least six (6) months with two blank pages.

• Entry stamp or tourist permit (PIP-5) showing your lawful entry into Colombia.

• Certificate of existence and legal representation of the hiring company.

• Visa application letter signed by the company’s legal representative.

• Copy of the employment or service contract describing duties, salary, and duration.

• Marriage certificate (only if applying with a dependent spouse).

Applications can be submitted online via the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or through the Colombian consulate in your country of residence.

Professional Validation and Permits

If your career is regulated in Colombia (for example, Medicine, Law, or Engineering), you must:

• Obtain a temporary professional work permit from the corresponding Colombian professional council, or

• Validate your foreign degree before the Ministry of National Education.

Failure to comply with these regulations may result in financial penalties or loss of visa privileges.

Employer Responsibilities

Any company that hires or engages a foreign worker must:

• Verify that the foreigner holds a valid work visa authorizing their activity.

• Request the foreigner’s Foreigner ID (Cédula de Extranjería) once issued.

• Report any changes in employment status to Migración Colombia as required by law.

Initially, foreigners can stay in Colombia up to 180 days as tourists, during which they can secure employment and start the visa process.
If that period expires without obtaining a visa, the person will be in irregular immigration status and must leave the country.

Visa Approval and Discretion

Visa approval is always at the discretion of the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, based on the credibility and completeness of your documentation, as well as Colombia’s national interest.

The government reserves the right to grant, deny, or cancel visas, in accordance with the principles of national sovereignty.

Why Choose Legal Solutions & Co

At Legal Solutions & Co, our team of immigration lawyers and visa experts specializes in:

• Preparing and reviewing all employment documentation.

• Assisting employers with compliance and registration.

• Submitting and monitoring visa applications until approval.

• Helping professionals validate their degrees and permits.

• Guiding families through dependent visa applications.

Whether you are a company hiring foreign talent or a professional relocating to Colombia, we ensure a smooth, compliant, and efficient visa process.

Contact Legal Solutions & Co today for personalized legal assistance and start your journey to work and live legally in Colombia.