VISA APPLICATIONS

Please download the Visa Application Here
Please check the consular fees Here:
If you’re applying by mail, please send to any Consulate of Colombia in Canada
1. All the documents required
2. A prepaid envelope with your address
3. A money order to the name of “Consulate of Colombia” with the visa fees

VISA APPLICATIONS
STUDY, GRANT OR DENIAL OF A VISA
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR VISA APPLICATIONS
CLASSES AND CATEGORIES OF VISA

COURTESY VISA
BUSINESS VISA
CREWMEMBER VISA
TEMPORARY VISA-WORKER
TEMPORARY VISA-SPOUSE OR PERMANENT COMPANION ON THE COLOMBIAN NATIONAL
TEMPORARY VISA-MINISTER OF RELIGION
TEMPORARY VISA-STUDENT
TEMPORARY VISA-SPECIAL
RESIDENT VISA-RELATIVE OF A COLOMBIAN NATIONAL
RESIDENT VISA-RESTRICTED
RESIDENT VISA-INVESTOR 
VISITOR VISA
VISA-BENEFICIARY
TRANSFER  OF A VISA
GENERAL
FORMS
VALIDITY

REPUBLIC OF COLOMBIA
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
RESOLUTION 4700
(November 25, 2009)

Setting requirements for each and every class and category of visa contained in Decree 4000 of November 30, 2004, amended by Decree 2622 of July 13, 2009, and other regulations on Visa issues.

THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
exercising his powers under Decree 4000 of November 30, 2004 and Decree 1355 of September 7, 2009, and
WHEREAS

According to Section 1.3 of Decree 4000 of November 30, 2004, it is stated that "the requirements for the issue of each and every kind of category of these will be established and amended by Ministerial Resolution".

RESOLVES

OBJECT

Article 1.  The purpose of this Resolution is to regulate requirements for each and every class and category of visa as established in Decree 4000 of November 30, 2004, amended by Decree 2622 of July 13, 2009, "being regulations on the issue of visas, control of aliens, and provisions on other migratory matters".

CHAPTER I
VISA APPLICATIONS

Article 2.  A visa application should be processed directly by the alien, or by the corporate entity to which he provides his services, or be which he is engaged, or is sponsored; or by his legal representative, or through an attorney, who must make a personal appearance with his identity document at the office responsible for issuing the visa.  At all events, the form "Visa Application", as established in Article 28 below, must be signed by the alien applicant.

Paragraph.  In the case of artistic, cultural or the exporting groups, the Visa Application may be processed by the person who has signed the related contract, his legal representative or attorney.  For the purposes of the representation of legally incapable persons, the current provisions of Colombia law will apply

Article 3.  The form adopted in Article 28 below is the only form valid to present an application for a visa.  The form has no cost, and may be reproduced, provided that all of its content and its format is maintained.  The same conditions must be observed for the form "Summary of Contract for a Temporary Visa-Worker", and for the form "Commitment to Report to the security police DAS", appearing in Articles 29 and 30 of this Resolution.

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CHAPTER II
STUDY, GRANT OR DENIAL OF A VISA

Article 4.  The authority responsible for issuing visas will review, study and verify documentation presented by the party interested in obtaining the Visa.  For this effect:
 
1.  The Visa Application will be admitted for analysis only when the alien has supplied all documents required, depending on the class or category of visa applied for.  Once the office responsible for issuing visas has studied the documentation, it will take the decision to grant or deny the visa.
 
2.  In compliance with Article 16 of Decree 4000/2004, if the alien who applies for a Visa does not provide all the documents required or does not meet all the requirements for the issue of the visa, documentation will be returned to him and the application will not be formally received, but the applicant will be  told of the requirements which are missing
 
3.  The authority responsible for issuing visas will have the option of interviewing the applicant, at its discretion, personally, or using some suitable means of communication, in order to appraise the documentation presented to support the Visa Application, and to clarify the purpose of the alien's journey to Colombia, to stay there, or to explain the activities to be undertaken.
 
4.  The authority responsible for issuing visas will issue its opinion, of which it bases the decision to issue or deny the Visa, with a note on the form "Visa Application" shown in Article 26 to 28 below.  At all events, the information given in the form is confidential, and therefore reserved for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and may in no case be provided to the applicant for the visa or a third party, in accordance with the principle of confidentiality of Article 4 of Legislative Decree 274/2000.
 
5.  If the Visa is denied, the decision shall be communicated to the applicant, and this will be noted on the form "Visa Application".  If the decision to deny the Visa is taken by a Colombian Consular Office, this must be communicated to the Internal Working Group which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs determines, explaining the reasons to justify it.  There is no recourse against that decision.
 
6.  Passport entry and exit stamps will be checked, for the record of migratory movements, in order to determine that an alien applicant for the Visa is within the ambit of authority of the consulate in the receiving state, or in Colombia, depending on the place where the applicant  is at the time of issuing the Visa
 
7.  The information and documents related to the procedure for issuing a Visa exchanged between and the Colombian Consular Office and the Internal Working Group which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs may determine, is internal and restricted.  In all cases, the decision deciding on the Visa Application will be communicated to the interested party by the office responsible for issuing visas to which the application was presented.

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CHAPTER III
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR VISA APPLICATIONS

Article 5.  For all classes and categories of these, the alien applicant must satisfy the following general requirements:

1.  Presentation of a passport or valid travel document, in good condition, with at least two blank pages
 
2.  Attachment of a copy of the main page of the current passport, showing the personal details of the holder recorded there, and the page which contains his latest Colombian Visa, if any, and the latest stamp of arrival in/departure from Colombia, as the case may be.

3. Visa Application, correctly completed and signed by the alien applicant.
 
4.  Two recent 3x3cm frontal photographs, in colour with white background
 
5.  Attachments for the specific requirements for the particular Visa applied for

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CHAPTER IV

CLASSES AND CATEGORIES OF VISA

Article 6.  Visas issued under Article 21 of Decree 4000/2004, as amended by Article 4 of Decree 2622/2009, have the following classes and categories:

CHAPTER V

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR THE APPLICATION, DEPENDING ON THE CLASS OR CATEGORY OF VISA

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COURTESY VISA

Article 7.  The Courtesy Visa will be regulated by Article 22 of Decree 4000 such 2004, amended by Article 5 of Decree 2622/2009, and further, the requirements given in Article 5 above, together with documents to accredit any of the qualifications or conditions indicated in Article 22 of Decree 4000/2004, amended and supplemented by Decree 2622/2009.

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BUSINESS VISA

Article 8.  An alien are applying for a Business Visa, will, in addition to the requirements of Article 5 above, attach one of the documents indicated in any of the following subsections, depending on his interest in entering Colombia.
 
1.  Original letter from the legal representative of the foreign commercial, industrial or service business which promotes the alien´s visit to Colombia, showing the post which the applicant for the Business Visa occupies in the organisation, which must be at the level of director, manager, executive or legal representative; and the activities of business management which he will be undertaking Colombia; the legal, strategic or economic link of the foreign corporate entity with a Colombian or foreign corporate entity established in Colombia, if any; and a statement that the foreign business or corporate entity is responsible for the applicant during his permanence in Colombia; attaching an incumbency certificate or similar document, depending on the country of origin.
 
2.  Original letter from the legal representative of the corporate entity or private or public entity established in Colombia that promotes the alien´s visit, stating the post which the Business Visa applicant occupies in the organisation, which must be of a level of director, manager, executive or legal representative; activities in the business management which the applicant will undertake in Colombia; and that and a statement that it is responsible for the applicant during his permanence in Colombia, attaching the incumbency certificate.
 
3.  Original letter of invitation addressed to the alien applicant for a Business Visa, from a company or corporate entity established in Colombia, indicating the activities which the businessman will be undertaking Colombia, and stating that it will be responsible for him during his permanence in Colombia; attaching an incumbency certificate.
 
4.  Original letter of invitation or introduction of the alien applicant for the Business Visa, by a Chamber of Commerce or government office for commercial or investment promotion from his country of origin or residence, indicating the activities which the businessman will undertake in Colombia.
 
5.  If the application for a Business Visa is made on the basis of a free trade agreement, association accord or other international accord of an economic or commercial nature, of which Colombia is a party, the applicant must accredit the satisfaction of conditions and requirements for entry and temporary permanence, as agreed in the related international instrument, and present documentation to justify the activity which the alien will undertaking Colombia, or documents described in subsections 1, 2 or 3 above.
 
6.  Original letter of introduction of the applicant for the Business Visa, as Head, representative or member of the personnel of a foreign government´s trade office established in Colombia, to promote economic or commercial exchanges in or with Colombia.
 
7.  If the applicant is not covered by the circumstances of the preceding subsections, he must provide relevant documentation to show that he is a merchant, industrialist, supplier of goods or services, or show his intention of making market studies or negotiations for future sales, or establish a commercial presence in Colombia.

Paragraph.  The issue of a Business Visa in subsection 7 above is at the exclusive discretion of the office responsible for issuing visas, taking account of the credibility and sufficiency of documentation presented by the applicant.

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CREWMEMBER VISA

Article 9.  An alien who requests a Crewmember Visa must attach the following in addition to the requirements of Article 5 above:
 
1.  Original letter of the legal representative of the company responsible for the means of international transport, indicating the activities to be undertaken, the obligation to the Colombian government to respond for the permanence of the alien in Colombian territory, and his subsequent departure.
 
2.  Incumbency certificate of  the company

3.  In the case of crews of fishing vessels, in addition to the two preceding requirements, the letter mentioned must state that it meets with the regulations established for the contracting of foreign crews, especially those regarding proportionality.  In this case, a certificate must be supplied that the shipping authorities have been informed of the matter.
 
4.  Permits related to the exercise of fishing activities

Paragraph.  The crewmen of a Colombian-flag vessel, administered by a Colombian or foreign owner, must present an original letter from the owner or from the company responsible, explaining the terms of the enrolment contract, the post held, suitability, and attaching the certification indicated in subsection 3 above.

TEMPORARY VISA-WORKER

Article 10.  An alien who applies for a Temporary Visa-Worker, must attach thew following in addition to the requirements of Article 5 above:
 
1.  Contract or administrative act, as the case may be, or the form "Contract Summary”, established in Article 29 below, completed, signed and authenticated by the parties, indicating the object of the contract, duration, agreement of terms of engagement, transfer or move as the case may be, salary, post and functions; and it must specify that the contracting party or employer undertakes to the Colombian government that at the end of the contract, engagement of period of transfer, or in situations which impede performance of the functions or activities object of the contract, or death, or when the visa is to be cancelled, or there is to be deportation or expulsion in the terms of Decree 4000/2004, that it will pay all expenses of the return to the country of origin or to the last place which has been shown to be the residence of the alien contracted, together the expenses of his family, if any.
 
2.  Certificate of incumbency or valid document accrediting corporate existence, if appropriate, where the contracting party or employer is a corporate person, issued within at most three months prior to the application for the visa.  If considered necessary, the accounts of the company will also be requested, in order to demonstrate economic solvency; or a photocopy of the tax return.  If the contracting party is an individual, his economic solvency must be shown, with income of more than 10 minimum monthly salaries, and if necessary, a photocopy of the related income-tax return for the latest tax year may be requested.  The terms of this subsection will not be applied to entities or institutions of the Colombian state, international governmental organisations, diplomatic missions, or consular offices accredited in Colombia.
   
3 .  If a regulated profession is to be practised, accreditation of suitability, with the related permit, or provisional licence or permit to practise the profession in question in Colombia, granted by a competent authority, as appropriate.  If the professional activity to be undertaken is not regulated, the applicant should supply a professional qualification, duly authenticated by a Colombian Consulate, carrying a legalisation or apostiille, with and/or with an acceptance of acceptance of equivalence of a professional qualification from the Ministry of Education, as the case may be.  For other posts, there must be an original letter from the contracting entity or employer responsible, certifying suitability on the basis of experience in the trade or activity to be undertaken in Colombia.

Paragraph 1.  In order to perform the professional activities authorised in the Visa, the alien must comply with it the same requirements as are applied to Colombian nationals, contained in current regulations, and will accredit documents which allowed the practice of the profession in question, and the validation or acceptance of equivalence of professional qualifications before the appropriate authorities, or the matriculation or professional licence or certificate of experience, as the case may be.

If there is some lack of certainty on the existence of some type of regulation with regard to the practice of a professional activity which the alien will undertake in Colombia, the alien will attach a certificate from the authority or competent Professional Council, indicating that the actions which he will perform do not require a permit or licence.

Paragraph 2.  If a new Temporary Visa-Worker is applied for in Colombia, due to change of employer, the alien will present an original letter or document which establishes the date on which the engagement or commitment to the former employer was terminated.

Paragraph 3.  In the case of an artistic, sporting or cultural group which enters the country to take part in a public performance, a Temporary Visa-Worker may be issued for up to six months, subject to presentation of the documents indicated in subsections 1 and 2 above, attaching a list of the members of the group, with the their passport numbers and nationality, without prejudice to individual completion and signature of the form "Visa Application”; and a photocopy or electronic information regarding the ticket to leave Colombia.

Article 11.  The term of validity of the Temporary Visa-Worker must coincide with the date of expiry of the provisional permit or licence to perform or practise a regulated activity or profession in Colombia, as the case may be; or that of the contract or administrative act, in the case of unregulated professions, in accordance with the definition given in Section 23.2 below.  The shorter of the these terms will always be applied, and may not exceed two years, except in the case of visas issued to teachers, which will be granted for the term of the contract and three months more, without exceeding two years.

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TEMPORARY VISA-SPOUSE OR PERMANENT COMPANION ON THE COLOMBIAN NATIONAL

Article 12.  An alien who applies for a Temporary Visa-Spouse or Permanent Companion on the Colombian National, in addition to the requirements of Article 5 above, must attach:

1.  A Colombian a record of a Colombian civil marriage, although certified photocopy of a judicial decision four act of conciliation or public deed, declaring the existence of a day facto marital union, as the case may be.  Any of these documents must be less than three months old on the date of the application for the visa
 
2.  Certified photocopy of the citizenship card of the Colombian Spouse or Permanent Companion
 
3.  Original letter from the Colombian National requested the issue of a visa for his foreign spouse or permanent companion, and complying with the formality of personal presentation with regard to the procedure for attesting of signatures and fingerprints, before a notary public or Colombian consul.
 
4.  Form "Commitment to Report to the security police DAS", as established in Article 30 below, completed and signed, in accordance with the terms of Articles 85, Sections  98.1 and 98.3, and Articles 116 and 117 of Decree 4000/2004.

Paragraph 1.  The alien Spouse or Permanent Companion of a Colombian National will be authorised by this visa for an occupation "housewife/student/independent/to be contracted”, subject to compliance with the regulations on the matter, for which the form "Commitment to Report to the security police DAS" must be completed and signed, as indicated in subsection 4 above.

Paragraph 2.  In all cases, where the application is made to practise a regulated profession, the alien must be authorised specifically in his visa to do so, and for this purpose he must satisfy the same requirements in current regulations which apply to Colombian nationals.  The alien will provide the office responsible for the issue of visas with documents which allow him to practise a regulated profession, such as the acceptance of equivalence or validation of a professional qualification, a provisional permit or licence to practise, or a matriculation or professional licence.

Paragraph 3.  The Office responsible for the issue of visas, should it consider it necessary, may use its powers to require personal presentation or interview with the Colombian National who signs the original letter indicated in subsection 3 above.

Paragraph 4.  If the application for the Visa for a Permanent Companion of Colombian National is presented to a Colombian Consular Office, the valid document which shows the de facto marital union, in accordance with the laws of the receiving country, would be accepted as valid.  At all events, for the application for the new visa in Colombia, from the Internal Working Group which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs may determine, the alien must present the related court decision, act of conciliation or public deed, declaring the existence of the de facto marital union, in accordance with Colombian law.

For the case of a Temporary Visa-Spouse of a Colombian National, in all cases the basic document is the Colombian Civil Marriage Record.

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TEMPORARY VISA-MINISTER OF RELIGION

Article 13.  An alien who applies for a Temporary Visa-Minister of Religion, must attach the following documents in addition to the requirements of Article 5 above.
 
1.  Certificate issued by the Ministry of Interior and Justice, or by the Archdiocese or Diocese as the case may be, stating that the church, confession on religious denomination, or its federation, confederation or association of ministers of religion, are duly registered or entered.
 
2.  Certification issued by the legal representative or hierarchical superior of the religious community, specifying the mission which the alien will undertake, and indicating his ties to the religious organisation.
 
3.  Original letter from the legal representative or hierarchical superior of the religious organisation, through which the church or religious community undertakes to the Government to bear all costs of permanence, and return the alien to the country of his origin or last place shown to be his residence, and all those of his family, if any, when he ceases to belong to the religious community, or in situations which prevent him from undertaking his activities which were the basis for the issue of the visa, or when for any reason that the visa is to be cancelled, or the alien is to be the deportation or expulsion.
 
4.  Documents to show the economic solvency of the church, confession, religious denomination, federation, confederation or Association of ministers of religion, or of the alien applying for the Visa, as the case may be

Paragraph.  If the alien, as a Minister of Religion, intends to undertake some additional activity directly related to his vocation or his religious community, he may request authorisation, attaching documents to show that he can practise such activities in Colombia, in accordance with the demands and requirements established for Colombian nationals.  If he is contracted by a company or entity, he must comply with the requirements of Sections 10.1, 10.2, 10.3 and 10.4, above.

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TEMPORARY VISA-STUDENT

Article 14.  An alien applying for a Temporary Visa-Student, must attach the following in addition to the requirements of Article 5 above:
 
1.  The photocopy of the certificate of admission or matriculation issued by the educational establishment; or certified photocopy of the agreement made between the sponsoring entity and the educational establishment, in which the educational establishment undertakes to accept the student under an inter-institutional agreement, if the applicant is an exchange student.
 
2.  The photocopy of the resolution of recognition of the legal existence of the educational establishment, and if necessary, an operating licence or registration before the competent education authority for the programme of study which the student is to attend, in the case of a private institution which only provides a non-formal education, also known as "Education for work and human development".  This requirement does m not apply to official education centres.
 
3.  an original letter from the person who will be economically responsible for the alien, and documents to show economic solvency of the holder or his parents or legal representative or the person who guarantees the expenses of his permanence in Colombia.  Original letters of credit may be accepted as economic solvency, attaching a bank statement or similar document to show that the limit assigned is sufficient to maintain the student.
 
4.  Certification or statement of the international organisation, public or private entity which grants a scholarship, in the cases of scholarship students.  The certificate of economic solvency of the holder or of his parents is also required, if the subvention or scholarship is only partial.
 
5.  Authorisation of parents, and appointment of the person responsible for the student during his time in Colombia, authenticated by a notary or Colombian consul, in the case of minors.  In these cases, the request, power of attorney or authorisation, as the case may be, will be signed only by the parents.  If there are no parents, the person having custody or personal care of the minor will sign.  If the parents are not in Colombia, it will be signed by whoever is duly authorised by them, or by the appropriate authority.
 
6.  Document accrediting a work-study programme as part of the study programme, as an academic requirement, in the case of Student-Work-Study
 
7.  In the case of studies other than primary, secondary, technical, technological, or higher education, university programmes at undergraduate level, graduate level, Masters level, diploma courses or university courses, there should be attached a certification or document from the religion establishment, indicating the that the number of hours per week is not less than 10.

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TEMPORARY VISA-SPECIAL

Article 15.  An alien who requests a Temporary Visa-Special, in addition to the requirements of Article 5 will attach the following, depending on the category of visa required:

A.  For medical treatment

1.  Certification issued by a medical officer, indicating the need for treatment and the time required for it, endorsed by the related medical institution, as appropriate.
 
2.  Document accrediting the economic solvency of the alien or the person who guarantees the expenses of his permanence in Colombia during the time required for the treatment, which must be consistent with the cost of their treatment.

3.  Photocopy of the visa or entry permit issued by DAS, as the case may be, if the application is to be presented to the Internal Working Group which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs may determine;

4.  The photocopy or Internet electronic information regarding the tickets for departure from Colombia

B.  To intervene in administrative or judicial processes

1.  Certificate issued by the competent authority, stating amongst other things, the class of process or proceeding, and whether the alien is implicated, or is a party, or is an interested third-party, or an incidental third-party
 
2.  Documents to accredit the economic solvency of the alien or the person who guarantees the cost of his permanence in Colombia during the time which the procedure or process takes.
 
3.  Photocopy or electronic information regarding tickets for departure from Colombia.
 
C.  Partner or owner of a business or of a commercial company, or owner of  real property:

The requirement is the following for a partner or owner of a business or a commercial company:

1.  Incumbency certificate issued by a Colombian Chamber of Commerce, issued within three months prior to the date of the Visa Application, stating that the alien is a partner or owner of a business or of a commercial company duly incorporated and registered, indicating the capital or assets recorded as being owned by the alien applying for a visa, which should not be not less than 100 minimum monthly salaries..  In the case of a stock Corporation (sociedad anónima), a certificate signed by the Statutory Auditor should be attached, showing the composition of ownership, and stating the value of the shares owned by the alien applicant, which may be not less than 100 minimum monthly salaries at the time.
 
2.  Accounts of the company, duly certified by a public accountant, and if necessary, by a statutory auditor, attaching the digital certificate in force issued by the Colombian Central Board of Accountants, and if relevant, the photocopy of the most recent income-tax for the company.

Owners of real should attached the following:

1.  Written communication from the International Exchange Department of Banco de la Republica, stating that the foreign direct investment has been recorded registered, for the purchase of real property in the name of the alien applicant for the visa, for an amount not less than US$100,000, in accordance with the terms of Article 12 of Decree 2622/2009, amending Section 41.3 of Decree 4000/2004, and in accordance with the terms of the general regime for foreign investment and exchange, and other Colombian regulations in force.
 
2.  Certificate of free title, issued by the Public Records Office not more than one month prior to the application, showing that the applicant is the owner of the property in Colombia, for an amount which corresponds to the investment registered, which may not be less than the amount mentioned in the preceding Section.

Paragraph.  For any application for a Temporary Visa-Special to be admitted and  approved for a partner or owner of a business or a commercial company, the office responsible the issue of visas will take account of the activity of the company, its interest to society, and its economic capacity.

D.  Pensioner

A certificate issued by the competent authority, government, public or private enterprise, or Colombian or foreign entity, showing that the alien applicant for the Visa receives a pension of not less than three minimum monthly salaries, which, if it is paid from abroad, must be authenticated by a Colombian Consul or carry an Apostille, as appropriate.  If the requirement for an apostille or legalisation is missing, the diplomatic mission or consular office of the alien's country, or the place where he obtains his pension, accredited before the government of Colombia, may certify that the alien receives a pension from a public or private entity of that country, from an amount not less than three minimum monthly salaries at the time.

E. Rentier

A certificate issued by a public entity, bank, financial company, social security institution, insurance company or any other private enterprise recognized by the respective government, which pays or remits the income; or the original of the contract which allows an appreciation of the amount of income, which must be not less than the equivalent of 10 minimum monthly salaries, which, if sent from abroad, must be translated into Spanish, authenticated before a Colombian consul, and receive a legalisation or apostiille, as appropriate,  from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in accordance with the terms of the Civil Procedure Code.

F.  Cooperation agent or volunteer for a non-profit organisation or NGO, which has been duly presented by an international organisation or a diplomatic mission.
 
1.  Original letter signed by the legal representative of the non-profit organisation or NGO or diplomatic mission or international organisation, as appropriate, indicating the activity which the alien will come to undertake in Colombia, or the work programme which he will pursue, specifying duration, schedule, institutions and public or private entities with which he will have interviews, as appropriate.  Likewise, the experience and suitability of the alien will be documented, in terms of the activities which he will undertake in Colombia.

In order to obtain an authorisation to practise a regulated profession, the alien must comply with the same requirements contained in current regulations applicable to Colombian nationals, and for this purpose will supply documents to show that he can practise the profession in question, such as the acceptance of equivalence or validation of a professional qualification before the appropriate authorities, and/or a matriculation or [professional] licence.
 
2.  Original letter from the entity of applying for the visa, stating that it undertakes to the government to bear the costs of permanence in Colombia, and those of his return to the country of origin or last place of residence, for both the alien and his family, if any, at the end of the activities, all should situations arise which impede continuation of the performance of those activities, or the death of the alien, or where there are proceedings to cancel the Visa or terminate its validity, or to implement deportation or expulsion, in the terms of Decree 4000/2004, as amended.
 
3.  Incumbency certificate of the non-profit organisation or NGO, issued by the competent Colombian authority, within three months prior to the submission of the Visa Application; and, if necessary, the document of registration before the corresponding national authorities.

If the non-profit entity or NGO has no office in Colombia, the party interested in the visa must supply a certified copy of the deed of incorporation and representation, or an instrument which accredits existence and representation, translated into Spanish and authenticated before the appropriate Colombian consul, together with a legalisation or apostille as the case may be, stating that the organisation is at least five years old, counting from the date of its incorporation, or showing that it has consultative status for the United Nations Economic and Social Council.

Copy of the deed of incorporation and representation, or the instrument accrediting existence and representation, may be supplied each year by the non-profit organisation or NGO to the Internal Working Group which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs may determine, to support visa applications.  In such cases, it is in order to provide a simple and informal photocopy of the documents mentioned.

The Internal Working Group which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs may determine will keep Colombian consulates informed NGOs or non-profit entities that present documents of accreditation of their existence, in order to facilitate the granting of this category of visa.

If the non-profit entity or NGO has an office in Colombia, the interested party may supply a certified photocopy of the documents showing legal representation, issued by the competent authority.

Paragraph.  An alien engaged or contracted as an officer or employee of the non-profit entity or NGO must apply for a Temporary Visa-Worker.

G.  Adoptions

1.  Photocopy of the certificate of allocation of the minor to the adopting family, issued by Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar (ICBF), or the adoption agency involved;
2.  Copy of the document accrediting the legal existence of the adoption agency in Colombia; if the process is handled by ICBF, this requirement  does not apply;
 3.  Original letter of application from the adoptive parents;
4.  Photocopy or electronic information of tickets for departure from Colombia.
 
H.  To engage in independent trades or activities:
 
1.  Original letter of application signed by the interested party, indicating the activity to be undertaken in Colombia.
 
2.  Documents to show that his capacity or economic solvency is sufficient for the activities to be undertaken in Colombia.

3.  Documents accrediting suitability to perform such activities:

4.  Authorisation of registration of the alien's activity, issued by the regulatory entity for it, if any.
 
5.  Documents to accredit the address of the office where the activity or trade is to be undertaken, such as a certified copy of the tax registration (RUT), or incumbency certificate issued by a Chamber of Commerce.

I.  For unforeseen occupations or activities
 
1.  Original letter of request signed by the interested party, indicating the activity to be undertaken in Colombia.
 
2.  Documents showing economic solvency of the alien

3.  As applicable, a document to accredit the address of the office where the activities are to be undertaken, such as the certified copy of the RUT, or incumbency certificate issued by the appropriate chamber of commerce
 
4.  Photocopy or electronic information, regarding tickets for departure from Colombia

Temporary Visa-Refugee or Asylum-Seeker

Article 16.  An alien who applies for a Temporary Visa-Refugee or Asylum-Seeker, must attach in addition to the requirements of Article 5 above:

1.  Photocopy of the resolution of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, recognizing his condition as a refugee or asylum-seeker.

2.  Form "Commitment to Report to the security police DAS", as established in Article 30 below, completed and signed in accordance with the terms of Article 85, Sections 90.1 and 98.3, and Articles 11 6 and 117 of Decree 4000/2004.

Paragraph 1.  The alien, as a refugee or asylum seeker, is authorised by his Visa for occupations “housewife/student/independent/to be contracted”, subject to compliance with regulations on the matter, for which the applicant must complete and sign the form "Commitment to Report to the security police DAS", as indicated in the subsection 2 above.

Pagraph 2.  In all cases, if the application is for the practice of a regulated profession, the refugee or asylum-seeker must be specifically authorised in the visa, and for this purpose he must comply with the same requirements as apply to Colombian nationals.  The alien will provide the office responsible for the issue of the visa with the documents showing that he is allowed to practise the profession regulated, such as the acceptance of equivalence accordance or validation of the professional qualification, and or permit or licence provisional licence to practise it, or professional matriculation or licence.

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RESIDENT VISA-RELATIVE OF A COLOMBIAN NATIONAL

Article 17.  An alien who applies for a Resident Visa-Relative of a Colombian National, must supply the following documents in addition to the requirements of Article 5 above:
 
1.  Photocopy of the evidence that he has surrendered the Colombian nationality, if permanence is subsequent to 1994.

2.  Form "Commitment to Report to the security police DAS", as established in Article 30 below, completed and signed, in accordance with the terms of Articles 85, Sections 98.1 and 98.3, and Articles 116 and 117 of Decree 4000/2004.

Paragraph 1.  An alien with the status Resident Visa- Relative of a Colombian National will be authorised by his Visa for occupations of “housewife/ student/independent/to be contracted”, subject to compliance with regulations, for which purpose he must complete and sign the form "Commitment to Report to the security police DAS", as indicated in subsection 2 above.

Paragraph 2.  In all cases, if a regulated profession is to be practised, the alien resident as a relative of a Colombian National needs to be specifically authorised in his Visa, and for this purpose he must comply with the same requirements as apply to Colombian nationals.  The alien will supply the office responsible for the issue of visas with documents which will allow him to practise a regulated profession, such as the acceptance of equivalence or validation of a professional qualification, the provisional permit or licence to practise it, or the professional matriculation or licence.

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RESIDENT VISA-RESTRICTED

Article 18.  An alien that applies for a Resident Visa-Restricted must attach the following in addition to the requirements of Article 5 above:
 
1.  Certificates of migratory movements, issued by the security police DAS within three months prior to the date of application.
 

4.  The holder of a Temporary Visa-Spouse or Permanent Companion of a Colombian National, in addition to the requirements of subsections 1, 2 and 3 above, and Section at 12.1 above, must attach an original letter addressed to the office issuing the visa signed by the Colombian National, together with a photocopy of his Colombian citizenship card, requesting the issue of this type of Visa for his foreign spouse or permanent companion, and attaching a photocopy of Colombian visas which the latter has previously held.
 
5.  The foreign father or mother of a Colombian National, in addition to the requirement of subsection 3 above, must provide a certified copy of the Colombian birth certificate of the son or daughter, and an original letter signed by the Colombian father or mother, together with a photocopy of the Colombian citizenship card of the latter, requesting the issue of this category of Visa for the foreign father or mother, and stating who is economically responsible for the son or daughter.  If the son or daughter has achieved majority of age, he or she may sign, and present it together with a photocopy of the Colombian citizenship card, requesting the issue of this category of Visa for the foreign father or mother.  If the Colombian father or mother dies, in addition to the requirement of subsection 3 above, the foreign father or mother will supply the related death certificate, and documents to show that he or she has custody of the Colombian minor.  If both parents are foreign, in addition to the requirement of subsection 3 above, there must be an original letter signed by the alien holding the Resident Visa, the mother or father of the minor born in Colombia, together with a photocopy of the Aliens Card, requesting the issue of this category of visa, and stating who is economically responsible for the minor.
 
6.  A holders of a Resident Visa-Investor obtained after August 13, 2009, and for the purposes of transferring the Visa mentioned in Article 52 of Decree 4000/2004, amended by Decree 2622/2009, must attach, in addition to the requirements of subsections 1, 2 and 3 above, documents to show that the amount of the investment has been maintained in Colombia for at least three years prior to the date of transfer of the visa.  In the case of foreign direct investment in real property, the investor must present the certificate of free title, issued by the Public Records Office, not more than one month before the application, showing that the person requesting the transfer of the Resident Visa-Investor continues to be the owner of the property in Colombia, for a value corresponding to the investment registered.

For the holders of Resident Visa-Investor obtained prior to that date, the requirements of subsections 1, 2 and 3 above apply for the transfer mentioned.

Paragraph 1.  If both parents are aliens, in addition to the requirements of subsection 5 above, a certificate of nationality issued by the Civil Records Office, must be produced.

Paragraph 2.  an original letter of request for a Resident Visa signed by a Colombian National or a Resident alien, mentioned in subsections 4 and 5 above, must comply with the formality of personal appearance with regard to the attesting of signature and fingerprinting before a notary public or a Colombian consul, as the case may be.  Equally, in those cases, the photocopy of the Colombian citizenship card or Aliens Card must be certified.

Paragraph 3.  In exceptional and fully justified cases, the original letter of the Colombian father or mother may be replaced by a certification from the competent Colombian family authority responsible for the welfare of the minor in Colombia, stating that the alien has correctly complied with his obligations for maintenance, or other obligations  which are which is responsible, as the case may be.

Paragraph 4.  The holder of a Resident Visa-Restricted will be authorised for the occupations of “housewife/student/independent/to be contracted”, subject to compliance with applicable regulations, for which the form "Commitment to Report to the security police DAS" must be completed and signed, as indicated in subsection 3 above

Paragraph 5.  In all cases, if a regulated profession is to be practised, the alien resident must be authorised specifically in his Visa to practise it, and for this purpose must comply with the same requirements as apply to Colombian nationals.  The alien will supply the office responsible for issuing visas with documents which enable him to practise a regulated profession, such as acceptance of equivalence or validation of professional qualifications, a provisional licence to practise, or a professional matriculation or licence.

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RESIDENT VISA-INVESTOR      

Article 19.  An alien who applies for a Resident Visa-Investor, must attach the following in addition to the requirements of Article 5 above:

For foreign direct investment for investments other than real property:
 
1.  The written communication from the International Exchange Department of Banco de la Republica, stating that there has been a registration of the foreign direct investment in the name of the alien applying for the Visa, for an amount not less than US$100,000, in accordance with the terms of Article 16 of Decree 2622/2009, amending Article 52 of Decree 4000/2004, and in accordance with the terms of the General Regime for Foreign Investment and Exchange, and other Colombian regulations in force.
 
2.  Form "Commitment to Report to the security police DAS", as established in Article 30 above, completed and signed, in accordance with the terms of Article 85, Sections 98.1 and 98.3, and Articles 116 and 117 of Decree 4000/2004.

For foreign direct investment intended for the acquisition of real property,:

1.  Written communication from the international exchange department of Banco de la Republica stating that registration has been made of a foreign direct investment in the name of the alien applying for the Visa, for a minimum of US$200,000.
 
2.  Certificate of free title, issued by the Public Records Office, and issued not more than one month before the date of the visa application, showing that the applicant is the owner of a property whose value corresponds to that of the foreign investment registered in his name, for an amount not less than that indicated in the preceding subsection.
 
3.  Form "Commitment to Report to the security police DAS” as established in Article 30 above, completed and signed, in accordance with the terms of Article 85, Sections 98.1 and 98.3, and Articles 116 and 117 of Decree 4000/2004.

Paragraph 1: The alien Resident – Investor  is authorised by his Visa for occupations “housewife/student/independent/to be contracted”, subject to compliance with regulations on the matter, for which the applicant must complete and sign the form "Commitment to Report to the security police DAS", as indicated in the requirements in this Article.

Paragraph 2.  In all cases, if a regulated profession is to be practised, the alien resident must be authorised specifically in his Visa to practise it, and for this purpose must comply with the same requirements as apply to Colombian nationals.  The alien will supply the office responsible for issuing visas with documents which enable him to practise a regulated profession, such as acceptance of equivalence or validation of professional qualifications, a provisional licence to practise, or a professional matriculation or licence.

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VISITOR VISA:

Article 20.  An alien who applies for a Visitor Visa, in addition to the requirements of Article 5 above, must attach the following documents, as corresponds to each category:

A.  Visitor Visa-Tourist
 
1.  Documents showing an economic capacity sufficient to remain in Colombia as a tourist

2.  If it travelling by invitation, an original letter or document which demonstrates the economic solvency of the person issuing the invitation, or taking responsibility for the alien, for his permanence in Colombia, and his departure.
 
3.  Photocopy or electronic information on tickets for departure from Colombia.

B. Visitor Visa – Temporary:

1.  Documents to demonstrate the activity which the alien is coming to undertake in Colombia, in the terms of Article 13 of Decree 2622/2009, amending Article 43 of Decree 4000/2004.
 
2.  Documents to show economic capacity sufficient for the activities to be undertaken in Colombia.
 
3.  2.  If it travelling by invitation, an original letter or document which demonstrates the economic solvency of the person issuing the invitation, or taking responsibility for the alien, for his permanence in Colombia, and his departure.

4.  Description of the activities to be undertaken in Colombia.
 
5.  Photocopy or electronic information on tickets for departure from Colombia

C. Visitor Visa-Technical

1.  Original letter of responsibility by the public or private entity justifying the urgency of the technical service required, in the terms of Articles 13 and 14 of Decree 2622/2009,  amending, respectively, Articles 43 and 44 of Decree 4000/2004.
 
2.  Incumbency certificate for the entity making the application, if other than a public entity.
 
3.  Photocopy or electronic information on tickets for departure from Colombia.

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CHAPTER VI

VISA-BENEFICIARY

Article 21.  An alien who requests a Visa as a Beneficiary, in addition to the requirements of Article 5, must attach:

1.  Civil records entry or equivalent document showing the tie or relationship, carrying the appropriate legalisation or apostille.
 
2.  Documents showing the economic dependence of the beneficiary on the Visa-holder.
 
3.  Original letter in which the Visa-holder declares responsibility for the permanence of the beneficiary, and his departure from the country.  In the case of minors, the requests, power of attorney or authorisation, as the case may be, will be signed by the parents and acknowledged by a notary or Colombian consul.
 
4.  Photocopy of the current Visa of the holder.

Paragraph 1.  If the Beneficiary Visa application is presented to a Colombian Consular Office, the valid document, in the case of a Permanent Companion of a Colombian National, will show a de facto marital union in accordance with the laws of the receiving country, which must be authenticated or carry an apostille, as appropriate.  At all events, for a visa application in Colombia lodged with the Internal Working Group which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs may determine, the alien must present the related court order or act of conciliation or public deed declaring the existence of a de facto marital union, in accordance with Colombian law, with a date of issue not more than three months prior to the date of presentation of the Visa Application.

Paragraph 2.  Beneficiaries will always have the same class or category of Visa as the holder.

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CHAPTER VII
TRANSFER  OF A VISA

Article 22.  An alien who, in accordance with Articles 14, 116 and 118 of Decree 4000/2004, wishes to process the transfer of a Visa in order to secure authorisation for an additional activity to that indicated in his Visa, or due to deterioration, change or loss of the passport, or when some clarification or change of occupation is required, will in addition to the requirements indicated in Article 5 above, attach the following:
1.  Original and photocopy of the data pages of the passport, including the visa to be transferred, except in the case of loss, in which case this should be stated in writing
 
2.  A copy of the Aliens Card, if applicable.

3.  Certificate of migratory movement, issued by the security police DAS, not more than three months old, only if the visa to be transferred has not exceeded the period after which it would lose validity due to absence from Colombia, or the time of permanence allowed in Colombia has not been exceeded, in the terms of Article 9 of Decree 4000/2004, amended by Article 2 of Decree 2622 of July 13, 2009.
 
4.  Form "Commitment to Report to the security police DAS", established in Article 30 below, completed and signed, for the case of a holder of the Temporary Visa-Spouse or Permanent Companion of a Colombian National, Temporary Visa-Refugee or Asylum-Seeker, and Resident Visa, who will be authorised for the occupation “housewife/student/independent/to be contracted”, subject to compliance with the rules regulating the matter and in accordance with the terms of Article 85, Sections 98.1 and 98.3, and Articles 116 and 117 of Decree 4000/2004, to the effect that the security police DAS must be informed within 15 calendar days following the start of work, either in an independent activity which does not imply the practice of a regulated profession, or when contracted in accordance with the regulations of the Colombian Labour Code, or through engagement with a public or private entity.  This, at the beginning, or each time there is a change of the kind provided for in the Articles mentioned, on pain of economic sanctions imposed by the security police DAS, or by the public entity responsible for performing the functions of migration control.

In all cases, if a regulated profession is to be practised, the alien´s visa must specifically authorise him to practise it, and for this purpose he must comply with the same requirements as apply to Colombian nationals.  The alien will supply the office responsible for issuing visas with the documents which allow him to practise a regulated profession, such as acceptance of equivalence or validation of a professional qualification, or a provisional permit or licence to practise, or a professional matriculation or licence.
 
5.  For the holders of other classes and categories of visas, an alien must update his occupation with the document which accredits the activity authorised in the visa, provided that he continues with the same entity and occupation.  If he has changed employer or activity, a new visa must be processed in the terms of Article 9 of Decree 4000/2004, amended by Article 2 of Decree 262/2009.

6.  For a transfer required for an activity additional to that authorised in the visa, if applicable, an alien who holds a Temporary Visa-Spouse or Permanent Companion of a Colombian National, Temporary Visa-Refugee or Asylum-Seeker, and Resident Visa, must comply with the terms of subsection 4 above.  The holders of other classes and categories of visas must attach the specific requirements provided for in this Resolution, as correspond to the additional activity for which they request authorisation.

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CHAPTER VIII
GENERAL

Article 23.  In the case of regulated activities or professions, the occupation indicated in the Visa must always be strictly that which the alien accredited.  In order to practise a regulated profession, in all cases the alien must follow the procedures for validation or acceptance of equivalence of qualifications before the instances applicable, and obtain the licences and permits granted by the Professional Councils or competent authorities, as the case may be, that authorise the practice of those professions in Colombia.

In order to obtain authorisation to practise  a regulated occupation, the alien must accredit the same documents and conditions as are required from Colombian nationals.

Paragraph 1.  A provisional permit or licensed to practise a regulated profession in Colombia should be processed with the appropriate Professional Council, Ministry of

Agriculture, Ministry of Social Protection or other authority regulating professions, depending on individual competency.

Paragraph 2.  An unregulated profession is a set of professional activities which may be undertaken by an individual, and which are understood in general to represent a social use, custom, or other elements or to similar engagement,  which finds no mention in the Colombian legal order to require regulation, or offer requirements for access, in terms of formation, or simple professional qualification.

Article 24.  Information regarding occupation will always be that which expressly corresponds to the activity to be undertaken in Colombia.  In the Business Visa, business; in the Visitor Visa-Tourist, tourism; in the Visitor Visa-Temporary, temporary visitor: in the Visitor Visa-Technical, technical visitor; in the Crewmember Visa, crewmember; in the Temporary Visa-Worker, the post mentioned in the form "Contract Summary”; in the Temporary Visa-Special, NGO volunteer, volunteer or co-operation agent, as the case may be; in the Temporary Visa-Minister of Religion, Minister of Religion; in the Temporary Visa-Student, Student, and if a work study is authorised, student-work study, indicating the entity in which the work study will be conducted, for those who will undertaking studies in religious formation, the occupation may also be "student”; in a Courtesy Visa requested by ICETEX, or the Fulbright commission, teacher, student, student- work-study, as the case may be; in Beneficiary visas, housewife/student; in the Temporary Visa- Spouse or Permanent Companion of a Colombian National, Temporary Visa- Refugee or Asylum-Seeker, and Resident, in any category, housewife/student/independent/to be contracted; with the annotation: “may not practise a regulated profession”.

Article 25.  Information regarding the entity in Temporary Visa-Spouse or Permanent Companion of the Colombian National and Resident, which are based on family, will be the name of the Colombian National who requests the Visa or the denomination which identifies the family.  In other cases, such as Temporary Visa-Minister of Religion, Temporary Visa-student, Temporary Visa-special, as partner or to practise as an independent, will be the denomination or name of the corporate a corporate entity of which the object they form part.  In the case of a Temporary Visa-Special-Owner of a business, it will be the name of the business, and in the Temporary Visa-Special- Owner of property, the entity will be the address or denomination of the type of asset.

In the case of a Resident Visa-Investor, the principal occupation will be capital investor, or property investor, as reported by the alien and/or as shown in documentation for the sector in which the foreign direct investment is made.

Article 26.  Civil documents for births and marriages or similar, diplomas and certificates of study, and other public documents issued abroad must be translated to Spanish, authenticated by the Colombian consulate and legalised by the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in accordance with the terms of the Civil Procedure Code, or must carry an apostille, as appropriate.

Article 27.  Documents issued in Colombia which support or are part of requirements for a Visa applied for abroad at a Colombian Consular Office do not require legalisations or apostilles.

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CHAPTER IX
FORMS

Article 29.  An alien must complete and sign the form "Visa Application", to apply for any class or category of visa, or to initiate any process required to make use of a visa control specification:

Article 29.  An alien applying for a Temporary Visa-Worker must complete the following form "Contract Summary", which must be signed and authenticated by the parties:
 
Article 30.  An alien requesting Temporary Visa-Spouse or Permanent Companion of a Colombian National, or Temporary Visa-Refugee or Asylum Seeker, or Resident Visa, must complete, sign and authenticate the form shown below, "Commitments to Report to the security police DAS", or public entity which is responsible for the functions of migration control.

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CHAPTER X
VALIDITY

Article 31.  This resolution repeals Resolution 255 of January 26, 2005, and any provisions contrary to itself, and will take effect as of the date of its publication in Diario Oficial

Be this published and obeyed

Bogota,  November 25, 2009

Jaime Bermudez, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

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