What is a Colombian Investor Visa?
The Colombia Investment Visa is a visa program that is designed to attract foreign investment into real estate in Colombia. This program allows investors to obtain a resident visa in Colombia by making a qualifying investment in the country.
The program is open to all foreign direct real estate and other asset investments interested in obtaining investor visas in Colombia, including those who wish to start a new business, invest in an existing business, invest in real estate, invest in the stock market, or invest in the mining industry.
The Colombian Golden Visa is an excellent opportunity for foreign investors to expand their business or invest in a new market. The program not only provides investors with the ability to invest in Colombia, but it also provides them with a resident visa or permanent residency in the country, which allows them to live and work in Colombia without any restrictions.
Additionally, the program offers investors access to social services and tax benefits.
Types of Investor Visas in Colombia
Under the Colombian Investor Visa program, there are various types of visas available for foreign investors with a valid passport, including:
Investment in a new business
If you’re interested in starting a new business in Colombia, you can apply for a business investment visa by making a qualifying investment in your new business.
To qualify for this type of visa service, you must invest at least 650 times the monthly minimum wage in Colombia, approximately $162,600.
Investment in an existing business
If you prefer to invest in a current business in Colombia, you can apply for a Colombian visa by making a qualifying foreign direct investment in that business.
To qualify for this type of Colombian visa, you must invest at least 350 times the monthly minimum wage in Colombia.
Investment in real estate
Real estate investors in Colombia can apply for a Colombian visa by making a qualifying investment in real estate.
Approximately $160,426 is the required investment amount in real estate for this type of Colombian visa.
Requirements for the Colombia Investment Visa
If you’re considering applying for the Colombian Investor Visa, there are several requirements you must meet in order to be eligible. These requirements include:
Investment amount
As mentioned earlier, the investment amount required for the Colombia Investor’s Visa depends on the type of investment you plan to make.
Currently, the minimum investment amount for the visa ranges from around $70,000 to $162,500, depending on the type of investment, whether it is a new business, an existing business, or real estate.
Investment sources
You must demonstrate that the funds you plan to use for your investment are legally obtained and come from a legitimate source. The Colombian government may require you to provide documentation to prove the origin of your investment funds.
Business plan
Suppose you plan to invest in a new or existing business in Colombia. In that case, you will need to provide a detailed business plan outlining your investment goals, financial projections, and other relevant information.
Health insurance
You will be required to obtain health insurance coverage in Colombia for the duration of your stay. You may be able to purchase health insurance from a Colombian insurance provider or provide proof of coverage from a foreign insurance provider.
Criminal background check
You will need to provide a criminal background check from your country of origin and any other countries you have lived in for an extended period of time.
Other requirements
Additional requirements for the Colombia Golden Visa may include the following:
- Proof of investment capital transfer to Colombia
- Registration with the Colombian Chamber of Commerce
- Proof of legal residency with a valid passport in your country of origin
- Payment of visa fees
It’s important to note that the requirements for the Colombia Golden Visa may change over time, so it’s essential to confirm the most up-to-date information with a qualified immigration attorney.
Meeting all of the requirements for the visa can be a complex process, so seeking professional assistance may be necessary to ensure a successful application.
Benefits of Colombian Investor Visa
There are several benefits to obtaining a Colombia Investment Visa, a few of them are listed below:
Residency in Colombia
Investors who obtain the Colombian Golden Visa are granted temporary residency visa status in Colombia, allowing them to live and work there for a specified time.
The residency visa is typically valid for one year but can be renewed for additional periods, usually up to a maximum of five years. After this time, investors may be eligible to apply for a permanent residency visa.
Having a temporary residency visa in Colombia offers several advantages for investors. It allows them to stay in the country for extended periods without worrying about the legal implications of overstaying their visa.
Colombian visas also provide investors with greater flexibility in terms of travel and business operations, as they can come and go from the country as they please. In terms of quality of living, Colombia ranks 72nd in the world.
Work permit
Another significant benefit of the Colombia Investment Visa is that it grants investors a work permit, which allows them to work in Colombia either in their own business or for an employer.
This can be particularly beneficial for investors who want to manage their investments in the country actively, as it allows them to stay on top of their business operations and make decisions in real time.
Visa for family members
Investors who obtain Colombian Visas for business or real estate investment can also obtain a visa for their immediate family members, including spouses and children.
This allows families to stay together in Colombia while the investor conducts business.
Having family members with them can provide investors with a support system and make the transition to living and working in a new country much more effortless.
It also enables families to experience the culture and lifestyle of Colombia together, which can be a valuable and enriching experience.
Access to social services
Investors who obtain Colombian Investment Visas can access the country’s social services, including healthcare, education, and public services.
This can be particularly beneficial for families with children or investors who plan to stay in the country long-term.
Colombia’s modern and comprehensive healthcare system provides high-quality medical care to residents and visitors alike.
It also has a robust education system, with many excellent universities and schools throughout the country, like the Ivy League Colombia University.
Access to these services can be a major draw for investors who want to ensure their families have access to top-notch healthcare and education.
Tax benefits
Colombia offers several tax benefits to investors who obtain Colombian Investment Visas. Depending on the type of investment made, investors may be eligible for reduced tax rates or exemptions on certain taxes.
This can help investors maximize their return on investment and make their investments more profitable.
For example, investors who make an investment in a qualifying industry, such as agriculture or manufacturing, may be eligible for a reduced income tax rate of 27 percent compared to the standard rate of 33 percent.
Additionally, investors who purchase real estate in Colombia may be eligible for a property tax exemption for a while.
The Colombian Investment Visas offer a range of benefits to investors, including access to residency and work permits, social services, and tax benefits.
These benefits can make investing in Colombia a more attractive proposition for foreign investors and help them make the most of their investments.
How to get a Colombian investor visa?
Investors must prepare the necessary documents to apply for the Investor Visa in Colombia. These include:
Proof of investment: Investors must provide proof of their investment in Colombia, which could include documents such as a certificate of incorporation for a new business, a purchase agreement for real estate, or a stock purchase agreement for investments in the stock market.
Business plan: Investors must also provide a detailed business plan that outlines the objectives, operations, and financial projections of their investment in Colombia.
Proof of financial resources: Investors must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves and any dependents while in Colombia. This could include bank statements, tax returns, or proof of income from investments or other sources.
Health insurance: Investors must provide proof of valid health insurance coverage in Colombia to obtain the visa service.
Criminal background check: Investors must obtain a criminal background check from their country of origin or any other country where they have resided for more than six months within the past five years.
Filing the application
Once the necessary documents have been prepared, investors can file their application for the Colombia Visa.
Applications must be submitted to the nearest Colombian Embassy or Consulate in the investor’s country of residence.
The application form must be completed online and submitted with the required documents. There is also a non-refundable application fee that must be paid at the time of submission.
Interview at the Colombian embassy or consulate
After the application has been submitted, investors will be required to attend an interview at the Colombian Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence.
The interview aims to verify the information provided in the application and ensure that the investor meets all of the requirements for the Colombia Visa holder.
During the interview, investors may be asked about their investment plans, financial resources, and background. They may also be required to provide additional documentation to support their application.
Visa approval and issuance
If the application is approved, the investor will be notified by the embassy or consulate and will be required to submit their passport for visa issuance. The visa will be valid indefinitely. However, the stamp needs to be renewed every five years.
Once the investor arrives in Colombia, they will be required to register with the Colombian immigration authorities and obtain a foreign identification card (Cédula de Extranjería).
They will also be required to comply with any other requirements for foreign residents, such as registering with the tax authorities and obtaining a driver’s license.
The application process for the Colombia Investor Visa involves preparing the necessary documents, filing the application, attending an interview at the Colombian Embassy or Consulate, and obtaining visa approval and issuance.
Investors should ensure they meet all of the visa holder requirements and have all the necessary documentation before submitting their applications to avoid delays or rejections.
Tips To Get an Investor Visa in Colombian Province
Work with a professional immigration attorney: Working with a professional immigration attorney can significantly increase the chances of a successful Colombia Investor Visa.
An immigration attorney can help investors navigate the complex application process, ensure all required documents are provided, and provide guidance on the visa interview.
Provide accurate and complete information: Providing accurate and complete information in the application is crucial for a successful application. Any incomplete or incorrect information can result in delays or even a rejection of the application. Investors should ensure that they double-check all information before submitting the application.
Follow the instructions carefully: The instructions for obtaining the Colombia Investor Visa process can be complex and specific. It is crucial for investors to read and follow the instructions carefully to avoid any mistakes. Any deviations from the instructions could result in a delay or rejection of the application.
Plan ahead: The Colombia Investor Visa application process can take several months to complete, so investors should plan well ahead to ensure enough time to prepare the necessary documents, file the application, and attend the interview.
Investors should also ensure they have enough time to complete additional requirements, such as obtaining a criminal background check or health insurance coverage.
Be patient: The Colombia Investor Visa application process can be lengthy and may require additional documentation or information. Investors should be patient and prepared for potential delays. Rushing the process or becoming impatient can result in mistakes or errors that can negatively impact the application.
Investors should work with a professional immigration attorney, provide accurate and complete information, follow the instructions carefully, plan well in time, and be patient for a successful Colombia Investor Visa application.
By following these tips, investors can increase their chances of a successful application and a smooth transition to living and investing in Colombia.
Conclusion
Investing in Colombia offers excellent opportunities for foreign investors, and the Colombia Investor Visa is a gateway to accessing these opportunities. Colombia’s growing economy, stable political climate, booming real estate, and welcoming culture make it an attractive destination for investment.
With suitable investment and careful planning, foreign investors can reap significant benefits and contribute to the development of Colombia. Therefore, foreign investors are encouraged to apply for the Colombia Investor Visa and explore the opportunities Colombia offers.
Investors should carefully consider their investment options and plan ahead for a successful application. Working with an immigration attorney and following the application process carefully can significantly increase the chances of a successful application.
Colombian Citizenship by Naturalization
Obtaining Colombian citizenship by naturalization is possible, provided specific requirements are met. The following individuals are eligible for Colombian citizenship by naturalization:
- A person who has legally resided in Colombia for at least five years.
- A person who has legally resided in Colombia for at least two years and whose spouse, permanent partner, or child is a Colombian national.
- A person who has legally resided in Colombia for at least one year and who is a citizen of a Latin American or Caribbean country.
- A person who has legally resided in Colombia for at least two years and who is a Spanish citizen.
Global Citizen Solutions: How We Can Help
Expats and foreign investors can encounter many difficulties when applying for a Colombian Investor Visa, which is why it is worthwhile to have an expert on hand to provide personalized Colombian visa assistance throughout the application process.
Our specialists can help you with the following:
- Minimize the visits you have to make to the designated country
- Have someone who works solely on your behalf
- Reduce the hassle associated with putting your application together
- Acquire insider knowledge from someone with years of experience in the market
Let’s get you moving forward in your quest to obtain a Colombian Investor Visa. Get in touch with us to book a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Colombian Investor Visa
Can a US citizen live in Colombia?
Yes, a US citizen can live in Colombia.
How can I stay in Colombia long-term?
You can stay in Colombia long-term by obtaining a visa, such as the Colombia Investor Visa, which requires an investment in the country.
Can I work in Colombia with a Colombian Investor Visa?
Yes, with a Colombian Investor Visa, you can work in Colombia.
What are the tax benefits of the Colombian Investor Visa?
The tax benefits of the Colombian Investor Visa include reduced income tax rates and exemption from certain taxes on foreign income.
