Colombian Work Visa Guide

Colombia, with its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities, has become an attractive destination for expatriates seeking employment opportunities. While finding a job with a local employer in Colombia may be challenging for foreigners, the Colombian work visa remains a popular option for those determined to work and live in this South America. In this blog, we will delve into the details of the Colombia work visa, including its new requirements, the application process, and important considerations for prospective applicants.

The Benefits of a Colombian Work Visa: 

The Colombia work visa offers a range of benefits, allowing foreigners to legally work, live, and immerse themselves in the diverse and vibrant Colombian culture while contributing to the country's economic growth. 

One of the biggest benefits of the visa is that the foreigner will typically be able to renew the visa as long as they hold their job and continue to follow Colombian laws and tax regulations. 

A few other benefits of the work visa include: 

Legally Work and Earn Income: With a Colombia work visa, foreigners can legally work and earn income in the country. 

Access to Social Security and Healthcare: Work visa holders may have access to social security benefits and the Colombian healthcare system, providing peace of mind in case of emergencies or medical needs.

Legal Protections: With a valid work visa, expatriates are entitled to legal protections under Colombian labor laws, ensuring fair treatment in the workplace and access to labor rights.

Exposure to New Languages and Skills: Working in a foreign country exposes individuals to new languages, customs, and work practices, enhancing their adaptability and intercultural communication skills.

Limitations of the Work Visa: 

While the work visa has many benefits, it does have its limitations and downsides. 

Reliance on Your Employer: Typically, when you’re laid off or fired it means losing your stability and income. However, when you lose your job while on a work visa in Colombia, you’re also losing your legal status in the country. Therefore, your employer controls not only your paycheck but your ability to stay in Colombia. 

Your Choice of Employer: Not only will you be reliant on your employer, your choice of employers will also be limited. When seeking a work visa you can’t just work the employer must show that they have an average monthly income of one hundred (100) current legal monthly minimum wages (116.000.000 COP). 

Finding a Job as a Foreigner: It’s difficulty to find an employer who is willing to sponsor your visa as it’s typically cheaper and easier for the employer to hire a Colombian national. As part fo the visa application, the employer will have to ensure you have safe and adequate accommodation, are financially sound, pay for your social security, etc. 

Government Fees for the Colombian Work Visa

To obtain a Colombian work visa, applicants must pay a government fee of $282 USD for the application processing charge. It is crucial to stay updated on the latest visa fees, as they may change over time.

Documents Required for a Colombia Work Visa

When applying for a Colombia work visa, candidates must gather a set of essential documents. These include:

Passport photocopy: A copy of the first page of a valid passport showing biographical data.

1. Contract Summary - Format

Contract signed by the legal representative of the employer and by the foreigner. In this document, we will record the details that determine the work activity in Colombia.

2. Letter of motivation from the employer

Stating the suitability, functions to be carried out, the training that the foreigner has for this occupation, the reasons why a Colombian citizen is not hired for said activity, and the number of direct jobs that the company generates.

3. Certifications or bank statements from the employer

For the last four (4) months showing an average monthly income of one hundred (100) current legal monthly minimum wages (116.000.000 COP);

4. In the case of an unregulated profession

Provide a copy of the apostilled or legalized and translated professional title or labor and experience certifications that support their suitability;

5. When it comes to a regulated profession

The foreigner and the company or legal entity that hires must process the corresponding permit or license before the competent professional counsel.

5. Passport 

The foreigner will need a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay in Colombia.

5. Digital Passport Style Photo 

The foreigner will need a passport-style photo with a white background, sized at 3 cm width X 4 cm height, and a maximum file size of 300 kb in jpg format.

It is important to note that the Cancilleria reserves the right to ask for additional information about the potential employer and the applicant. 

Applying for a Colombia Work Visa

The application process for a Colombia work visa can be completed online, making it fairly straightforward. Visa applicants can apply for the visa online and submit the required documents in scanned format. Once approved, the visa will be electronically issued, eliminating the need to travel to Bogotá for stamping. 

The Benefits of Using a Law Firm

While it is possible to apply for a Colombia work visa independently, engaging the services of an experienced visa agency can prove highly beneficial. A reputable visa agency with expertise in handling numerous visa applications can streamline the process, guide applicants through specific requirements, and increase the chances of a successful application. They can also assist with obtaining employment contracts and managing bureaucratic hurdles. 

For employers, it can be immensely beneficial as they reduce the administrative headaches and costs associated with visa applications. Particularly if the company is hiring many foreigners, the visa agency can save them hundreds or even thousands of dollars in delays and re-application fees. 

Conclusion

The Colombia work visa offers exciting opportunities for foreigners to explore and contribute to the country's thriving workforce and vibrant culture. By understanding the new visa requirements, gathering the necessary documents, and utilizing a visa agency's expertise, expatriates can confidently navigate the visa application process. With careful planning and the right support, obtaining a Colombia work visa can be a smooth and rewarding experience, opening the doors to an enriching chapter in one's life in this enchanting South American nation.