The Colombia Type M Investor Visa is for foreigners who make a qualifying foreign direct investment (FDI) registered at the Banco de la República — including real estate purchases, company shares, or direct capital investment. It includes an open work permit and a clear path to permanent residency.
Colombia’s growing economy and dynamic property market make it an increasingly attractive destination for foreign investors. Cities like Medellín, Bogotá, and Cartagena consistently offer strong real estate returns combined with a legal immigration pathway: the Type M Investor Visa. Whether you are purchasing an apartment, acquiring company shares, or making a direct capital contribution, a qualifying investment registered at the Banco de la República opens the door to legal residence in Colombia.
At Migraciones.co, we guide foreign investors through both stages of the process: the FDI registration at the Banco de la República (Colombia’s central bank) and the subsequent visa application at the Cancillería de Colombia. Our team has direct experience navigating both institutions and understands the specific documentation requirements that apply to each type of investment. We ensure your application is complete, compliant, and submitted without unnecessary delays.
Investment routes
Purchase of residential or commercial property in Colombia valued at a minimum of 350 SMLMV. The investment must be registered as foreign direct investment (FDI) at the Banco de la República before the visa application is filed.
Acquisition of shares in a legally incorporated Colombian company. The share purchase must be registered as foreign direct investment (FDI) with the Banco de la República. Minimum investment threshold of 100 SMLMV applies.
Direct capital contribution to a Colombian company or productive sector. This is the most flexible route, with a minimum investment of 100 SMLMV. Suitable for entrepreneurs and business owners entering the Colombian market directly.
Requirements
The key document that distinguishes the Investor Visa from all other visa categories is the FDI registration certificate from the Banco de la República. This must be obtained before submitting the visa application to the Cancillería de Colombia.
Important: The FDI registration at the Banco de la República is mandatory and must be completed before the visa application is submitted. Migraciones.co coordinates this registration process alongside the full visa application, ensuring both steps are aligned and correctly documented.
The investor visa process involves two parallel tracks — the investment itself and the immigration filing. Migraciones.co manages both so that every step is correctly sequenced and documented.
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“When I arrived in Colombia, I didn’t know where to start for buying an apartment and getting my visa. Migraciones.co helped me every step — from registering the real estate investment at the Banco de la República to the visa process. I always felt accompanied.”
FAQ
The Colombia Investor Visa is a Type M (Migrant) visa for foreigners who make a foreign direct investment (FDI) in Colombia that is registered at the Banco de la República (Colombia’s central bank). Qualifying investments include purchasing real estate, acquiring company shares, or making a direct capital investment. It includes an open work permit and accumulates time toward permanent residency.
The minimum investment required is 100 Colombian minimum monthly wages (SMLMV) for most investment types. Since the SMLMV is updated annually, the equivalent in USD changes each year. For real estate investments, the property value must be at least 350 SMLMV. Migraciones.co advises on the current threshold and helps investors choose the most suitable investment vehicle for their visa.
Yes. Purchasing real estate in Colombia qualifies for the Type M Investor Visa, provided the investment is registered as foreign direct investment (FDI) at the Banco de la República. The property value must meet the minimum SMLMV threshold. Migraciones.co coordinates the FDI registration process at the Banco de la República and the subsequent visa application at the Cancillería de Colombia.
Main requirements include: valid passport, FDI registration certificate from the Banco de la República (Form 11 for portfolio investment, or the applicable form for real estate or direct investment), criminal background check (apostilled and translated into Spanish), and passport-style photo. The FDI registration is the most critical step — it must be completed before submitting the visa application. Migraciones.co guides the entire process.
Yes. After holding the Type M Investor Visa for 5 consecutive years, you qualify to apply for the Colombian Resident Visa (Type R), which grants permanent residency. From permanent residency, you can subsequently apply for Colombian nationality by adoption after an additional period. Migraciones.co plans the complete immigration path from investment to nationality.
At Migraciones.co we manage the complete investor visa process — from FDI registration at the Banco de la República to Cancillería submission. Whether you are buying property, acquiring shares, or making a direct capital investment, we ensure your immigration path is correctly structured from day one.
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