Colombia Business Owner Visa: How toStart a
Company and Get Legal Residency in Colombia
The Colombia Business Visa—officially the Migrant (M) Business Owner / Shareholder Visa—is one of the most strategic Colombian visas for foreign nationals seeking to open a commercial company, invest in a Colombian SAS, or explore long-term business opportunities in Colombia.
This visa category, previously aligned with the TP-7 Visa, is now governed by Resolution 5477 of 2022 and issued by the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores).
Whether you are an entrepreneur, investor, owner of a U.S. company, or someone relocating to Colombia, this guide explains every legal, procedural, and practical step in applying for the Colombia Business Visa, including real-world requirements verified by Cancillería, DIAN, and Banco de la República.
What Is the Colombia Business Owner Visa?
The Colombia Business Owner Visa (also called the M – Business Owner/Shareholder Visa) is a Migrant category visa for foreigners who:
- Own shares in a Colombian company
- Invest foreign capital in a commercial company
- Create a Colombian SAS as sole owner or co-owner
- Manage their business operations inside Colombia
- Conduct business negotiations, research, and economic activities
Related Topics of Interest for You:
It is distinct from other visas:
|
Visa Type |
Purpose |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Tourist / V Visa |
Short stays |
Not for business operations |
|
Digital Nomad Visa |
Remote work from abroad |
No work allowed for Colombian companies |
|
Investment Visa |
Property or capital investment |
Includes real estate investment |
|
Work Visa |
Employment contract |
Does not apply to business owners |
|
Resident Visa (RE Visa) |
Permanent residency |
Requires long-term legal stay |
Business owners must be active shareholders, not passive investors.
|
|
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Who Qualifies for a Colombian Business Owner Visa?
You may apply if:
- You own 10% or more of a Colombian company
- You are forming a single-owner SAS
- You are investing via Banco de la República in Sent from abroad, or deposited locally; however, proof of origin must be provided.foreign direct investment
- You are expanding a foreign company into the Colombian market
- You plan to create jobs, participate in market studies, or manage commercial operations
- You are a foreign national with direct investment plans and financial stability
This visa is widely used by U.S. citizens, Canadians, Europeans, entrepreneurs, digital business owners, and investors seeking residency.
Minimum Investment Requirements (Updated to Current Law)
Investment thresholds for Colombia’s business visa are calculated using the minimum salary (SMMLV), which changes annually.
✔️ Minimum Capital Investment
You must invest:
- At least 100 SMMLV into a Colombian company
To qualify for the Migrant Business Visa, the investment must be:
- Sent from abroad or deposited locally, however, proof of origin must be provided. Foreign transfers are recommended.
- Received in Colombian Pesos (COP)
- Registered correctly as foreign direct investment
✔️ Mandatory Foreign Investment Registration
All investments must be registered via:
Banco de la República → Foreign Investment Declaration Form (Formulario 4)
Formally registering the investment with the Banco de la República by filing Formulario 4 (Foreign Investment Registration) is recommended. However, foreign investment for this visa type is preferred; wire transfers registered with the Banco de la República via other forms are accepted.
✔️ Does Real Estate Qualify?
Real estate purchases belong under the Investment Visa (Property Purchase) unless the property is official company capital, registered as part of your direct investment.
✔️ Why These Rules Matter
Incorrect transfers or unregistered capital result in:
- visa denial
- inadmission
- loss of legal stay
- DIAN tax complications
Step-by-Step Process to Get the Colombia Business Visa
Required Documents for a Colombian Business Visa
✔ Passport bio page
✔ Visa application form
✔ Company corporate documents
✔ Cámara de Comercio certificate
✔ Registered investment (Formulario 4)
✔ Proof of funds / financial stability
✔ Criminal background check (Apostilled)
✔ Certified translations
✔ Health Insurance Policy
✔ Payment receipt
✔ Legal representative documents
All must follow Colombian visa laws, apostille standards, and foreign investment rules.
1. Form Your Company (Usually a SAS)
You must establish:
- Articles of incorporation – Highly recommended to use a Colombian attorney due to the sensitive nature of this document.
- Share or company stock distribution – Number of shares, value and founding owners initial investment.
- Corporate purpose (objeto social) – Describe companies economic avtivities
- NIT (tax identification number) – Issued by the DIAN, Colombian tax authority
- Legal representative appointment – In Colombia this person has complete control over the company as defined in the constitution or their contract with the company.
2. Open the Company Bank Account
Banks require:
- Passport for investment accounts, but usually will not open a operational account with out having a Colombian ID card (cedula) or foreigners ID card (cedula de extranjeria)
- Chamber of Commerce registration
- Legal representative information
- Shareholder details – certified by an accountant
- Initial financial statements – certified by an accountant
Funds MUST be transferred directly to the business account from the investor’s personal account for the best transparency
3. Transfer Funds from Abroad
Investment must:
- Come directly from the shareholder
- Enter Colombia in foreign currency
- Match the declared shareholding structure
- Be processed through a proper currency exchange
4. Register the Investment – Formulario 4
This step formally reports your capital to:
Banco de la República
Without this registration, it is difficult to get the approval for the visa. A business owner visa does not require that wire transfers are categorized as a direct foreign investment, which is the case with the property visa. What is important is that a direct path from the visa applicant to the company is visible, and wire transfers accomplish this. With out a clear direct investment the Cancillería will not approve your visa.
5. Prepare All Corporate + Financial Documents
These include:
- Updated Cámara de Comercio certificate
- Company bylaws
- Shareholding certificate
- Investment certificate
- Bank statements
- Proof of funds
Certified translations and Apostilles (e.g., US Apostille) may be required.
6. Submit the Online Visa Application
Using the Sistema Integrado de Trámites Ciudadanos, upload:
- Visa application form
- Passport bio page
- PDF documents
- Datos personales and biometrics
- Payment via debit or credit card
7. Respond to Ministry Requirements
The Ministry may request:
- Clarification of investment
- Updated documents
- Background check (FBI for U.S. citizens)
- Health Insurance Policy
- Corporate declarations
Common Reasons Colombia Business Visas Are Denied
❌ Incorrect or unregistered foreign investment
❌ Funds entered locally without exchange registration
❌ Incomplete corporate documents
❌ Business appears inactive or non-operational
❌ Shareholding structure does not match the investment
❌ DIAN compliance issues such as failing to declare taxes
❌ Failure to demonstrate financial stability
❌ Missing FBI background check for U.S. citizens
❌ Overstayed tourist permit while applying
Important Note: Visa Denials vs Visa Inadmissions
Understanding this difference protects your ability to reapply:
- Visa Denial (Negación):
A formal denial blocks you from applying for six (6) months. This occurs in serious cases such as unregistered investment, discrepancies in documents, or suspected fraud. - Visa Inadmission (Inadmisión):
Not a denial. Your application was not admitted for study because of missing or incorrect documentation.
You may correct the problem and reapply immediately with no wait time.
This distinction is critical for maintaining continuous legal stay in Colombia.
Processing Time, Validity & Residency Path
- Processing Time: 2–4 weeks
- Visa Validity: 1–3 years
- Cédula de Extranjería: Required after visa issuance, , if not you have 15 days from when you enter Colombia.
- Renewals: Must show active company and a maintained investment
Path to Permanent Residency (RE Visa)
After five years holding the Migrant Business Visa, you may apply for:
➡️ Resident Visa (RE Visa / Permanent Residency Visa)
Company, tax, and investment compliance must be maintained throughout.
Can You Work With a Colombian Business Visa?
Yes — but only inside your own company.
You may:
✔ Operate your SAS
✔ Manage employees
✔ Receive compensation from your own commercial activities
✔ Participate in Colombian trade associations and commercial agreements
You may NOT:
❌ Work as an employee for someone else
❌ Freelance outside your company structure
❌ Perform activities not listed in your objeto social
Unauthorized work affects Cédula de Extranjería status and future visas.
Tax, Accounting, and Corporate Obligations
-
Your company must comply with:
- DIAN income tax filings
- IVA declarations (when applicable)
- Payroll obligations (EPS, ARL, pension, Caja de Compensación)
- Accounting standards
- Annual Cámara de Comercio renewal
- Proper recordkeeping and corporate books
Colombian auth
⭐ FAQs – Colombia Business Visa
1. How much do I need to invest for the Colombia Business Visa under current visa requirements?
At least 100 SMMLV, registered with Banco de la República as foreign direct investment. Incorrect or missing registration often leads to visa denial or inadmission.
5. What happens if my Colombia Business Visa application is rejected or inadmitted?
A denial blocks reapplication for six months.
An inadmission allows you to reapply immediately once issues are fixed.
9. How long does the Colombia Business Visa application process take with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?
Most applications are processed in 2–4 weeks, depending on document quality and Ministry review.
2. Can I apply for the Colombian Business Owner Visa from inside Colombia while on a tourist permit or digital nomad visa?
Yes. You may file your business visa application in-country, but your legal stay must remain valid. Tourist days do not stop counting during visa processing.
6. Does my visa application pause tourist days while my business visa is being processed?
No. Tourist or short-term entry permit days continue counting during the process.
10. How long must I hold the Migrant Business Visa before applying for the Colombian Resident Visa?
You may apply for the Resident Visa (RE Visa) after five continuous years with a compliant Migrant Business Visa.
3. Can my spouse and children receive beneficiary visas with my Migrant Business Owner Visa?
Yes. Eligible dependents may apply for beneficiary Colombian visas linked to your Migrant Business Visa.
7. Do I need a background check such as the FBI report for the Migrant Colombian Business Visa?
Yes. Most applicants, especially U.S. citizens, must provide an Apostilled FBI background check in PDF format.
4. Does purchasing real estate qualify me for the Investment Visa or the Colombia Business Visa?
Real estate qualifies for the Investment Visa (Property Purchase) unless the asset is formally contributed as company capital and registered as foreign investment.
8. Can I work in Colombia with the Business Owner/Shareholder Visa or do I need a work visa?
You may work only inside your own company. Outside employment requires a separate Colombian work visa.
How to Apply for Colombia Business Visa?
There are two ways to apply for Colombian Business Visa.
Applying for a Colombian Business visa from abroad:
A visa applicant who wishes to invest in Colombia can apply for a Colombia investment visa online. In addition, any Colombian visa can be obtained at any Colombian consulate around the world. In the U.S., Colombia has consulates located in the following cities and states:
The Colombian visa application process is fairly easy as it can be completed entirely online. You can apply for a Colombia investment visa online Tramites Visa . This application will require scanned copies of all required documents in Adobe PDF format along with your passport photo in JPEG format. In addition, a detailed guide for applying online can be found here.
If you are in another country outside of Colombia, then you have to go to nearby Colombian consulate in that country so that you can get the visa added to your passport at a Colombian consulate. Once your Colombian investment visa has been approved and added to your passport, you are ready to travel to Colombia as a migrant and a investor.
Applying for Business visa from Colombia
Once you receive online visa approval, if doing this in Colombia, you need to travel to Bogotá to get the visa in your passport. Visas in Colombia are issued at the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores office in Bogotá. Their office is located at Avenida 19 # 98-03, Torre 100 Building, 3rd Floor. It’s open from 7:30 am until noon.
The major challenge with getting a Colombian visa yourself is dealing with a government bureaucracy, making a trip to Bogota and not understanding the laws properly if you are not fluent in Sanish.
This is where you can benefit from the services of an experienced visa agency such as Visas by James. A visa agency such ours is your best bet when it comes to obtaining visa for you. An experienced visa agency which has processed hundreds of visas and knows exactly what is needed for each type of visa is exactly what you need.
Another big benefit of using a visa agency is that they offer services to courier your passport to Bogotá to get the visa put in your passport. So, you can avoid a trip to Bogotá. The cost of a visa service including the service to courier your passport to Bogotá can even be cheaper than the cost of a trip to Bogotá.
⭐ Author Section – Professional Legal Authority
Author: James Lindzey – Director, Colombia Legal & Associates SASU
20+ Years of Experience in Colombian Visas, Business Law & Foreign Investment
James Lindzey has provided bilingual legal services in Colombia since 2005, helping thousands of foreign nationals, U.S. citizens, and investors navigate Colombian visa laws, business formation, foreign investment registration, DIAN compliance, and residency pathways.
James is the creator and site owner behind ColombiaVisas.com and the legal director of Colombia Legal & Associates SASU.
👉 Learn more on our About Us page:
https://www.colombiavisas.com/about-us/
Our Path to Becoming Colombia's Leading Visa Agency
James Lindzey founded ColombiaVisas.com after relocating to Medellín in 2005. With experience as a private investigator and paralegal in the U.S., James brought a strong legal background to Colombia's complex visa system.
Today, Visas by James—part of Colombia Legal & Associates SAS—is a top provider of visa and legal services for expats. We specialize in U.S. immigration services for Colombians migrating to the USA, and Expats from countries around the world migrating to Colombia.
In addition to our visa services, our agency offers a full range of legal and accounting services to our clients. We can better assist clients with document collection services for documents located in the United States because of James's prior legal experience in the United States.
We also have contact with over 800 notaries, registry, and Colombian courts to obtain any documents needed in Colombia.
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Real feedback from clients who have worked with our team on Colombian visa and legal processes.
Client feedback is sourced from publicly available third-party review platforms. Individual results may vary.
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Important Legal Disclaimer
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, immigration advice, or a guarantee of any specific visa outcome.
Colombian visa requirements, procedures, government fees, and internal criteria change frequently and may vary depending on your personal situation and the policies in force at the time of your application.
Always consult a qualified professional to receive advice tailored to your individual case. Reading this website does not create an attorney–client relationship with Colombia Legal & Associates SAS, Visas by James, or any member of our team.
Our main office is located in Medellin, Colombia near Parque Lleras in El Poblado. We have representation in Bogota, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale. Our main office address is Cra 39#5A-95, Oficina 709, Edificio Avangarde. We accept walk in appointments but its always nice if you can let us know ahead of time so we can schedule a time. Areas codes in Colombia have changed. To reach our office please call (57) 604-444-6634.