Migrant Visa (Type M) - Independent Professional
Colombia
Last updated: December 22, 2025
3 years (renewable)
$230
4-13 weeks
High
About this Visa
This visa lets you work for yourself in Colombia. You work as a freelancer, consultant, or self-employed professional—not for a Colombian company. The Colombian government approves your profession and gives you a legal work permit. You can stay for years and eventually get permanent residency. This is for people with a professional skill or trade who want to run their own business in Colombia. You must prove you have enough money each month and proper professional qualifications.
Key Benefits
- Work legally without a boss
- Bring spouse and children under 25
- Stay up to 3 years, renewable
- Apply for permanent residency after 5 years
- Path to citizenship after 10 years total
- Health insurance required and covered
- Travel freely in and out of Colombia
- Work with Colombian companies and international clients
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Age: Must be old enough to work professionally
- Education/Skills: Professional degree OR several years of proven work experience
- Monthly income: Must earn 5x Colombia's minimum wage ($1,867 USD minimum)
- Clean criminal record: No serious crimes
- Professional standing: Profession must be legal and recognized in Colombia
- Health insurance: Must be able to purchase in Colombia
- Honest application: All information must be truthful
- Workplace approval: Some professions need permission from Colombian professional boards
Financial Requirement
Must earn at least 5 times Colombia's minimum wage every month (2025: 7,117,500 COP or ~$1,867 USD). Proof required: bank statement from last 30 days showing 6 months of account history and income.
Documents
- Valid passportGood for at least 6 more months, with copies and ID photos
- Bank statementFrom last 30 days showing 6 months of account history and income
- Degree or diplomaOfficial copy with apostille and Spanish translation
- Professional licensePermission from Colombian professional board if required
- Work experience certificatesIf you don't have a degree
- Workplace documentationTax registration (RUT) or Chamber of Commerce certificate
- Professional permission letterFrom relevant Colombian agency (varies by profession)
- Health insurance proofCoverage in Colombia required
- Police background checkClean criminal record required
- Application formCompleted visa application
- Apostille and translationAll foreign documents must be apostilled and officially translated to Spanish
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.