Colombia, the investor visa in 2026: who it suits and how the process works
Visa M (Inversionista) gives the right to live in Colombia on the basis of an investment in the country's economy — buying real estate or making a direct investment in a business. The visa is issued for up to 3 years with the option to extend; after 5 years a path opens to permanent residence and then to citizenship. Processing takes 3–4 months on average.
Investment options
The thresholds are tied to the SMLMV — Colombia's current legal minimum monthly wage (Salario Mínimo Legal Mensual Vigente) — so the amount in pesos and dollars is recalculated every year.
| Route | Minimum | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Real estate | from 350 SMLMV (≈ 613 million COP / ≈ $191,000) | registered in the name of an individual; the threshold is fixed at the moment the application is filed |
| Direct foreign investment in a business (FDI) | from 650 SMLMV (≈ 1.14 billion COP / ≈ $355,000) | an investment in your own or another company in Colombia |
The conversion into dollars is given at a TRM rate of around 3,206 pesos. The investment must be held for the entire period the visa is valid.
Main requirements
- Age 18 or over
- Confirmation that the source of funds is legal
- Registration of the investment with Banco de la República
- Holding the investment for the period the visa is valid
- Proof of financial means
What the status gives you
- The right to live in Colombia and to enter and leave freely
- Ownership of real estate and a business
- Opening bank accounts (subject to the banks' own requirements)
- Access to medical and educational services
- Accruing the time needed for permanent residence
Status for the whole family: a spouse and children are included in the application. A residence permit by itself does not make you a tax resident: that applies to someone who spends 183 days or more a year in the country.
How the process works
- Choosing the property or the investment structure.
- Transferring the funds to Colombia.
- Registering the foreign investment with Banco de la República.
- Preparing the full set of documents.
- Filing the application online.
- Review by Colombia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs — 30 days on average.
- Receiving the electronic visa.
- Registering the visa and obtaining the Cédula de Extranjería — the foreigner's identity card.
The whole cycle takes 3–4 months on average.
Why investors look at Colombia
The property market is dynamic: steady demand for housing and strong interest in short-term rentals in tourist regions. The economy is one of the largest and most diversified in Latin America.
Who it suits
International investors, business owners and entrepreneurs, property buyers, families considering a move to Latin America, and those looking at Colombia as a second jurisdiction for living and doing business.
What's next
If you are thinking about investing in Colombia and obtaining a residence permit, book a free Migronis consultation to discuss the details and be confident in your choice: migronis.com/consultation.
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