Immigration Lawyers in Colombia

June 28, 2023

Immigration Law

The immigration law, includes a set of norms and legal principles that regulates the international transit of people, both nationals and foreigners.

This area of law establishes the guidelines and requirements for the entry, residence, and departure of foreign nationals in a country, as well the return or repatriation of nationals. Additionally, it also regulates the laws governing refugees, international human rights and humanitarian law.

What is an immigration lawyer?

An immigration lawyer or attorney handles legal matters related to immigration, which involves the process of relocating from one country to another with the intention of establishing residency, remaining for an extended period of time, visiting for a short period of time, among other circumstances.

Hence, immigration lawyers may advise foreigners who wish to immigrate to a new country through the different legal processes needed to maintain a regular stay in the territory chosen. These immigration processes include the following:

• Application for a visa before the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Assessment over documentations to apply for the different types of visas.
• Marriage for foreigners with Colombian nationals.
• Buying real estate property in Colombia.
• Legally advising companies who wish to relocate workers to Colombia.
• Assessment for international investors and foreign companies in their Foreign Direct Investment.
• Incorporation of the branch of a foreign company in Colombia.
• Advice through the process of obtaining the Colombian nationality.
• Among others.

What types of visas are in Colombia?

The visa in Colombia is an authorization that is managed through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. There are 3 types of visas that, depending on the intention of the foreigner's stay, must be applied to enter Colombian territory legally. The legal document the regulates visas in Colombia is Resolution 5477 of 2022.

Visitors Visa or Visa type V

This type of visa can be granted to those foreigners who wish to enter the country one or several times, without wanting to establish a permanent residence. Some subcategories of the Visitors Visa are:

• Tourism.
• Business.
• Medical treatment.
• Students or international exchange.
• Internships.
• Volunteer.
• Among others.

Migrant Visa or Visa Type M

The Migrant type visa is for foreigners who wish to enter or remain in the national territory with the intention of settling down, and do not meet the conditions to apply for a resident type R visa.

The foreign migrant may perform any of the following activities: work, be the spouse or permanent partner of a Colombian national, study, exercise a profession or independent activity, or be a partner or owner of a business. Some subcategories for the Migrant Visa in Colombia are:

• Investor's or Partner Visa.
• Marriage Visa.

Resident Visa or Visa Type R

The Resident Visa is for those who aspire to establish themselves or fix their permanent domicile in Colombia. Through Resolution 5477 of 2022, the subcategories for the Resident Visa in Colombia are the following:

1. Renouncement of the Colombian nationality.
2. For accumulated time of permanence in Colombia.
3. By application of the Temporary Statute of Protection for Venezuelan Migrants.
4. Special Resident of Peace.

Why hire an Immigration Lawyer in Colombia?

The immigration process is a matter that should not be taken lightly, for this requires a structured plan that coincides with the immigration laws of Colombia, otherwise you may be denied entry into the country.

To avoid this type of incidents where resources and time are lost, the first thing you should do when making the decision to travel, live or work in Colombia is to contact an Immigration Lawyer specialized in this area of law. With the legal assistance of Immigration Lawyers, the documentation needed to apply for a Colombian visa will be gathered completely, and the process will be faster and aligned with the national legal framework.

Need an Immigration Lawyer in Colombia?

An Immigration Lawyer is a professional whose knowledge and experience will be needed when moving legally to Colombia. If you are a company who needs to relocate workers in our country or a digital nomad who wished to work while travelling in Colombian, the legal assistance of an immigration lawyer will be key to have a legal and regular stay in the country.

Here at AGT Attorneys, we have an area specialized on the immigration process to Colombia with Immigration Lawyers who will handle with the utmost care your visa application process, Foreign Direct Investments, incorporation of a branch in Colombia, among others whether you are a company or an individual.

Write to us on our Contact Form, schedule your legal appointment with our lawyers through the following link or contact us at +57 310 5706331.

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