Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

Whether you can travel lawfully as a business visitor or you require work authorization depends on the types of activities you will be conducting during your time in Colombia. In case you are unsure if your activities constitute as business or work, please seek advice from your immigration counsel.

Traveling for Business

What sorts of activities can I pursue as a business visitor?

Business visitors traveling to Colombia may engage in the activities below. This list is not comprehensive and other activities may qualify as business.

• Conducting business negotiations
• Performing market studies
• Executing investment plans or procedures for the constitution of a commercial company
• Concluding contracts or giving commercial representation

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Colombia?

Most European Union, MERCOSUR, Canadian, United States and many other nationals do not require a visa prior to entering Colombia to conduct business activities. However, upon arrival in Colombia, an invitation letter duly signed by the company representatives should be presented to the immigration authorities in order to request a Permiso de Ingreso y Permanencia (PIP-6).

If your nationality is not found on the list of visa-waivered nationals, you must obtain a Visitor Visa (V) for business activities prior to travel from a Colombian embassy or consulate. Visitor Visas (V) have different sub-classifications depending on the purpose of the stay in Colombia. The type of visa you require is determined based on your nationality, on your activities to be conducted and on the duration of your stay.

Working in Colombia

What sorts of activities require a work visa?

The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under Colombian law. This list is not comprehensive and many other professional activities are considered work in Colombia, even if conducted for a short duration.

• Hands-on technical work
• Repairs and maintenance
• Project planning and implementation
• Marketing
• Consulting

In some cases, and depending on your nationality, you may be eligible for an approval to conduct urgent short-term technical activities (PIP-7) without a work visa. However, in this case a legal assessment is recommended prior to travel to Colombia.

If I am traveling to Colombia for work, what type of work visa do I need?

The type of work visa required depends on your qualifications, whether your employer has an entity in Colombia, and the nature and duration of your work. The most common Colombian work visas are:

• Visitor Visa (V) (for a Temporary Provision of Services)
• Visitor Visa (V) (for Intra-company Transfers)
• Migrant (M) Work Visa (for Local Employment Contract or Service Contract)

Are there any nationals who are exempt from work visa requirements?

All foreign nationals require a work visa in Colombia. However, citizens of MERCOSUR member states do not require employer sponsorship and generally benefit from abbreviated processing times.

What else should I know?

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection or work authorization entail the careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

Copyright © 2019 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.

Updated Jan. 3, 2019.