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Residence & citizenship

Colombian Resident Visa by Accumulated Time (Visa R por Tiempo Acumulado)

The Resident pathway for foreigners who have continuously held a qualifying Migrant (M) visa for the required period, granting permanent residence and an open work permit.

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Under review — check current rules

The 5-year accumulation period, the 5-year transfer/renewal interval and any fees should be confirmed on the official Cancillería R-visa page before publishing.

Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Colombia government website before you apply.
On this page
Official name
Visa R - por Tiempo Acumulado
Route type
Resident (R) visa pathway
Qualifying period
Continuous holding of a qualifying M visa (reported as 5 years) without interruption
The 5-year period should be confirmed on the official R-visa page.
Work permission
Open work permit - any lawful activity
Renewal
The Resident (R) visa must be transferred/renewed every 5 years
Confirm the transfer interval on the official page.

Who it is for

  • Foreigners who have continuously held a qualifying Migrant (M) visa for the required period
  • Long-term residents seeking permanent residence and an open work permit
  • Those planning an eventual path toward Colombian nationality

Requirements

  • Copies of all previous visas and safe-conducts demonstrating continuity and validity during the accumulation period
  • Certificate of migratory movements (entries and exits) issued by Migración Colombia for the accumulation period
  • Letter explaining the source of income for self-support and beneficiaries and confirming that the conditions of the prior visas are maintained
  • Copy of the foreign identity card for judicial-background checks
  • For spouses/partners of Colombians: a letter confirming the subsistence of the bond and effective cohabitation

What you can do

  • Reside permanently in Colombia
  • Work or carry out any lawful activity under the open work permit
  • Progress toward eligibility for Colombian nationality

How to apply

  • Create an account on the online visa platform at tramitesmre.cancilleria.gov.co
  • Complete the Resident (R) - Accumulated Time application form
  • Upload prior visas, migratory-movements certificate and supporting documents
  • Pay the applicable study and issuance fees

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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