Work visas
Colombian Work / Employment Visa (Visa M Trabajador)
A Migrant visa for foreigners taking up employment in Colombia under a contract with a local legal entity, counting toward permanent residence.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
The 5-year accumulation period for progression to the R visa and any fees should be confirmed on the official Cancillería pages 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.
- Official name
- Visa M - Trabajador
- Route type
- Migrant (M) visa sub-type
- Sponsorship
- Employment contract with a Colombian legal entity required
- Path to residence
- Counts toward the Resident (R) visa after the accumulation period (reported as 5 years as principal holder)
- The 5-year accumulation period should be confirmed on the official R-visa page.
- Family
- Principal holder may request beneficiary visas for dependent spouse/partner and children up to 25 (or a disabled child)
Who it is for
- Foreigners with a job offer and employment contract from a Colombian legal entity
- Workers who intend to build time toward permanent residence
- Employees whose dependent family members will join them in Colombia
Requirements
- Valid passport with adequate remaining validity
- Employment contract with a Colombian legal entity
- Supporting documentation from the sponsoring employer
- Documents apostilled/legalised and translated into Spanish where required
What you can do
- Work in Colombia for the sponsoring employer
- Accumulate time toward the Resident (R) visa
- Sponsor beneficiary visas for dependent family members
How to apply
- Create an account on the online visa platform at tramitesmre.cancilleria.gov.co
- Complete the Migrant (M) - Worker application form
- Upload the employment contract 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.