Business Owner Visa (Type M)
Establish and operate your own business in Colombia with full legal authority. The business owner visa provides long-term migration stability for entrepreneurs, startup founders, and company owners in Medellín.
Contact UsBusiness Owner Visa (Type M)
The business owner visa is the primary immigration pathway for foreigners who want to establish, own, and operate a company in Colombia. Classified as Type M (Migrant) under Resolution 5477, this visa is granted to individuals who hold ownership or partnership interest in a Colombian legal entity — most commonly a Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada (SAS), the corporate structure favored by over 90% of new businesses in Colombia due to its flexibility, limited liability protection, and simplified governance requirements. Medellín has become a magnet for international entrepreneurs, and this visa is how they secure the legal foundation to build here.
Unlike the investor visa, the business owner visa is tied to your active participation in a Colombian company rather than a passive capital deployment. You must be registered as a shareholder or legal representative before a Cámara de Comercio (Chamber of Commerce), hold a valid RUT (Registro Único Tributario) for tax purposes, and demonstrate that the company meets minimum capital thresholds established by the Cancillería. These thresholds are denominated in Colombian minimum wages and adjust every January, which means the requirements you read online may already be outdated by the time you apply.
At Legal Diligence Medellín, we handle the entire process — from company formation and corporate structuring through the visa application itself. Our lawyers coordinate with the Cámara de Comercio, DIAN (tax authority), Cancillería, and Migración Colombia so that your corporate and immigration filings are aligned from day one. A misalignment between your company registration and your visa application is one of the most common reasons for denial, and it is entirely preventable with proper legal guidance.
Key Requirements
Colombian Company with Minimum Capital
Ownership in a Colombian company meeting the minimum capital threshold in SMMLV. The amount changes annually — contact us for current figures.
Cámara de Comercio Registration
Active Chamber of Commerce registration with your name on the Certificado de Existencia y Representación Legal.
RUT and Tax Compliance
Active RUT with DIAN and up-to-date tax obligations. The Cancillería cross-references this during evaluation.
Personal Documentation and Background Check
Valid passport, apostilled criminal background check, and financial documentation proving lawful origin of company capital.
Benefits
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Full Authority to Operate a Business — Hire employees, sign contracts, invoice clients, and operate with full legal standing in Colombia.
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Long-Term Migration Stability — Up to 3 years, renewable as long as your company stays active and compliant.
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Direct Path to Permanent Residency — After 5 consecutive years on an M visa, apply for the indefinite Resident (R) visa.
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Access to Medellín's Innovation Ecosystem — Access Ruta N, Innpulsa Colombia, and Chamber of Commerce programs for entrepreneurs.
Ready to Start Your Visa Process?
Our immigration lawyers will prepare your application, verify your documents, and guide you through every step. Schedule a free initial consultation.
Contact UsFrequently Asked Questions
The Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada (SAS) is the most common and practical corporate structure for foreign entrepreneurs in Colombia. It offers limited liability, can be formed by a single shareholder, has minimal governance requirements, and is widely accepted by the Cancillería for visa purposes. However, the optimal structure depends on your specific business, tax situation, and long-term objectives. Schedule a consultation so we can recommend the right entity type for your case.
The minimum capital requirement is denominated in Colombian minimum monthly wages (SMMLV) and adjusts every January when the government sets the new minimum wage. The exact threshold applicable to your application depends on when you file and the current regulatory framework. Publishing specific figures here would risk giving you outdated information. Our lawyers provide the current requirement during your initial consultation and structure your capitalization to meet it.
Yes. Company formation can be completed through a power of attorney granted to a lawyer in Colombia. However, certain steps — including obtaining your RUT and completing biometric registration — may require your physical presence or specific coordination with Colombian authorities. We manage the entire process to minimize the number of trips required before your visa is approved.
Colombian companies have annual financial reporting obligations, periodic tax filings with DIAN, commercial registry renewals with the Cámara de Comercio, and compliance with labor regulations if you hire employees. Failure to maintain your company in good standing can jeopardize your visa status at renewal. We offer ongoing legal representation to ensure your company remains fully compliant.
If the company that supports your visa ceases operations, you lose the basis for your migration status. Before closing a company, you need to evaluate your options: transferring to a different visa category, forming a new entity, or pursuing an alternative immigration pathway. Never dissolve a company that supports an active visa without consulting an immigration lawyer first. Contact us to discuss your situation before taking any action.
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