Investor Visa (Type M)

The minimum investment for the M-10 real estate investor visa is 350 times the current monthly minimum wage (SMMLV). For 2026, this translates to approximately $153,000 USD, though the exact amount in dollars fluctuates with the exchange rate. The M-6 business investment route has a lower threshold of 100 SMMLV. These minimums are adjusted every January when the Colombian government sets the new minimum wage, so the precise figure depends on when you file your application. We calculate the exact requirement at the time of your consultation to ensure your investment meets or exceeds the threshold.

The M-6 visa is for investment in a Colombian company, typically through the formation of a SAS (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada) with a qualifying capital contribution of at least 100 SMMLV. The M-10 visa is for direct real estate investment — you purchase property in Colombia that meets the minimum value threshold of 350 SMMLV. Both grant the same visa duration and benefits. The choice between them depends on your investment strategy and long-term goals, which is something we evaluate during your initial consultation based on your specific financial situation and objectives.

Yes, and this is non-negotiable. Colombian law requires all foreign direct investments to be registered with the Banco de la República through a specific process that documents the international transfer of funds. This registration serves multiple purposes: it satisfies the visa requirement, protects your legal right to repatriate profits and capital, and establishes the legitimate foreign origin of your investment. The registration must be completed correctly from the outset — retroactive corrections are difficult and can jeopardize your visa application.

Yes, foreigners can purchase real estate in Colombia without a visa. However, the purchase process must be structured correctly from the beginning to support your subsequent visa application. This means ensuring the property meets the minimum value threshold, the funds are transferred through proper international banking channels, the foreign investment is registered with Banco de la República, and the title is clean. Purchasing property without legal guidance and then attempting to use it for a visa application often creates complications that could have been avoided.

Once a complete and properly documented application is submitted through the Cancillería's online portal, processing typically takes five to ten business days. However, the total timeline from initial consultation to visa approval is longer because it includes investment structuring, property acquisition or company formation, foreign investment registration, and document preparation. The preparation phase is where most of the work happens, and rushing it leads to errors that cause denials. We provide a realistic timeline during your consultation based on where you are in the investment process.

Foreign investors in Colombia are subject to Colombian tax obligations on income generated from Colombian sources, including rental income and capital gains from property sales. Colombia also has tax treaties with several countries that may affect your situation. The tax landscape for foreign investors involves wealth tax considerations, annual property tax, and reporting obligations that differ depending on your residency status for tax purposes. Tax planning should begin before you make your investment — not after. We coordinate with tax specialists to ensure your investment structure is optimized from both an immigration and a tax perspective.