Work Visa (Type M)
Secure legal authorization to work in Colombia through employer sponsorship. Our immigration lawyers handle every step, from contract compliance to credential validation, so you can focus on your career in Medellin.
Contact UsWork Visa (Type M)
The Colombian work visa, classified as Type M (Migrant) under Resolution 5477, authorizes foreign nationals to engage in paid employment with a Colombian employer. Unlike visitor visas that restrict economic activity, the work visa grants full authorization to render services under a Colombian labor contract, earn local income, and participate in the country's social security system. This visa requires direct employer sponsorship -- the Colombian company must formally request authorization to hire a foreign worker and assume specific legal obligations throughout the visa's validity.
Obtaining a work visa involves coordination between the foreign worker, the sponsoring employer, and the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The employer must demonstrate that the position cannot be filled by a Colombian national or that the foreigner possesses specialized qualifications essential to the company's operations. Salary requirements are tied to multiples of the Colombian minimum wage, and the labor contract must comply with Colombian employment law in every detail. Migrating under an employment relationship also triggers obligations regarding pension contributions, health insurance enrollment, and occupational risk coverage.
At Legal Diligence Medellin, we represent both foreign professionals seeking employment-based immigration and Colombian companies hiring international talent. We understand that a work visa is not simply an immigration matter -- it sits at the intersection of labor law, corporate compliance, and immigration regulation. Our lawyers review every aspect of the employment arrangement to ensure it satisfies the Cancilleria's requirements while protecting the rights of both the employee and the sponsoring company.
Key Requirements
Employer Sponsorship and Labor Contract
A Colombian employer must sponsor your application with a labor contract specifying position, salary, and conditions per Colombian labor law.
Professional Qualifications and Credential Validation
Some professions require degree validation (convalidacion de titulos) with the Ministry of Education. We assess if yours applies.
Salary Threshold Compliance
Salary must meet a minimum threshold in Colombian minimum wages. The amount changes annually and varies by visa subcategory.
Employer Documentation and Corporate Standing
The sponsoring company must provide incorporation certificate, tax registration, and financial statements proving its capacity.
Benefits
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Full Work Authorization in Colombia — Legal authorization for paid work with full social security access including health, pension, and occupational risk coverage.
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Path to Permanent Residency — After five continuous years on an M visa, apply for the indefinite Resident (R) visa.
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Dependent Visa for Family Members — Spouse and children can apply for beneficiary visas for legal residence, healthcare, and schooling.
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Cedula de Extranjeria and Full Legal Capacity — Colombian ID for banking, property, contracts, and all administrative procedures.
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
No. The Colombian work visa requires employer sponsorship. A Colombian company must formally request authorization to hire you and must be a co-applicant in the visa process. If you intend to work independently or remotely, other visa categories such as the digital nomad visa or independent contractor visa may apply. We evaluate your situation and recommend the correct visa pathway.
A work permit (permiso de trabajo) is a temporary authorization issued by Migracion Colombia that allows certain visa holders to engage in limited work activities. A work visa (Type M) is a full immigration status issued by the Cancilleria that authorizes long-term employment. The permit is typically short-term and restrictive, while the visa provides comprehensive authorization. Our lawyers determine which authorization applies to your circumstances.
It depends on the profession. Regulated professions in Colombia require convalidacion de titulos -- formal validation of your foreign degree by the Ministry of Education. This process can take several months and involves document apostille, translation, and academic equivalency review. Not all positions require it, but presenting a validated degree strengthens any work visa application. We advise on whether validation is necessary and manage the process if required.
Yes. Intracompany transfers are a recognized basis for the work visa. Multinational companies can transfer foreign employees to their Colombian subsidiary, branch, or affiliate. The transfer must be supported by documentation from both the parent company and the Colombian entity. Specific requirements regarding the employee's tenure with the company and the nature of the position apply. Contact us for a detailed assessment of your transfer situation.
Your work visa is tied to the sponsoring employer. If the employment relationship ends, the legal basis for your visa ceases. Colombian immigration law provides limited time to regularize your status -- either by finding a new employer to sponsor a new work visa or by changing to a different visa category. Acting quickly is critical. Our lawyers help you navigate this transition to avoid falling into irregular immigration status, which can result in fines and deportation proceedings.
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