Colombia investor visa through real estate: how buying property can get you residency

Colombia links residency to property investment. A foreigner who buys real estate above a minimum value, and registers that investment with Banco de la República, can apply for a migrant visa as an investor. Keep the visa long enough, or invest a higher amount, and you can apply for resident status.

The two thresholds

• Migrant visa (type M) as investor: a registered foreign investment in real estate of at least 350 times the Colombian monthly minimum wage (SMMLV).
• Resident visa (type R) as investor: a registered investment of at least 650 times the monthly minimum wage.

Because the minimum wage changes every January, the amount in pesos changes every year. Rules are set by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and can be updated, so confirm the current figures on Cancillería's site, or with an immigration lawyer, before you buy with a visa in mind.

The visa depends on the registration, not just on the purchase. Money that did not enter through a registered exchange channel does not count towards the threshold.

What you will need

• The registered deed and a recent certificado de tradición y libertad in your name.
• The foreign investment registration with Banco de la República (Form 11 or the exchange declarations from your bank).
• Your passport, photos and the online application through Cancillería.

Plan the purchase around the visa

If residency is part of your plan, tell your agent and your lawyer before the reservation. The price, the transfer route and the timing of the deed should all be chosen so that the investment is registered correctly from the first wire.