What administrative formalities need to be completed in Colombia?

Find out all you need to know about the administrative formalities for travelling to Colombia with peace of mind. From entering the country to customs checks, follow our guide for a worry-free travel experience.

Documents required to enter Colombia

Visa and residence permit

In Colombia, the need for a visa depends on the length and purpose of your stay. For a tourist stay of less than 90 days, many nationalities, including European and North American citizens, do not need a visa. For a stay of more than 90 days or for reasons other than tourism (work, study, etc.), it is necessary to apply for an appropriate visa before your arrival.
The most common types of visa include :
- Tourist visa (TP-11)
- Work visa (TP-4)
- Student visa (TP-3)

Travel documents

A passport is the essential document for entering Colombia. It must be valid for at least six months after the date you plan to enter the country. Make sure you also have blank pages for entry and exit stamps.

Return tickets

The Colombian authorities may require proof of a return ticket or a ticket for a flight to another country to ensure that you do not overstay. Have these documents ready when you land.

Proof of financial resources

You may also be asked to prove that you have the financial means to support yourself during your stay. This can be proved by recent bank statements or letters of employment.

The Check-Mig form

Before entering or leaving Colombia, you must complete the Check-Mig form, which is compulsory and designed to simplify immigration checks. This form enables the authorities to gather important information about travellers and to ensure that security procedures are respected.

Check-Mig helpdesk

For those who want to take the stress out of filling in the Check-Mig form, specialist services such as checkmig.net can be a great help. In exchange for a small service fee, these platforms take care of the entire process, ensuring that all information is correctly entered and submitted in a timely manner.

Vaccination and health

Some regions of Colombia, particularly rural and tropical areas, may require proof of vaccination against yellow fever. It is advisable to check the specific health requirements for the areas you plan to visit.
For travellers taking prescription medication, it's a good idea to carry a letter from your doctor describing the medicines you are taking and why.
By complying with these administrative formalities and preparing properly, you can enter Colombia with complete peace of mind and enjoy your stay to the full.

Procedure for obtaining a Colombian visa

Types of Colombian visas

There are several types of visa for entering Colombia, each designed for different purposes. The main types of visa are :
– Tourist visa (TP-11) For travellers planning to visit Colombia for tourism purposes.
– Work visa (M-5) : For those wishing to work in Colombia.
– Student visa (M-9) For students enrolled in an educational institution in Colombia.
– Resident visa (R) For those wishing to settle permanently in Colombia.
Make sure you choose the right visa for the purpose of your stay.

Documents required

The documents required to obtain a Colombian visa vary depending on the type of visa requested. However, certain documents are generally required:
– Valid passport Valid for at least 6 months from the date of application.
– Visa application form Filling in the online application form on the official website of the Colombian authorities.
– Recent photograph Passport format with white background.
– Proof of payment of visa fees Fees: Fees vary depending on the type of visa.
– Documents specific to the type of visa For example, employment contract for a work visa, letter of acceptance from the university for a student visa.
Check with the Colombian embassy or consulate for the exact list of documents required for your type of visa.

Visa application procedure

To apply for a Colombian visa, follow these steps:
1. Document collection Make sure you have all the necessary documents ready.
2. Fill in the online form Access the Colombian authorities' website to complete and submit the visa application form.
3. Payment of visa fees Payment: Make your payment online or as indicated.
4. Make an appointment Schedule an appointment at the Colombian embassy or consulate to submit your documents and attend an interview if necessary.
5. Submit documents Bring all the required documents to your appointment.
6. Waiting for the decision Processing may take a few days to a few weeks. You will be informed by the embassy or consulate once the decision has been taken.

Check-Mig compulsory for entering or leaving Colombia

In addition to the visa, all travellers entering or leaving Colombia must complete the Check-Mig form, which is compulsory and must be completed online before travelling. It enables entry and exit checks to be carried out, as well as identity verification.

Check-Mig helpdesk

To make this process easier, the checkmig.net service offers assistance in filling in the Check-Mig form, enabling travellers to free themselves from this administrative burden for a small fee. This assistance is particularly useful for avoiding errors and ensuring full compliance with the requirements of the Colombian authorities.

Registration with the Aliens Register

Introduction of Registration with the Registre des Étrangers

When planning an extended stay in Colombia, it's essential to understand the administrative formalities, including registering with the Aliens Registry. This process is crucial to ensure that your presence in the country is legal and complies with local requirements.

Who needs to register?

Any foreigner staying in Colombia for more than 90 days must register with the Aliens Registry. This includes expatriates, international workers, students and any other person staying for an extended period. Failure to do so may result in fines or other legal complications.

Documents required

To complete your registration, you will be asked to provide a series of documents. These usually include :

• Your passport with a valid visa
• Proof of residence in Colombia
• Recent passport photos
• Administration costs

It is important to check specific requirements with local authorities, as they may vary.

Registration procedure

Registration is carried out at the Migración Colombia offices. Here are the usual steps:

• Prepare all the necessary documents
• Complete the registration form online or in person
• Submit the documents and form to the Migración Colombia office
• Pay administrative costs
• Waiting for approval and obtaining an identity card for foreigners (Cédula de Extranjería)

Importance of Check-Mig

It is essential to note that entering and leaving Colombia also requires the completion of the Check-Mig, a compulsory form for all travellers. The Check-Mig is a prior declaration of entry or exit via an online form. It guarantees rapid and efficient verification at border controls, making your journey easier.

Using the Checkmig.net service

To take the stress out of completing this form, you can opt for services such as checkmig.net. This service helps you complete the Check-Mig in exchange for a small service fee. This allows you to concentrate on other aspects of your trip in the knowledge that this important formality is being properly handled.

Consequences of Non-Registration

Failure to register with the Aliens Register can have serious repercussions, such as fines, problems leaving the country and even restrictions on future stays. Make sure you follow all the necessary steps to avoid these complications.
Registering with the Aliens Registry is an essential step for any extended stay in Colombia. By complying with these formalities, you can ensure the legality of your stay and avoid potentially costly complications.

Tax obligations for foreign residents in Colombia

Tax residence in Colombia

To determine the tax obligations of foreign residents in Colombia, it is essential to understand the concept of tax residence. In Colombia, a person is considered a tax resident if he or she stays in the country for more than 183 days accumulated over a 365-day period. The days need not be consecutive.

Income tax returns

Tax residents in Colombia are required to declare their worldwide income. This includes all income received, whether from Colombian or foreign sources. The tax return must be submitted every year, and it is crucial to meet the deadlines set to avoid penalties.

Income tax

Income tax rates in Colombia vary according to the total amount of annual income. For tax residents, tax rates are progressive, with rates as high as 39%. It is important to familiarise yourself with the different tax brackets to help you plan your finances.

Double taxation and tax treaties

Colombia has signed double taxation agreements with several countries to ensure that income is not taxed twice. It is essential for foreign residents to check whether their country of origin has a tax treaty with Colombia in order to benefit from these agreements.

VAT and other taxes

In addition to income tax, foreign residents may be subject to VAT (Impuesto al Valor Agregado, IVA) on goods and services consumed in Colombia. The standard VAT rate is 19%. Other taxes, such as property tax and vehicle tax, may also apply.

Accounting and auditing requirements

Foreign residents carrying out business activities in Colombia must comply with local accounting requirements. They must keep accurate accounts and, in some cases, submit their accounts to an external audit.

Check-Mig compulsory for entering or leaving Colombia

In addition to tax obligations, it is imperative for all travellers, including foreign residents, to complete the Check-Mig form when entering or leaving Colombia. This form is essential to facilitate the border control process and ensure everyone's safety.
The Checkmig.net service offers assistance in filling in this form. By using this fee-paying service, travellers can take their minds off this formality and concentrate on other aspects of their trip.