UPDATE: The Colombian government issued an extension to process the permanent resident visa transfer. The new deadline is October 31, 2026.
Do you have a permanent resident visa issued before October 20, 2022? A mandatory permanent resident visa transfer is required for any foreigner holding a PR visa in Colombia. New regulations went into effect with the approval of Resolution 5477 on October 20, 2022.
Let’s examine key aspects of the visa transfer process introduced by the new resolution to help you comply with regulations on time and ensure your stay in Colombia.
What is a visa transfer or traspaso?
For migration purposes, a visa transfer means updating information of a previously issued visa by reissuing it. This process applies to all types of visas, depending on the case, and ensures the accuracy of the visa information.
Article 105 of Resolution 5477 of 2022 lists cases where a visa transfer can be processed:
– Loss or theft of passport
– Passport change
– Change in employer’s legal name
– Inclusion of additional employer
– Resident visa holders
Can my resident visa be canceled if I don’t transfer my visa?
If you don’t complete the visa transfer process every five years, the visa could expire, according to Article 108. The article states that the visa’s expiration date marks its end.
Additionally, Article 123 of Resolution 5477 outlines a transition period where all resident visa holders must transfer their visa within two years of the resolution’s approval. Therefore, the deadline for the visa transfer is October 21, 2024 October 31, 2026.
If this applies to you and you don’t complete the process before the October 31, 2026 deadline, your visa will expire and become invalid.
How do I start the visa transfer process?
Step 1: Use our contact form and request a free 15-minute virtual call
With the deadline to complete the visa transfer fast approaching, we recommend you use our contact form to request a free 15-minute virtual discovery call to discuss the requirements of the visa transfer process. You may also contact us via Whatsapp.
Professional guidance is crucial in this process. We recommend you speak with our migration expert to ensure the smooth processing of your application and save time and effort. Please click HERE to review our current visa processing rates.
Step 2: Review the requirements and gather your documents
The first step is to confirm you meet the requirements and hold a valid resident visa in Colombia. You must also gather all necessary documents, as specified in Article 106 of the resolution:
– Copy of the visa to be transferred
– Certificate of Migratory Movements from Migración Colombia
– Document used to issue your PR visa the first time (e.g. marriage certificate)
– Justification letter explaining the reason for the transfer
Step 3: Prepare and submit the online application
Once Discover Barranquilla has received all your required documentation, we will prepare and submit the online application form.
Although the resolution outlines certain requirements, the Cancillería may request additional documents during the process. Once your application has been submitted, the decision will be issued by the Cancillería of Colombia. Discover Barranquilla has no control over the final outcome.
The visa transfer process involves an initial visa study fee, payable at the time of submission. Once the visa is approved, a second payment is required for the visa issuance fee of the PR visa.
- Visa study fee: $54 USD
- PR visa issuance fee: $54 USD
Step 4: Request a new Cédula de Extranjería
Once you receive your new permanent resident visa, an appointment will be made for you at your closest Migración Colombia office. At your appointment, you will register your new visa and apply for your new Cédula de Extranjería. The cost of a Cédula de Extranjería in 2024 is $267,000 COP (~$64 USD).
