Under Colombian immigration laws, any foreign national that intends to work in the country must request an M visa or a visa under a different category that allows them to work (e.g., M visa for spouses of Colombian nationals, V visa for technical assistance, M visa — Mercosur, or R visa). The M visa for work is granted to foreign nationals who enter Colombia by virtue of a labor relation or a service agreement with an entity domiciled in Colombia.

These visas are issued for a maximum term of three years and allow multiple entries. They expire automatically if the foreign national is absent from the country for a period that exceeds six continuous months and can be renewed for a period of up to three years in accordance with the term of the labor contract and the evaluation of the submitted documents.

The M visa must be issued before the foreign national renders services locally or becomes part of a local payroll.

The foreign national's spouse or permanent companion, parents, and children under the age of 25 may obtain a temporary beneficiary visa provided that the foreign national holds an M visa. This allows them to enter Colombia to study or engage in home activities but does not entitle them to work.

A foreign national who holds an M visa is only allowed to perform the activity authorized by the visa and only for the company authorized by the visa. If there is any change of activity or position, the foreign national and the sponsoring company must inform the immigration authorities in writing of the change and, if necessary, request a change of visa.

The V visa for technical visitors can be granted to foreign nationals who intend to enter Colombia to perform specialized technical activities, with or without employment or independent services agreements with public or private entities.

This type of visa can be valid for up to two years and allows multiple entries. The stay in the national territory will be a maximum of 180 calendar days (non-extendable), continuous or discontinuous, in each 365 calendar days from the issuance of the visa.

The visa must be sponsored by a local entity in Colombia, which will be responsible for the foreign nationals during their stay in Colombia.

The normal technical visitor visa requirement may be waived, allowing citizens of certain countries to be issued a POA by the UAEMC in the following circumstances:

• The services required are provided on an urgent basis.
• The foreign national does not have a labor relationship with the Colombian sponsor.
• The foreign national will not receive any kind of remuneration in Colombia (compensation or salary).

The POA permit may be granted to foreign nationals with nonrestricted nationalities who enter Colombia to perform urgent technical services that cannot be provided by a Colombian citizen.

This permit may be granted for a term of up to 30 calendar days per calendar year and cannot be renewed in the same calendar year.

This type of permit is commonly granted to technicians or engineers who inspect, test or install equipment or perform any duties related to their technical expertise.

The local sponsoring company must request the POA from the UAEMC's regional director at least five business days before the foreign national enters Colombia. The issuance of this permit must be authorized by the UAEMC's regional director prior to the foreign national entering Colombia. The foreign national must provide a copy of the authorization letter to the immigration official at the airport.

Visa waiver benefits are available to citizens of the same countries listed for the PT mentioned above.

Any foreign national who obtains a visa that is valid for more than three months should appear at the UAEMC's offices to be registered in the immigration files. Further, if the foreign national is seven years or older, they should obtain a foreign identity card (cédula de extranjería). When the immigration authorities issue or renew any visa, the foreign national and their family must present themselves before the UAEMC within 15 calendar days of the day of entry or visa issuance (e.g., in the case of renewals) to register and obtain a foreign identity card.

Foreign nationals entitled to any type of visa valid for a term of less than three months can choose to go to the UAEMC to register their visa and obtain a foreign identity card. No sanctions will be imposed if the foreign national chooses not to go before the UAEMC.

Citizens from Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Paraguay, Uruguay and Ecuador may apply for a special visa called the Mercosur visa. This is a temporary residence permit that can be granted by the immigration authorities and is valid for up to two years. With a Mercosur visa, a foreign national can perform any of the following occupations or activities:

• Home activities (cleaning the home, grocery shopping, caring for one's children)
• Independent services
• Educational, business or work activities for any employer in Colombia

A foreign national that holds a Mercosur visa for at least two continuous years can apply for an R visa.

The Mercosur visa is recommended for companies that recently established their entities in Colombia to hire foreign nationals from the countries mentioned above.

Citizens from Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador may apply for a special visa called the Andean Migrant visa. This is a temporary residence permit that can be granted by the immigration authorities and is valid for up to two years. With an Andean Migrant visa, a foreign national can perform any lawful activity.

A foreign national that holds an Andean Migrant visa for at least two continuous years can apply for an R visa.

The Andean Migrant visa is recommended for companies that recently established their entities in Colombia to hire foreign nationals from the countries mentioned above.