Colombia•South AmericaRefugee/Asylum Visa (Type M)
At a Glance
Processing Time
Varies
Application Fee
Free
Stay Duration
Up to 3 years
Renewable
Yes
Job Offer
Not Required
Dependents
Allowed
PR Pathway
Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency — the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.Remote Work
Not Required
Overview
Visa for individuals seeking refuge in Colombia due to persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or group membership. Provides humanitarian protection and residency. Free application process.
Colombia's refugee visa provides protection for individuals fleeing persecution in their home countries. The application is free and can be filed with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after arrival in Colombia.
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Requirements
Personal
Passport Validity
6 months
Criminal Record Policy
Clean record required
Professional
Required Skills
Documentation
Applicant Documents
Valid passport
Or national identity document
Testimony of persecution
Written account of persecution experienced
Evidence of fear
Documentation of threat to safety
OptionalMedical records
If evidence of torture or trauma
OptionalTrack your documents or upload them for AI-powered review
Advantages
- Free application process
- Humanitarian protection
- Full work authorization
- Family members can be included
- Pathway to permanent residency
- Access to social services
Considerations
- Requires legitimate persecution claims
- Security background checks required
- Limited to qualifying persecution
- Application deadline of 2 months
Application Process
Enter Colombia
Enter Colombia, preferably at official border point
Submit asylum application
Apply to Ministry of Foreign Affairs within 2 months of entry
Provide testimony
Describe persecution and fear of return
Background checks
Security and background verification
Receive decision
Refugee status determination
Application Forms
Refugee Application
Ready to Apply?
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