The Columbian Flag
A person who has lived in Colombia as a permanent resident for five years may apply for naturalization at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. There are exceptions to the usual residence requirements in some cases, including:
●one year of residence for citizens of a Latin American or a Caribbean country;
●two years of residence for citizens of Spain;
●two years of residence for a person married to a Colombian citizen or who has Colombian children.
The Colombian Investment Visa
Now requires a $200,000 USD investment to qualify when investing in Real Estate (bienes raiz). Visit Paradise Realty for more information on Colombian Real Estate investments, title research, and commercial construction projects. Paradise Realty was featured in the New York Times in 2010 International Real Estate section.
Sole Proprietor/ Business Associate Visa
If you have capital to invest think about opening a consulting business, or converting part of your existing home into a business to qualify for a start up business visa. For as litle as 53.5 million pesos (30k USD aprx) invested in a business you can qualify for a residency visa.
Varying Policies
In July of 2009 new Colombian decretos were put into affect which affect Colombia Visa Policy (decretos are regulations on how the Ministry of Foreign Relations runs its operations). So in 2010 we saw the MInistry of Foreign Relations begin to enforce, verify or ask for new documents, and change certain visa qualifications. Changes without notice to visa approval policies may come from the highest level or a lower level such as the worker reviewing an idividual application. *Remember different locations such as embassies and consulates may and do vary policies slightly when approving visas.)
The clear water beaches of Colombia.
Renewing Colombian Passports
The Ministry of Foreign Relations in Bogota is now not renewing passports that have more than 1 month of valid time remaining on the Visa. You should however begin collecting required documents at least 2 months ahead of time, but not more than 3 months, because documents are only valid for 90 days in the eyes of the Colombian legal system.
Work Visas, and Education Visa Service Resume for Colombians
Beginning April 4, 2011 or work and studient visa services for more than 30 countries for Colombians is back in effect, including the most popular countries requested such as the United States, Austrailia, China, Mexico, Spain, Canada and Brazil.
The quiet beach at Taganga.
Living Abroad Income Tax Waiver for USA Citizens
United States Citizens income tax exemption for up to $91,500. If you are a U.S. citizen or a resident alien of the United States and you live abroad, you are taxed on your worldwide income. However, you may qualify to exclude from income up to $91,500 of your foreign earnings.
