Colombia Investor Visas (2026): Property Investment vs Company Investment
Financial benchmark (2026): Colombia’s minimum wage (SMMLV) is COP $1,750,905. For investor pathways, the two most common benchmarks are:
- Property investment route: 350 SMMLV = COP $612,816,750
- Company/shareholder route: 100 SMMLV = COP $175,090,500
This page explains the two main “investor-style” Migrant (M) options under Resolution 5477 and helps you choose the right track: (1) property investment or (2) company investment as a shareholder/owner.
For an overview of all categories, start with Colombian visa types and our Colombia Visa Guide.
Property Investor vs Company Investor (Side-by-Side)
| Topic | Property Investment Visa (M) | Company Investment Visa (M – Socio/Propietario) |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Buy-and-hold real estate investors who want a residence-based visa. | Founders / partners / shareholders investing capital into a Colombian company. |
| Typical minimum investment (2026) | 350 SMMLV (COP $612,816,750) | 100 SMMLV (COP $175,090,500) as paid and registered capital/asset |
| Core “proof chain” | Title + foreign investment registration + property ownership evidence. | Company existence + your shareholding certificate + proof capital is paid/recorded. |
| Main failure point | Investment not properly registered as foreign direct investment (or property title issues). | Presenting “planned” investment instead of paid-in capital and formal records. |
| Timeline sensitivity | Depends on closing date + registration timing + clean title documentation. | Depends on corporate filings + accounting records + share composition certificate validity. |
| Related legal risk | Title defects, liens, unclear purchase trail, tax exposure. | Corporate compliance, accounting consistency, source-of-funds clarity. |
Explore the detailed pages: Colombian Property Investor Visa and Colombian Business Owner Visa.
Requirements: Property Investment Visa (M) – Practical Checklist
Baseline documents
- Passport bio page scan
- Photo meeting platform specifications
- Application letter explaining the investment and intended stay
Property investment proof
- Certificate of title / ownership showing you as the owner (your name must match your passport).
- Foreign investment registration evidence showing the investment was registered correctly for the property purchase.
- Purchase trail that makes the transaction verifiable (closing documentation + traceable funds path).
2026 minimum benchmark (planning number)
- 350 SMMLV = COP $612,816,750 (use a buffer above minimum to reduce exchange-rate and valuation friction).
Real-world tip: Most “surprise refusals” happen when applicants buy property but do not finalize the investment registration evidence in a way that matches what the visa officer expects to verify.
Related legal reading: Colombia property title law and Property purchase in Colombia.
Requirements: Company Investment Visa (M – Socio/Propietario) – Practical Checklist
Baseline documents
- Passport bio page scan
- Photo meeting platform specifications
- Application letter identifying the company (legal name + NIT + domicile) and your role
Company and shareholding proof
- Certificate of existence and legal representation (current and valid).
- Share composition certificate signed by a qualified accountant showing your ownership and the value of your paid and registered capital/asset.
- Accounting consistency evidence (bank trail + corporate records that match the share certificate).
2026 minimum benchmark (planning number)
- 100 SMMLV = COP $175,090,500 as paid and recorded capital/asset tied to your ownership.
Real-world tip: Visa officers typically verify “paid and registered” investment—not intent letters, unsigned capitalization plans, or informal transfers that don’t appear cleanly in formal records.
To reduce corporate-compliance risk, review Colombian accounting and Colombian corporate tax filings.
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Criminal Background Checks (2026 Operational Practice)
- Baseline: be prepared to provide a police certificate from your country of citizenship if requested.
- Discretionary: authorities may request additional police certificates from other jurisdictions depending on the case.
Practical takeaway: If your profile or travel history triggers follow-up questions, expect discretionary document requests and avoid submitting expired or inconsistent certificates.
How to Apply Online (What to Do Before You Click “Submit”)
- Pick the correct track (property vs company) and build the proof chain around that choice.
- Prepare readable PDFs (no cropped pages, consistent names, and clear stamps/signatures).
- Upload evidence in a logical order (identity → investment evidence → supporting financial/corporate/property documents).
- Pay the study fee when prompted and monitor platform messages daily.
- Respond fast if a document request or interview is issued.
- If approved, pay issuance and download the electronic visa.
Use our Colombia Visa Guide for filing mistakes that commonly trigger delays or refusals.
Timeline, Costs, and What You Should Budget For
Processing timeline (realistic)
- Many cases receive an initial response within 5 business days after the study payment is registered.
- If additional documents or an interview are requested, review can extend up to 30 calendar days from the application registration date.
Budget categories that affect investor visas the most
- Government fees: study fee + issuance fee (variable by category/nationality and subject to change).
- Property track: closing costs, title certificates, document retrieval, and investment registration evidence preparation.
- Company track: corporate filings, accounting support, shareholder certification, and maintaining consistent corporate records.
- Document formalities: translations and apostilles when applicable (do not file with stale documents).
For document readiness, see Translations & apostilles in Colombia.
Renewals, Compliance, and Long-Term Strategy
Property investment track
- Keep ownership clean and records current (title evidence should remain consistent with your identity).
- Maintain verifiable investment documentation so renewals don’t turn into “re-proving” the entire purchase.
Company investment track
- Keep corporate records consistent: share composition, paid capital records, bank trail, and corporate filings should match.
- Avoid gaps where your ownership exists “on paper” but the financial evidence doesn’t support it.
Permanent residency planning
Some investors use an M visa as part of a longer plan toward permanent status, but outcomes depend on category rules, travel patterns, and compliance history. For strategy planning, see Colombia permanent residency and the Colombian residency guide.
Tax planning (don’t ignore)
Investment and time-in-country can trigger reporting and filing obligations. Review Colombia tax planning and personal tax declarations.
FAQ: Colombia Investor Visas (Property vs Company)
What is the minimum investment for a property investor visa in 2026?
A commonly used benchmark is 350 SMMLV. With 2026 SMMLV at COP $1,750,905, that equals COP $612,816,750. Because exchange rates and valuations create friction, many applicants budget above the minimum.
Which route is “easier” to get approved?
Neither is automatically easier. Property cases fail when investment registration and title evidence don’t align. Company cases fail when “planned” investment is submitted instead of paid-in capital backed by formal corporate and accounting records.
Do investor visas let me work in Colombia?
These categories are not designed as employment visas. If your goal is local employment, compare with work-authorizing categories and ensure your plan matches your visa conditions.
What is the minimum investment for a company investor (shareholder) visa in 2026?
A common benchmark is 100 SMMLV, which equals COP $175,090,500 in 2026. The key is that the capital/asset should be paid and registered and supported by formal records and a share composition certificate.
Can I invest through a company and still use the property route?
Sometimes the structure can work, but visa evidence must match the category you apply under. If the investment and ownership trail is corporate, filing as an individual property investor can create verification problems.
How long does an investor visa take?
Many applications receive a response within 5 business days after the study payment is registered. If additional documents or an interview are required, review can extend up to 30 calendar days from the application registration date.
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